Senior Principal Research Scientist, Method and Technology Advancements Lead

ZipRecruiter; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 88,000 - 119,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical company is seeking an experienced AI/ML leader in Cambridge to spearhead drug discovery initiatives. This role involves leading a team to design advanced algorithms, integrating multi-omics data, and mentoring scientists. Candidates should have a strong background in bioinformatics, AI/ML methodologies, and experience in managing teams. The position offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Paid time off

401(k) plan

Qualifications

• 8+ years of industry/academic experience in bioinformatics or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience managing teams.
• 5+ years analyzing multi-omics data.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team specializing in computational innovation for drug development.
• Design AI/ML algorithms for target discovery.
• Communicate results effectively to diverse audiences.

Skills

AI/ML methods

Multi-omics data integration

R

Python

Unix/Linux

Cloud computing

Education

PhD in Bioinformatics or related field

Master's degree with relevant experience

Job description

Overview

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address tomorrow's medical challenges. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across immunology, oncology, neuroscience, and eye care, and in the Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

Role Description

The Bioinformatics for Immunology, Genetics, and Genomic Sciences group in the Genomics Research Center (GRC) at AbbVie seeks a highly motivated and experienced AI/ML leader to transform drug discovery and development through innovative methods and technology. The GRC is a center of excellence for bioinformatics, functional genomics, human genetics, and pharmacogenomics, collaborating across R&D and supporting discovery research and clinical development, while integrating with process sciences, search and evaluation initiatives, and corporate strategic planning.

This position is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts (hybrid). The candidate will lead a team of computational biologists and AI/ML experts focused on developing computational innovation to accelerate drug discovery and development across immunology, ophthalmology, aesthetics, specialty medicine, genetic medicine, process development, novel technologies, and human genetics. The successful applicant will identify opportunities and implement innovative solutions that address forward and reverse translation, biomarker discovery, mechanistic characterization, and therapeutic development optimization, while communicating insights to internal teams and external partners. The candidate will contribute to presentations at scientific conferences and publications of translational findings in peer reviewed journals, new drug applications, and regulatory filings.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a diverse team of up to 10 FTEs specializing in computational method and novel technology innovation across AbbVie’s therapeutic and functional areas.
• Design and implement advanced AI/ML algorithms tailored to drug development challenges, including target discovery, translational research, biomarker development, patient stratification, therapeutic design, manufacturing science, and clinical trial optimization.
• Identify, evaluate, and implement emerging AI/ML methodologies, including state-of-the-art Generative AI, to deliver measurable impact on pipeline productivity and success.
• Act as the AI/ML expert in program teams, providing guidance on cross-functional innovation projects.
• Develop and implement analytical approaches and best practices for new technologies such as spatial transcriptomics, long-read sequencing, and CRISPR with strategic partners.
• Mentor leaders and emerging scientists to build capabilities and foster scientific excellence and growth.
• Communicate analytical approaches and results effectively to scientific and technical audiences.
• Provide expertise and technical consultation for external collaborations in academia and industry.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• PhD in bioinformatics, statistics, mathematics, computer science, computational biology, genomics, or related field with 8+ years of industry/academic experience.
• Or master’s degree with 15+ years of relevant experience.
• 3+ years of experience managing direct reports.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience analyzing and integrating multi-omics data (e.g., bulk and single-cell RNA-seq, proteomics, genetics, epigenetics data).
• 3+ years of hands-on experience developing novel AI/ML methods.
• Proficiency with R, Python, Unix/Linux, and cloud computing.

Additional Qualifications:

• At least 3 years of experience managing teams, including managers with direct reports, and setting strategic goals in a matrixed organization.
• Deep understanding of human disease biology across therapeutic areas such as immunology, aesthetics, and ophthalmology.
• Experience applying computational modeling and AI/ML to optimize therapeutic protein design, production efficiency, and genetic medicine development.
• Expertise in predictive modeling, quantitative data analysis, and novel method development using multi-modal data.
• Experience with foundation models, LLMs, Generative AI, and Agentic AI in biological questions.
• Experience with multi-omics data integration and technologies such as spatial transcriptomics, Perturb-seq, CRISPR, and long-read sequencing.
• Strong communication skills to convey complex concepts to diverse audiences and leadership.
• Collaborative and self-motivated, able to manage multiple objectives and adapt to changing priorities.
• Track record of publications and/or patents in this space.

Additional Information

• The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation the Company believes in good faith it will pay for this role at the time of posting. Individual compensation depends on factors including geographic location and may be adjusted.
• We offer a comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k) to eligible employees.
• This job is eligible to participate in short-term and long-term incentive programs.

AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives, and serving our community. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.

US & Puerto Rico only – to learn more, visit https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/equal-employment-opportunity-employer.html

US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, visit https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html