AI Scientist Lead for Biologics & Process Analytics

AbbVie; North Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

AbbVie is seeking a data science and AI-focused professional to join our PDST team. You will shape process intelligence and predictive analytics for late-stage biologics, driving model development that supports robust control strategies and regulatory-ready submissions.

You will lead data infrastructure efforts for technology transfer, collaborate across sites, and ensure governance and scalable analytics. A strong background in Python, ML, and GxP is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related discipline with 7 years’ experience in IT and application program development; or Master's Degree with 6 years; or PhD with 2 years.
• Hands-on experience building and deploying data science or machine learning solutions in a scientific or engineering-intensive environment.
• Expert-level Python proficiency; deep familiarity with the scientific Python ecosystem (NumPy, pandas, scikit-learn, PyTorch or TensorFlow, modern data engineering (cloud, big data, pipeline orchestration)).
• Strong foundation in business analytics, with mastery of tools such as R, Dataiku, AWS SageMaker, Spark, Tableau.
• Strong foundation in data science methods, statistical modeling, experimental design, multivariate analysis, and uncertainty quantification.
• Familiarity with knowledge graph, retrieval-augmented, or orchestrated AI/LLM-based systems applied to scientific or technical domains.
• Experience applying data science in a GxP-regulated environment, with working knowledge of FDA/EMA expectations for process validation, continued process verification (CPV), and control strategy.
• Familiarity with MLOps principles, model lifecycle management, or deployment of analytical tools in regulated or enterprise environments.
• Ownership orientation: you define your own problem space, drive solutions to completion, and hold yourself accountable to outcomes.
• Solution-architect instinct: you think before you build, consider the full landscape, and choose fit-for-purpose tools.

Responsibilities

• Process Intelligence & Predictive Analytics: design, build, and deploy predictive models to support process robustness and commercial validation.
• Develop multivariate and time-series models to identify parameter interactions and predict drift.
• Apply advanced statistical and ML methods to characterize bioprocess behavior and establish design spaces.
• Build golden batch frameworks and optimization models across sites and time.
• Technology Transfer & Cross-Site Analytics: develop data infrastructure and tools enabling data-driven tech transfer from development to manufacturing.
• Build cross-site intelligence systems to compare data across sites and equipment trains.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and quality to define data requirements and ensure analytics continuity.
• Solution Architecture & AI Strategy: serve as a solution architect for AI initiatives, select modeling approaches, and ensure robust deployment standards.
• Contribute to PDST AI roadmap by scoping high-value opportunities and infrastructure needs.
• Data Strategy & Governance: define data strategy for late-stage biologics, ensure data quality, integration, and compliance.
• Foster data literacy and modeling best practices across PDST’s stakeholder community.
• Document and version-control models, analyses, and data assets per regulatory expectations.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Scientific Leadership: translate analytics into clear narratives for manufacturing, quality, and executives.
• Mentor junior scientists and analysts; promote scientific rigor and credibility.

Skills

Python

NumPy

Pandas

Scikit-learn

PyTorch

TensorFlow

Cloud data engineering

Data pipelines

R

Dataiku

SageMaker

Spark

Tableau

GxP knowledge

MLOps

Model deployment

Ownership

Solution-architect

Scientific integrity

Bias for impact

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related

Master's Degree with 6+ years

PhD with 2+ years

Tools

Dataiku

AWS SageMaker

Spark

Tableau

Job description

AbbVie is seeking a data science and AI-focused professional to join our PDST team. You will shape process intelligence and predictive analytics for late-stage biologics, driving model development that supports robust control strategies and regulatory-ready submissions.

You will lead data infrastructure efforts for technology transfer, collaborate across sites, and ensure governance and scalable analytics. A strong background in Python, ML, and GxP is required.