Director I, siRNA Discovery Research

AbbVie; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 161,000 - 305,000; Full time

Job summary

AbbVie is seeking a senior leader within BGM to shape the siRNA discovery portfolio and translate RNAi technologies into differentiated therapeutic candidates. You will direct a multidisciplinary team of 10+ scientists and set strategic direction across Therapeutic Areas to prioritize high-value opportunities.

This role requires a Ph.D. and 10+ years in biotech/pharma, with a proven track record in discovery program leadership, external collaborations, and delivering development-ready assets.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or related field (or equivalent).
• 10+ years in biotech/pharmaceutical industry with discovery focus.
• Deep expertise in siRNA therapeutics and RNA biology.
• Proven ability to lead discovery-stage programs to assets.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary scientific teams and talent development.
• Strong ability to influence across matrix organizations and partners.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the strategic roadmap for siRNA discovery capabilities.
• Partner with Therapeutic Areas to identify and prioritize opportunities.
• Lead early discovery siRNA programs from concept to validation.
• Serve as primary scientific interface between BGM and Therapeutic Areas.
• Drive innovation by integrating advances in RNAi and external collaborations.
• Recruit, develop, and lead a high-performing multidisciplinary team.

Skills

siRNA therapeutics

oligonucleotide chemistry

RNA biology

genetic medicines

discovery program leadership

multidisciplinary team leadership

matrix collaboration

external collaborations

Education

Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or related field

10+ years biotech/pharmaceutical industry experience

Job description

• Compensation: USD 160,500 - USD 305,000 - yearly

Company Description

About AbbVie

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology and neuroscience - and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com . Follow @abbvie on LinkedIn, Facebook , Instagram , X and YouTube.

Job Description

This role will serve as a key scientific and strategic leader within BGM, shaping AbbVie's siRNA discovery portfolio and enabling the successful translation of RNAi technologies into differentiated therapeutic candidates across multiple Therapeutic Areas.

Lead the advancement and expansion of a cross-therapeutic siRNA portfolio by leveraging and evolving AbbVie's established RNAi capabilities, driving asset strategy, and partnering closely with Therapeutic Areas to identify, prioritize, and advance high-value opportunities. This leader will direct a multidisciplinary team of 10+ scientists and drive scientific, portfolio, and organizational decisions that accelerate the progression of siRNA medicines from concept to development candidates.

Responsibilities:

• Define and execute the strategic roadmap for siRNA discovery capabilities, aligning platform investments and portfolio priorities with the needs of AbbVie's core Therapeutic Areas to build a sustainable pipeline of differentiated genetic medicine opportunities.
• Partner closely with Therapeutic Area leaders to identify, evaluate, and prioritize therapeutic opportunities, applying rigorous scientific and business criteria to focus resources on programs with the highest probability of success and impact.
• Lead the advancement of early discovery siRNA programs from concept through candidate-enabling validation, utilizing milestone-based decision making, clear Go/No-Go criteria, and a fast-fail, fast-learn approach to portfolio progression.
• Serve as the primary scientific and strategic interface between BGM and Therapeutic Areas, ensuring alignment on program objectives, timelines, risks, and development strategies while fostering productive cross-functional partnerships.
• Drive scientific innovation by integrating emerging advances in RNAi technologies, including oligonucleotide chemistry, delivery systems, and targeting approaches, while establishing external collaborations that strengthen AbbVie's competitive position in the field.
• Recruit, develop, and lead a high-performing multidisciplinary team, fostering a culture of scientific excellence, innovation, accountability, and collaboration, while representing BGM discovery efforts across governance and strategic leadership forums.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or a related field, or a related discipline, with 10+ years of biotech/pharmaceutical industry experience.
• Deep expertise in siRNA therapeutics, oligonucleotide chemistry, RNA biology, genetic medicines, or related drug discovery modalities.
• Demonstrated track record of leading discovery-stage programs and advancing therapeutic assets through key decision points.
• Experience building and leading multidisciplinary scientific teams, including direct people management and talent development.
• Proven ability to influence and partner effectively across matrix organizations, including Therapeutic Areas, Safety, CMC, and Clinical Development.
• Strong external scientific presence with experience establishing productive collaborations with academic and industry partners.

Preferred

• Experience advancing siRNA or ASO programs into development.
• Knowledge of oligonucleotide delivery technologies and emerging RNA-targeting approaches.

Additional Information

Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state orlocal law:

• The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Companybelieves ingood faith it will pay for this role at the timeof this posting based on the job grade for this position.Individualcompensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location, andwemayultimatelypaymore or less than the posted range. This range may bemodifiedin thefuture.
• We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick),medical/dental/visioninsurance and 401(k) to eligibleemployees.
• This job is eligible toparticipatein our long-term incentiveprograms.

Note: No amount of payis considered to bewages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, anddeterminable.The amount and availability of any bonus,commission, incentive, benefits, or any other form ofcompensation and benefitsthat are allocable to a particular employeeremainsin the Company's sole andabsolutediscretion unless and until paid andmay bemodifiedat the Company’s sole and absolute discretion, consistent withapplicable law.

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.