Director, Protein Sciences — Lead Discovery & Engineering

AbbVie; North Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Job summary

AbbVie seeks an accomplished scientific and organizational leader to serve as Head of Protein Sciences. This role defines and executes the Protein Sciences strategy to accelerate portfolio progression by delivering high-quality protein reagents, target-enabling solutions, and insights for discovery programs across therapeutic areas.

The leader will partner with Biology, Screening, Structural Biology and other functions to optimize resources and enable successful advancement.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of industry experience in pharma/biotech with small molecule discovery support.
• Demonstrated success leading Protein Sciences or related functions in a matrixed environment.
• Deep expertise in protein expression, purification, engineering and characterization across multiple systems.
• Proven track record enabling discovery programs against complex targets.
• Proven ability to influence strategy and deliver portfolio impact through scientific leadership.
• Understanding of protein requirements for screening technologies, biophysics, and structural biology.
• Strategic mindset balancing immediate deliverables with long-term technology development.
• Excellent leadership, communication, influencing and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute protein sciences strategy to maximize portfolio impact.
• Ensure delivery of high-quality protein reagents and scientific data across programs.
• Lead cross-functional teams and partner with external collaborators to accelerate delivery.
• Oversee resource planning and prioritization for portfolio support.
• Drive innovation: AI/ML approaches, protein engineering, new production platforms.
• Represent Protein Sciences on cross-functional discovery teams.

Skills

Industry experience

Scientific leadership

Resource planning

External collaborations

Protein sciences expertise

Strategic mindset

Communication & collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Biochemistry/Biophysics/Structural Biology

Job description

AbbVie seeks an accomplished scientific and organizational leader to serve as Head of Protein Sciences. This role defines and executes the Protein Sciences strategy to accelerate portfolio progression by delivering high-quality protein reagents, target-enabling solutions, and insights for discovery programs across therapeutic areas.

The leader will partner with Biology, Screening, Structural Biology and other functions to optimize resources and enable successful advancement.