Principal Research Scientist I, Checkpoint Immunology

AbbVie Inc.; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 237,000; Full time

Job summary

AbbVie Inc. in Cambridge, MA is seeking a Principal Research Scientist I to advance immune checkpoint programs for autoimmune diseases.

You will provide scientific leadership across discovery and translational research, guiding target identification through candidate nomination and collaborating across diverse teams. The role requires deep immunology expertise, a strong drug discovery mindset, and the ability to translate complex biology into therapeutic strategies while mentoring scientists and

Qualifications

• PhD with typically 6+ years of experience in Immunology, Cell Biology, Pharmacology, or related discipline.
• Significant experience in immunology drug discovery; proven ability to innovate and deliver new or improved lead and candidate molecules.
• Experience with biologics, bispecific antibodies, multispecific therapeutics, or other immune-modulating modalities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the scientific strategy and execution of one or more discovery-stage immunology programs.
• Drive biological understanding of novel immune regulatory pathways and translate insights into therapeutic opportunities.
• Lead from the bench by designing, executing, and interpreting critical experiments while mentoring other scientists.
• Build scientific capability within the team and foster a strong drug discovery mindset
• Integrate biology, pharmacology, translational sciences, and external collaborations to advance program objectives.
• Coordinate cross-functional workflows and drive alignment across multidisciplinary teams.
• Ensure high-quality project planning through sound experimental design, early risk assessment and robust contingency planning through integrated timelines
• Contribute to PK/PD, translational, and biomarker strategies that support candidate selection and development decisions.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performing team culture through mentorship, scientific rigor, and effective teamwork.

Skills

Immunology

Cell Biology

Pharmacology

Immune checkpoint biology

Leadership

Communication

Education

PhD

MS

BS

Job description

Principal Research Scientist I, Checkpoint Immunology

• Full-time
• Salary Min: 124500
• Salary Max: 236500
• Workday Global Grade: 19
• Compensation: USD 124,500 - USD 236,500 - yearly

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.

The Checkpoint Immunology group is seeking an experienced Principal Research Scientist I to advance novel immune checkpoint programs for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. The successful candidate will provide scientific leadership across discovery and translational research activities, driving innovative therapeutic concepts from target identification through candidate nomination.

This role is ideal for a scientist who combines deep immunology expertise with a strong drug discovery mindset, enjoys solving challenging biological questions in emerging areas of science, and thrives in a collaborative, cross-functional environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the scientific strategy and execution of one or more discovery-stage immunology programs.
• Drive biological understanding of novel immune regulatory pathways and translate insights into therapeutic opportunities.
• Lead from the bench by designing, executing, and interpreting critical experiments while mentoring other scientists.
• Build scientific capability within the team and foster a strong drug discovery mindset
• Integrate biology, pharmacology, translational sciences, and external collaborations to advance program objectives.
• Coordinate cross-functional workflows and drive alignment across multidisciplinary teams.
• Ensure high-quality project planning through sound experimental design, early riskassessmentand robust contingency planningthrough integrated timelines
• Contribute to PK/PD, translational, and biomarker strategies that support candidate selection and development decisions.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performing team culture through mentorship, scientific rigor, and effective teamwork.

Required

• PhD with typically 6+ years of experience; MS or equivalent education with typically 12+ years of experience; or BS or equivalent education with typically 14+ years of extensive experience in Immunology, Cell Biology, Pharmacology, or related discipline.
• Significant experience in immunology drug discovery; proven ability to innovate and deliver new or improved lead and candidate molecules
• Experience with biologics, bispecific antibodies, multispecific therapeutics, or other immune-modulating modalities
• Strong expertise in immune cell biology, autoimmune disease, immune regulation, and/or checkpoint biology.
• Demonstrated ability to independently lead scientific strategy and execution in a matrixed environment.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred

• Experience advancing programs from target validation through candidate nomination.
• Experience designing and interpreting in vitro and in vivo pharmacology studies, including PK/PD assessments.
• Translational research and biomarker development experience.
• Proven ability to integrate cross-functional activities and drive execution across complex research programs.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for a scientist who can lead biology in areas where the path forward is not yet defined, remain closely connected to the science and the laboratory, integrate activities across diverse functions, and help build a cohesive, collaborative team. This individual will be recognized for scientific excellence, strong execution, mentorship, and the ability to translate complex biology into impactful therapeutic strategies.

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 Company believes in good faith it will pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location, and we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future.
• 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 to participate in our long-term incentive programs.

Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinate. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, incentive, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole and absolute discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole and absolute discretion, consistent with applicable 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.