Principal Research Scientist I, Checkpoint Immunology

AbbVie

Cambridge (MA)

On-site

USD 190,000 - 240,000

Full time

20 hours ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Medical/dental/vision insurance

401(k)

Job summary

AbbVie is seeking a Principal Research Scientist I in Cambridge to advance checkpoint immunology programs for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. You will lead discovery and translational research, taking concepts from target identification to candidate nomination in a collaborative, cross-functional environment.

The ideal candidate combines deep immunology expertise with a drug-discovery mindset and a proven ability to mentor scientists while shaping strategy and execution across programs.

Qualifications

PhD with extensive immunology and drug discovery experience.
Track record of leading discovery-stage immunology programs.
Expertise in biologics and immune regulatory pathways.
Strong collaboration and communication across teams.

Responsibilities

Lead one or more discovery-stage immunology programs and define strategy.
Drive understanding of immune regulatory pathways for therapeutic opportunities.
Design, execute and interpret critical experiments; mentor scientists.
Build team capability and foster a drug-discovery mindset.
Integrate biology, translational sciences, and external collaborations.
Coordinate cross-functional workflows and alignment across teams.
Ensure strong project planning with risk assessment and timelines.
Contribute to PK/PD, translational and biomarker strategies.

Skills

Immunology

Drug discovery

Biologics

Immune cell biology

Leadership

Communication

Education

PhD in Immunology/related field

Job 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.

Company Description

About AbbVie

Job Description

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 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.

Qualifications

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.

Additional Information

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/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.
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 determinable. 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. 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, click here to learn more: https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html

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