Director, Computational Sciences

AbbVie•North Chicago, IL

1d•$182,000 - $346,000•Remote

About The Position

AbbVie's MPDD organization is seeking a visionary leader with a successful track record of innovation and deliverables in a drug discovery setting to head a global computational chemistry team of 10-12 talented scientists and matrixed leadership of broader modeling community across the larger Synthetic Molecules CMC (SM CMC) and Development Sciences Organizations. This leader will report to the Global Head of Molecular Profiling and Drug Delivery organization and be a member of the SM CMC Extended Leadership Team. In partnership with other key leaders in Discovery Research, Development Sciences and Information Research, they will be responsible for cocreating a forward-looking strategy that realizes the promise of Computational Sciences and AI enabled drug discovery and development to deliver on a portfolio of new and improved therapies for patients in alignment with AbbVie’s broader R&D priorities and AI strategy across synthetic modalities. The ideal candidate will bring a strong record of project impact, capability development, and external partnership building across the mid- to late-stage discovery process, with expertise in quantum mechanics, atomistic molecular simulations, including molecular dynamics, and AI/machine learning. Prior experience mentoring early/mid-career scientists in matrixed and/or direct reporting relationships, with demonstrated ability to lead and influence through cross-functional boundaries.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education in chemistry, computational chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, chemical engineering, computer science, or a related scientific field, with typically 18+ years of related work experience inclusive of managerial experience leading scientific research teams; Master’s degree or equivalent education, with typically 16+ years of related work experience inclusive of managerial experience leading scientific research teams; or a PhD in chemistry, computational chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, chemical engineering, computer science, or a related field, with typically 12+ years of related work experience inclusive of managerial experience leading scientific research teams.
Strong track record of people, technical, and research project management with significant impact.
Strong track record of high-impact scientific achievement including a robust publication record.
Strong track record of cross functional collaboration.
Knowledge and experience in state-of-the-art computational methodologies, technology platforms and emerging trends, and associated workflows to accelerate discovery and development of therapies with precision in predictions in a fast paced and creative environment.
Strong written and oral communication skills with executive presence.
Strong leadership skills with ability to navigate multiple stakeholders while engaging and motivating staff.

Nice To Haves

Expertise in quantum mechanics, atomistic molecular simulations, including molecular dynamics, and AI/machine learning.
Prior experience mentoring early/mid-career scientists in matrixed and/or direct reporting relationships, with demonstrated ability to lead and influence through cross-functional boundaries.

Responsibilities

Interfaces closely with Development Sciences and Discovery leaders to align strategies and research activities on pipeline programs.
Partners across functions including Discovery Research, Development Sciences and Information Research to develop and implement strategies, methods and operating models to drive Computational Sciences and AI enabled drug discovery.
Autonomously manages multiple projects and team leaders, making decisions that impact long term company strategy.
Identifies, creates, and manages or oversees an eco-system of external research collaborations across academia and tech.
Makes highly critical but educated decisions based on review of all important information and data.
Manages project intake, capacity planning for small molecule portfolio of projects and aligns scope, timelines and decision points for support of med chem optimization.
Leads innovation in methodologies, integration across platforms, and emerging technology trends to facilitate development and deployment of cutting-edge stage-appropriate full-stack solutions across mid-late discovery and early clinical development.
Guides the identification, development, pilot, implementation, and eventual democratization of stage-appropriate computational models that leverage advanced computational techniques to enable the design and optimization of drug candidates across synthetic modalities.
In collaboration with Information Research ensures robust model/data management and democratization that drives fuller utilization of the tools, their continued development, and refinement.
Able to develop and execute innovative, informed, and effective solutions to inter/intra group/project conflicts, resource allocation issues, and scientific setbacks.
Create a stimulating and innovative work environment that attracts, retains, develops and motivates top talent.
Ensure that employees are developed to their full potential and assist them in identifying appropriate development opportunities within the organization.