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Director, Ventures & Neuroscience Collaborations

AbbVie
3 months ago
Remote friendly (South San Francisco, CA)
United States
$182,000 - $346,000 USD yearly
Corporate Functions
Purpose:
Collaborate with the AbbVie Ventures team and portfolio as a Venture Partner to provide scientific and strategic leadership that identifies, establishes, and nurtures external research innovation to enhance AbbVie’s discovery pipeline. Serve as a key opinion leader and single point of contact for internal and external partners, guiding strategic innovation and mentoring early-stage biotech companies to advance portfolio growth.

Responsibilities:
- Drive execution of external innovation equity investment opportunities in discovery research with internal R&D and CBSO stakeholders.
- Engage industry partners, biotech companies, VCs, and academic collaborators to source impactful opportunities.
- Provide scientific and strategic recommendations for external investments (value, risk, portfolio fit).
- Guide research strategy development for β€œNewCos” and/or early-stage biotechs, integrating scientific trends and product-to-market fit.
- Conduct due diligence on preclinical/clinical data and technology/patent landscapes (freedom-to-operate and licensing potential).
- Evaluate market potential and competitive landscape to support prioritization.
- Lead/advise creation of early-stage spinouts or ventures; may act as interim CEO/CSO to establish operations and recruit teams.
- Collaborate to de-risk portfolio companies, prepare investor materials, and support VC fundraising.
- Forge partnerships with pharma, CROs, academic labs, and industry experts.
- Maintain thought-leader status by staying abreast of emerging science and leading educational initiatives.

Qualifications:
- PhD/MD/PharmD with 15+ years in drug discovery, development, or translational research.
- Proven record of innovation and successful launch of new or improved products.
- Expertise evaluating/advising external research programs, risk management, and opportunity assessment.
- Ability to bridge scientific innovation with commercial and regulatory realities.
- Extensive network across biotech, pharma, and investment sectors.
- Outstanding leadership, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
- Strong communication skills for presenting complex ideas to varied audiences.

Benefits:
- Paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick); medical/dental/vision insurance; 401(k) to eligible employees.
- Eligible for long-term incentive programs.