Principal Research Scientist II - AI/ML Partnerships, Biotherapeutics and Genetic Medicine

Role Summary

The Principal Research Scientist II will lead AbbVie’s AI/ML external strategy for Biotherapeutics and Genetic Medicine (BGM), acting as a strategic liaison to senior leadership and external partners. The role requires deep technical AI/ML expertise in biopharma, with the ability to translate scientific and business priorities into actionable external collaborations, due diligence, and partnerships. Located at one of AbbVie's offices in Worcester, MA, Cambridge, MA, or San Francisco, CA, with flexible on-site or hybrid work arrangements.

Responsibilities

• Develop a deep understanding of AbbVie’s biotherapeutics discovery processes and drug program pipeline to co-develop and champion an external AI/ML strategy aligned with key impact areas over short- and long-term horizons.
• Stay at the forefront of AI/ML innovation, technologies, and best practices; produce a bimonthly competitive intelligence report in coordination with AI Strategy & Partnerships, Commercial Digital, R&D, BTS, and Corporate Strategy.
• Collaborate with BGM’s internal AI/ML innovation team to conduct technical due diligence and detailed benchmarking of external partner AI/ML platforms relevant to BGM strategy.
• Work with cross-functional groups (Technology Licensing & Collaboration, Search & Evaluation, Business Development & Acquisitions, etc.) to ensure collaboration agreements reflect BGM value propositions.
• Manage and coordinate collaborations with external partners, document key activities, and drive projects toward tangible impact.
• Communicate the impact of AI/ML partnerships to internal governance bodies and, where appropriate, externally to the AI/ML community through conference presentations.
• Mentor leaders and team members, building a pipeline of AI/ML champions.

Qualifications

• BS, MS, or PhD in Computational Chemistry, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Biology, or related discipline with typically 16+ (BS) years, 14+ (MS) years, or 8+ (PhD) years of experience.
• Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally with senior leaders and build trust-based partnerships to deliver results and influence change.
• Experience with deep technical diligence on machine learning capabilities.
• Prior experience in external partnerships and competitive landscape at a major pharma company or biotechnology organization.
• Strong problem-solving mindset and comfort creating structure from ambiguity.
• Excellent executive communication and stakeholder-management skills with a proven ability to bridge technical and business perspectives.
• Hiring, people management, and career development experience.

Education

• BS, MS, or PhD in Computational Chemistry, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Biology, or related discipline (as noted in qualifications).