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

Role Summary

The role of Principal Research Scientist II - AI/ML Partnerships (Biotherapeutics and Genetic Medicine) is a senior leadership position focused on driving AbbVie’s AI/ML external strategy within Biotherapeutics & Genetic Medicine (BGM). The role requires an energetic strategic thinker with deep technical AI/ML expertise in biopharma, capable of representing BGM’s priorities in external engagements and aligning AI/ML initiatives with overarching business objectives. This position reports to the Head of AI/ML in BGM and serves as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, accelerating our application of AI/ML and delivering tangible value to patients. Location options include Worcester, MA; Cambridge, MA; or San Francisco, CA, with flexible on-site or hybrid arrangements.

Responsibilities

• Develop a deep understanding of AbbVie’s biotherapeutics discovery processes and drug program pipeline, and co-develop and champion an external AI/ML strategy aligned with key impact areas over short and long horizons.
• Stay at the forefront of AI/ML innovation, technologies, and best practices, producing a bi-monthly competitive intelligence report in coordination with AI Strategy & Partnerships and other relevant teams.
• Collaborate with BGM’s internal AI/ML innovation team to conduct technical due diligence and benchmarking of external partner AI/ML platforms relevant to BGM strategy.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders (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 measurable impact.
• Communicate the impact of AI/ML partnerships to internal governance bodies and, when appropriate, to the AI/ML community through conference presentations.
• Mentor leaders and team members, creating 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 ability to create 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.