Principal Research Scientist II Central Core Function Operations Leader
AbbVie
August 12, 2026
On-site
North Chicago, IL
$141,500 - $268,500 USD yearly
Operations
Principal Research Scientist II – Central Core Function Operations Leader (Non-regulated Bioanalysis, North Chicago)
Responsibilities:
- Lead centralized operational activities supporting ADME, Bioanalysis, and Translational Sciences core functions; align with business priorities, service expectations, quality standards, and timelines.
- Partner with scientific/technical leaders to lead cross-functional initiatives; standardize processes and strengthen lab support capabilities (automation, IT-enabled workflows, sample logistics, operational metrics, data analytics, quality/compliance, EHS, calibration, instrumentation coordination including LC-MS and robotics).
- Monitor performance via dashboards/metrics/business reviews; identify trends, assess risk, drive corrective actions; forecast demand, manage capacity, prioritize work, and ensure timely service delivery.
- Oversee vendor relationships and outsourcing activities.
- Lead and develop a multidisciplinary team; foster collaboration, accountability, inclusion, and operational excellence.
Qualifications:
- PhD (8+ years), MS (14+ years), or BS (16+ years) in analytical chemistry/chemistry/life sciences/engineering or related field; experience in scientific operations management in pharmaceutical/biopharmaceutical industry.
- Experience leading operational workflows in complex, cross-functional lab environments (lab systems, sample management, data flow, quality practices, operational governance).
- People leadership experience.
- Experience with robotics, automation, lab IT systems, digital enablement, validation, workflow improvement.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, communication, and influencing skills; experience with outsourced operations/partner oversight and operational reporting/dashboards.
- Working knowledge of compliance expectations (quality systems, EHS practices, instrument/calibration controls).
Benefits (as stated): Paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance, 401(k), and eligibility for long-term incentive programs.
Responsibilities:
- Lead centralized operational activities supporting ADME, Bioanalysis, and Translational Sciences core functions; align with business priorities, service expectations, quality standards, and timelines.
- Partner with scientific/technical leaders to lead cross-functional initiatives; standardize processes and strengthen lab support capabilities (automation, IT-enabled workflows, sample logistics, operational metrics, data analytics, quality/compliance, EHS, calibration, instrumentation coordination including LC-MS and robotics).
- Monitor performance via dashboards/metrics/business reviews; identify trends, assess risk, drive corrective actions; forecast demand, manage capacity, prioritize work, and ensure timely service delivery.
- Oversee vendor relationships and outsourcing activities.
- Lead and develop a multidisciplinary team; foster collaboration, accountability, inclusion, and operational excellence.
Qualifications:
- PhD (8+ years), MS (14+ years), or BS (16+ years) in analytical chemistry/chemistry/life sciences/engineering or related field; experience in scientific operations management in pharmaceutical/biopharmaceutical industry.
- Experience leading operational workflows in complex, cross-functional lab environments (lab systems, sample management, data flow, quality practices, operational governance).
- People leadership experience.
- Experience with robotics, automation, lab IT systems, digital enablement, validation, workflow improvement.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, communication, and influencing skills; experience with outsourced operations/partner oversight and operational reporting/dashboards.
- Working knowledge of compliance expectations (quality systems, EHS practices, instrument/calibration controls).
Benefits (as stated): Paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance, 401(k), and eligibility for long-term incentive programs.