Principal Scientist I, Energy Homeostasis
AbbVie
August 17, 2026
Remote friendly (North Chicago, IL)
United States
$124,500 - $236,500 USD yearly
Clinical Research and Development
Purpose:
- Principal Scientist to participate in external innovation and diligence efforts to advance the early obesity pipeline. Reports to a scientific director of obesity and primarily focuses on external innovation activities for obesity assets.
Responsibilities:
- Serve as the Obesity Discovery lead in Search & Evaluation diligence teams; support external collaborations and licensing opportunities to diversify the pipeline.
- Conduct literature/intelligence searches to identify scientific and technical approaches for novel obesity targets emphasizing energy metabolism and energy expenditure for weight loss (potential utility in neurological and autoimmune disorders).
- Lead cross-functional efforts to expand obesity targets into other therapy areas (including neuroscience and immunology).
- Coordinate in vitro/in vivo PoC studies for preclinical assets with contract research organizations and academic labs.
- Analyze preclinical PK and in vitro/in vivo data sets; ensure scientific integrity.
- Prepare scientific reports and presentations for pre-clinical obesity assets.
- Design MoA experiments; review protocols and data sets for late-stage clinical assets.
- Complete tasks with minimal supervision.
Qualifications:
- Ph.D. with post-doctoral training in neuroscience, biology, or related discipline.
- 6+ years of independent research experience in industrial or academic settings.
- Expertise in obesity science, including CNS regulation of energy balance, peripheral energy metabolism, brain-peripheral cross-talk, and pharmacological manipulation of energy balance.
- Peer-reviewed publication record of scientific achievements.
- Proficient with AI tools, graphing, and data analysis tools.
- Ability to deliver platform talks at international conferences.
- Excellent organizational, oral, and written communication; strong problem-solving and attention to detail.
- Ability to manage time independently to achieve goals.
- Project management and cross-functional experience is a plus.
Benefits (if eligible):
- Paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k).
- Eligible for long-term incentive programs.
- Principal Scientist to participate in external innovation and diligence efforts to advance the early obesity pipeline. Reports to a scientific director of obesity and primarily focuses on external innovation activities for obesity assets.
Responsibilities:
- Serve as the Obesity Discovery lead in Search & Evaluation diligence teams; support external collaborations and licensing opportunities to diversify the pipeline.
- Conduct literature/intelligence searches to identify scientific and technical approaches for novel obesity targets emphasizing energy metabolism and energy expenditure for weight loss (potential utility in neurological and autoimmune disorders).
- Lead cross-functional efforts to expand obesity targets into other therapy areas (including neuroscience and immunology).
- Coordinate in vitro/in vivo PoC studies for preclinical assets with contract research organizations and academic labs.
- Analyze preclinical PK and in vitro/in vivo data sets; ensure scientific integrity.
- Prepare scientific reports and presentations for pre-clinical obesity assets.
- Design MoA experiments; review protocols and data sets for late-stage clinical assets.
- Complete tasks with minimal supervision.
Qualifications:
- Ph.D. with post-doctoral training in neuroscience, biology, or related discipline.
- 6+ years of independent research experience in industrial or academic settings.
- Expertise in obesity science, including CNS regulation of energy balance, peripheral energy metabolism, brain-peripheral cross-talk, and pharmacological manipulation of energy balance.
- Peer-reviewed publication record of scientific achievements.
- Proficient with AI tools, graphing, and data analysis tools.
- Ability to deliver platform talks at international conferences.
- Excellent organizational, oral, and written communication; strong problem-solving and attention to detail.
- Ability to manage time independently to achieve goals.
- Project management and cross-functional experience is a plus.
Benefits (if eligible):
- Paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k).
- Eligible for long-term incentive programs.