Senior Director, Analytical Research
AbbVie
August 19, 2026
On-site
North Chicago, IL
$206,500 - $393,000 USD yearly
Clinical Research and Development
Responsibilities:
- Lead the Synthetic Molecule (SM) Analytical R&D organization supporting early-stage pipeline modalities: small molecule, peptides, ADCs, APCs, LNP, and future modalities; support formulation development for conventional and complex formulations.
- Develop industry-leading analytical methods, characterization packages, and control strategies to advance manufacturing, purification, formulation, and process development for drug intermediates, Drug Substance, and Drug Products from Discovery through late-stage clinical development.
- Advance understanding of novel modality degradation mechanisms during manufacturing, shelf-life, distribution, and administration; partner cross-functionally to drive robust manufacturing and formulation selection.
- Ensure analytical deliverables meet timelines, budgets, and regulatory frameworks; integrate analytical and program strategies.
- Drive method development/validation, new technology implementation, and automation.
- Establish partnerships to define process development strategies; manage Discovery Research & Operations interfaces for transitions and technology transfers; benchmark with global Analytical R&D peers.
- Provide leadership and talent development for 50+ analytical/pharmaceutical scientists across AbbVie sites; manage budget, laboratories, and equipment; balance resources and resolve issues.
- Identify internal/external collaborations; ensure Environmental Health & Safety compliance; solve difficult, complex technical issues.
Qualifications:
- PhD with 15+ years pharma/biotech experience or Master’s with 20+ years.
- Proven experience leading analytical development across disciplines/levels.
- Record of success leading strategic initiatives and implementing new technologies.
- Strong oral/written communication; strong negotiating/influencing/leadership skills.
- Experience maintaining morale in compliance-required environments.
- Solid understanding of therapeutic development disciplines (analytical, drug substance/product, combination product, manufacturing, QA, supply chain, regulatory).
- Entrepreneurial thinker.
Benefits (explicitly stated): Comprehensive benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance, 401(k); eligible for long-term incentive programs.
- Lead the Synthetic Molecule (SM) Analytical R&D organization supporting early-stage pipeline modalities: small molecule, peptides, ADCs, APCs, LNP, and future modalities; support formulation development for conventional and complex formulations.
- Develop industry-leading analytical methods, characterization packages, and control strategies to advance manufacturing, purification, formulation, and process development for drug intermediates, Drug Substance, and Drug Products from Discovery through late-stage clinical development.
- Advance understanding of novel modality degradation mechanisms during manufacturing, shelf-life, distribution, and administration; partner cross-functionally to drive robust manufacturing and formulation selection.
- Ensure analytical deliverables meet timelines, budgets, and regulatory frameworks; integrate analytical and program strategies.
- Drive method development/validation, new technology implementation, and automation.
- Establish partnerships to define process development strategies; manage Discovery Research & Operations interfaces for transitions and technology transfers; benchmark with global Analytical R&D peers.
- Provide leadership and talent development for 50+ analytical/pharmaceutical scientists across AbbVie sites; manage budget, laboratories, and equipment; balance resources and resolve issues.
- Identify internal/external collaborations; ensure Environmental Health & Safety compliance; solve difficult, complex technical issues.
Qualifications:
- PhD with 15+ years pharma/biotech experience or Master’s with 20+ years.
- Proven experience leading analytical development across disciplines/levels.
- Record of success leading strategic initiatives and implementing new technologies.
- Strong oral/written communication; strong negotiating/influencing/leadership skills.
- Experience maintaining morale in compliance-required environments.
- Solid understanding of therapeutic development disciplines (analytical, drug substance/product, combination product, manufacturing, QA, supply chain, regulatory).
- Entrepreneurial thinker.
Benefits (explicitly stated): Comprehensive benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance, 401(k); eligible for long-term incentive programs.