Senior Director, Obesity Discovery Research

Role Summary

AbbVie seeks an experienced scientific leader to direct obesity discovery research within a matrixed environment, enabling the discovery, validation, and advancement of novel therapeutics. The role requires leveraging cross-functional expertise and external collaborations to develop next-generation therapies across diverse modalities. The Senior Director will serve as a company-wide scientific expert and key opinion leader, guiding new obesity projects, shaping departmental strategy, and directing cutting-edge research in alignment with the area VP.

Responsibilities

• Develop deep disease biology expertise in the department, partnering with the VP to set and implement the obesity discovery research strategy.
• Serve as a senior member of the Obesity Discovery Research team, senior member of the Disease Strategy Team, an extended member of the BD strategy and alignment forum, and a member of the extended Discovery Leadership Forum.
• Leverage internal capabilities and external partnerships with CROs, academic institutions, biotech companies, and key opinion leaders.
• Direct programs targeting CNS-driven appetite regulation and/or energy expenditure, utilizing biologics, nucleic acid therapies, and small molecules.
• Lead and oversee multidisciplinary teams (internal and external) in discovery and preclinical development, promoting innovation and scientific autonomy.
• Guide the design and execution of research programs using advanced in vitro and in vivo assays, biomarker discovery, and translational approaches to advance obesity and related pipelines.
• Collaborate with other disease areas to deliver high-quality programs with cross-indication potential.
• Formulate translational strategies for target engagement, biomarker development, and patient segmentation in early human trials. Monitor and integrate emerging research, technology, and competitive intelligence related to obesity.
• Identify, assess, and champion external collaborations and licensing opportunities to diversify the pipeline.
• Build and maintain relationships with KOLs and academic partners, ensuring strategic alignment and participation in key scientific forums.
• Clearly communicate complex scientific and portfolio issues to decision-makers and peers; prepare and deliver effective presentations to AbbVie and collaborator senior leadership.
• Use personal scientific expertise to advise on and resolve complex project challenges.

Qualifications

• PhD, MD, or MD/PhD in Neuroscience, Metabolic Disorders, Physiology, or a related life science discipline.
• Minimum 15 years of relevant academic, pharmaceutical, or healthcare industry experience, with a demonstrated record of advancing programs from early discovery to clinical development and publications in peer-reviewed journals. At least 10 years of those years in a leadership role in target or drug discovery.
• Proven experience directing complex programs in the biopharma industry, with exceptional organizational and leadership skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, with the ability to negotiate and influence stakeholders.
• Ability to apply business principles to support scientific and enterprise initiatives.
• Expertise in directing in vitro and in vivo models relevant to obesity, neuroendocrine systems, metabolic mechanisms, and appetite regulation.
• Record of success in research strategy, drug discovery processes, translational and biomarker research, data science, and human genetics.
• Strategic thinker with experience in competitive intelligence, scientific due diligence, and external asset evaluation.