The Genomics Research Center (GRC) is a center of excellence for genetics and genomics that supports the R&D pipeline from Discovery through Development. The GRC goal is to develop world class genetics and genomics research focused on finding the right targets and helping AbbVie scientists better understand not only human disease biology but also the behavior and response to our drugs in clinical trials across all therapeutic areas.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Principal Research Scientist II / Senior Principal Research Scientist, based in Lake County, Illinois. As the Head of Genome Biology, you will be responsible for building strategies and solutions to leverage the biology of the genome to accelerate drug discovery, understand disease processes, identify druggable targets and support best-in-class production of biologics and viral vector assets.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead a team to develop the Genome Biology strategy at the GRC.
• Partner with therapeutic and functional area teams to address key project teams questions related to understanding disease processes, identifying druggable targets, and support best-in-class production of biologics and viral vector assets.
• Develop state-of the-art approaches to leverage the biology of the genome for drug discovery including various omics, systems biology, gene regulation, high-throughput cellular and molecular assays, large datasets linking genetics to biological function, cellular systems, and genetic engineering.
• Align with our therapeutic and functional areas to set priorities in the Genome Biology team to optimally serve AbbVie’s drug discovery pipeline
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in the GRC and other functions across AbbVie to establish alignment on omics, computational and systems biology analyses of generated datasets
• Represent the GRC on various discovery research teams involved in a range of drug-discovery pipeline activities seeking to understand the disease processes, optimize target identification, evaluation and validation, and support best-in-class production of biologics and viral vector assets
• Communicate results to internal and external stakeholders through presentations and publications
  

Basic Qualifications:

Job level will be commensurate with education and experience.

• PhD degree in bioengineering, molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, or a related discipline.
• Typically a minimum of 8-10+ years of post-PhD experience.
• Experience in omics, systems biology, genetic engineering, and high-throughput methods to study the biology of the genome
• Demonstrated ability to design and lead high-throughput studies delivering novel findings relevant for drug discovery
• Strong publication record demonstrating experience in systems biology and genetic engineering
• Strong collaboration skills and proven ability to drive goals in a highly matrixed, collaborative environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience leading and managing scientific teams.

Preferred:

• 15 years overall post-PhD experience including relevant industry experience.
• Good understanding of the biology of one or more of our therapeutic areas: Immunology, Oncology, Neuroscience, and/or Ophthalmology
• Experience with genetic engineering of CHO and/or AAV
• Background in cellular systems and iPSc-based models
• Experience with multidisciplinary teams on both basic research and clinical questions, and translating genomic data into clinically relevant results
• Experience with large-scale research projects integrating a wide array of genomic, functional genomic and molecular biological data
• Pro-active, collaborative scientist with outstanding presentation and communication skills that foster teamwork across a wide variety of functions and audiences
• A self-motivated individual with a strong work ethic capable of managing multiple objectives in parallel. At ease in a dynamic environment and quick to adapt to changing priorities.

AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer including disability/vets. It is AbbVie’s policy to employ qualified persons of the greatest ability without discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, status as a disabled veteran, recently separated veteran, Armed Forces service medal veteran or active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran or a person’s relationship or association with a protected veteran, including spouses and other family members, or any other protected group status. We will take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified minorities, women, individuals with a disability, disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, Armed Forces service medal veterans or active-duty wartime or campaign badge veterans. The Affirmative Action Plan is available for viewing in the Human Resources office during regular business hours.