Let’s get started
By clicking ‘Next’, I agree to the Terms of Service
and Privacy Policy
Jobs / Job page
Scientific Director / Sr. Director, Toxicology Development Biological Sciences (nonclinical) image - Rise Careers
Job details

Scientific Director / Sr. Director, Toxicology Development Biological Sciences (nonclinical) - job 1 of 2

Company Description

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas – immunology, oncology, neuroscience, and eye care – and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

Job Description

AbbVie’s Development Biological Sciences department is seeking a Scientific Director for its Portfolio Leadership Group. The primary function of this role will be to serve as a nonclinical safety representative for assigned molecules across AbbVie’s diverse portfolio. As a safety representative, the Scientific Director will be responsible for the overall strategy and execution of the nonclinical toxicology program, collaborating cross-functionally with project leads, providing data interpretation at various internal and external venues, and authoring regulatory documents. 

The ideal candidate will have 10+ years of experience in the area of nonclinical safety within the pharmaceutical industry. He/she should have the experience and ability to develop drug candidates from discovery through marketing. This senior-level position is expected to have a high impact contributing scientific expertise in nonclinical safety assessment, knowledge of industry best practices and pertinent regulatory guidelines, and a vision of future enhancements in the field.

This position is located at our headquarters in Lake County, IL, just north of Chicago and will be expected on-site, minimally, 3 days a week.

Essential Responsibilities:

  • Serve as an active member for multi-disciplinary project teams as a nonclinical safety functional area subject matter expert.
  • Articulate and communicate non-clinical safety strategies and provide development plans for multiple drug modalities including but not limited to small molecules, biologics, ADCs, and/or cell and gene therapies, across various therapeutic areas including but not limited to oncology, neuroscience, and immunology.
  • Participate in due diligence reviews of drug products to identify potential risks and provide recommendations for partnership or in-licensing.
  • Author and submit regulatory documents (IBs, INDs/CTAs, NDAs/BLAs, regulatory queries) and interact with regulatory agencies (US and ex-US) as needed.
  • Generate impurity, excipient and metabolite risk assessments as necessary during the life cycle of a drug candidate.
  • Support and mentor others as it pertains to drug development and the execution of the portfolio, with an emphasis on the nonclinical aspects.
  • Participation in pharmaceutical industry consortia related to nonclinical aspects of drug development

  •  

Qualifications

*This position can be hired at Scientific Director or Sr. Director level dependent upon years of relevant experience and education*

Qualifications for the Scientific Director level:

  • PhD or DVM required
  • 10+ years of relevant experience in pharmaceutical industry leading nonclinical safety programs
  • Experience authoring relevant regulatory documents and responding to requests from regulatory agencies
  • Deep expertise in a particular therapeutic area or modality (e.g. gene therapy) is a benefit, but not required
  • General awareness and understanding of drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics and its interplay with safety (e.g. MIST, drug-drug interactions, toxicokinetics, anti-drug antibodies...) is a plus.
  • Skilled in project/program management and leadership
  • General computer skills and knowledge of the Microsoft applications including but not limited to Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Qualifications for the Sr. Director level:

  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), Doctor of Medicine (DM), or PhD in a relevant area, preferably with a certification in the assigned therapeutic area.
  •  At least 8 years’ experience of major drug development experience gained within the pharmaceutical industry or at least 12 years’ experience in science or business-related field and demonstrated scientific expertise.
  •  A solid knowledge of all aspects of the complete pharmaceutical research and development process.
  • Broad international experience, specifically regarding drug development and associated compliance and filing requirements.
  • Proven experience of managing a large group of scientists and technicians in multiple locations, supporting global drug development projects.

Leadership Attributes:

  • Ability to anticipate, recognize and resolve scientific and technical problems that are encountered during various phases of drug development
  • Strong communication and presentation skills
  • Ability to work in collaboration with other functional areas and within a matrix organization.

#LI-Onsite

 

Additional Information

Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law: 

  • The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Company believes in good faith it will pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location, and we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future.​
  • We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.​
  • This job is eligible to participate in our short-term incentive programs. ​
  • This job is eligible to participate in our long-term incentive programs. ​

 

Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, incentive, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole and absolute discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole and absolute discretion, consistent with applicable law.

AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives, serving our community and embracing diversity and inclusion.  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 protected veteran, or any other legally protected group status.

US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visit https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/equal-employment-opportunity-employer.html 

US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more:

https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html

AbbVie Glassdoor Company Review
3.9 Glassdoor star iconGlassdoor star iconGlassdoor star icon Glassdoor star icon Glassdoor star icon
AbbVie DE&I Review
No rating Glassdoor star iconGlassdoor star iconGlassdoor star iconGlassdoor star iconGlassdoor star icon
CEO of AbbVie
AbbVie CEO photo
Richard A. Gonzalez
Approve of CEO

Average salary estimate

$165000 / YEARLY (est.)
min
max
$150000K
$180000K

If an employer mentions a salary or salary range on their job, we display it as an "Employer Estimate". If a job has no salary data, Rise displays an estimate if available.

What You Should Know About Scientific Director / Sr. Director, Toxicology Development Biological Sciences (nonclinical), AbbVie

At AbbVie, we're on a mission to revolutionize healthcare by discovering and delivering innovative medicines that tackle serious health challenges today and in the future. We’re currently looking for a Scientific Director / Sr. Director for Toxicology Development within our Biological Sciences division right here in South San Francisco, CA. This is a senior-level position that plays a pivotal role in leading nonclinical safety programs for a wide array of molecules across our dynamic portfolio. You’ll collaborate closely with project leads, ensuring the execution of nonclinical toxicology strategies and providing your expertise in regulatory document preparation. With a minimum of 10 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, your leadership will guide project teams in evaluating drug candidates from discovery through marketing. Your efforts will be instrumental in assessing potential risks, communicating strategies, and effectively mentoring the next generation of scientists. We’re not just looking for qualifications; we want someone passionate about driving future enhancements in drug development! If you’re looking to impact many therapeutic areas including oncology and immunology, while enjoying the vibrant collaborative culture at AbbVie, this is the opportunity for you. Join us and make a remarkable impact on patient lives across the globe!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Scientific Director / Sr. Director, Toxicology Development Biological Sciences (nonclinical) Role at AbbVie
What are the responsibilities of the Scientific Director at AbbVie?

The Scientific Director at AbbVie takes on a variety of responsibilities including serving as the nonclinical safety representative for assigned molecules, collaborating cross-functionally with project teams, and authoring regulatory documents. This role is critical in developing nonclinical toxicology strategies and providing valuable insights on drug candidates throughout their lifecycle.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What qualifications are needed for the Scientific Director position at AbbVie?

For the Scientific Director position at AbbVie, candidates should possess a PhD or DVM and a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in pharmaceutical nonclinical safety. Familiarity with regulatory document preparation and a deep understanding of drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics are advantageous to excel in this role.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What experience is required for the Sr. Director position at AbbVie?

The Sr. Director position at AbbVie requires a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Doctor of Medicine, or a PhD, along with at least 8 years of major drug development experience in the pharmaceutical industry. Proven leadership in managing teams across multiple locations and a strong understanding of compliance and filing requirements are key to this role.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What impact does the Scientific Director role have at AbbVie?

The Scientific Director role at AbbVie has a significant impact on the overall strategy and execution of nonclinical safety programs. By providing expert knowledge in nonclinical assessments, this position contributes immensely to the success of drug development projects and helps ensure the safety and efficacy of potential therapeutic candidates.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Can you describe the work environment for the Scientific Director position at AbbVie?

The work environment for the Scientific Director at AbbVie is dynamic and collaborative, with active engagement in multidisciplinary project teams. Located at AbbVie’s headquarters in South San Francisco, CA, this role encourages innovation and teamwork, allowing you to contribute significantly to various therapeutic areas in a supportive atmosphere.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Common Interview Questions for Scientific Director / Sr. Director, Toxicology Development Biological Sciences (nonclinical)
How do you approach nonclinical safety assessments?

When approaching nonclinical safety assessments, emphasize your systematic method of integrating scientific data with regulatory guidelines to ensure comprehensive evaluations. Discuss your experience collaborating with cross-functional teams to formulate safety strategies and how you stay updated on industry best practices.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Can you give an example of a challenging project you managed?

In answering this question, highlight a specific project where you identified potential risks. Describe the steps you took to mitigate those risks, the collaboration involved, and the positive outcomes that followed. Show how your leadership made a difference in navigating challenges.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What role do you believe regulatory documents play in drug development?

Regulatory documents are fundamental in drug development as they ensure compliance with health authorities' requirements. When discussing this, elaborate on your experience in authoring critical documents such as INDs and BLAs, and how they facilitate transparency and communication with regulatory agencies.

Join Rise to see the full answer
How do you stay current on industry changes and regulations?

Staying current on industry changes involves regularly reviewing scientific literature, attending conferences, and participating in professional networks. Discuss specific sources or organizations you follow and how this knowledge has contributed to your work in nonclinical safety.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Describe your experience with drug development from discovery to market.

In your response, outline your involvement in various phases of the drug development process. Highlight key projects where you contributed to preclinical studies, safety assessments, and the transition to clinical phases, demonstrating your comprehensive understanding of the development lifecycle.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What strategies do you use to mentor junior scientists?

Effective mentoring strategies include setting clear expectations, providing constructive feedback, and encouraging independent problem-solving. Share examples of how your mentoring has led to the development of junior scientists and improved team performance.

Join Rise to see the full answer
How do you ensure effective communication in a cross-functional team?

Ensuring effective communication involves fostering an open dialogue, using structured meetings, and leveraging technology for virtual collaboration. Discuss your approach to bridging communication gaps and how that has impacted project success.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Can you explain a complex topic related to toxicology in simple terms?

This question tests your ability to communicate complex ideas. Choose a topic from your expertise in toxicology and break it down using relatable analogies or examples while focusing on how you ensure clarity for diverse audiences.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What do you consider the most critical aspect of nonclinical safety?

Highlight risk assessment as a critical aspect of nonclinical safety, emphasizing its role in predicting potential safety concerns before clinical trials. Discuss your analytical approach to risk assessment and how it ensures patient safety and regulatory compliance.

Join Rise to see the full answer
How do you manage tight deadlines in project delivery?

Managing tight deadlines involves prioritizing tasks, employing project management tools, and fostering a collaborative team environment. Offer examples of how your organizational skills and proactive planning have led to timely project completions.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Similar Jobs
Photo of the Rise User
AbbVie Remote Branchburg, NJ, USA
Posted 3 days ago
Photo of the Rise User
Posted 8 days ago
Photo of the Rise User
Posted 12 days ago
Photo of the Rise User
Pinterest Remote San Francisco, CA, US; Remote, US
Posted 9 days ago
Posted yesterday
Photo of the Rise User
Posted 3 days ago

AbbVie’s mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people’s lives across several key therapeutic areas: i...

1595 jobs
MATCH
Calculating your matching score...
FUNDING
SENIORITY LEVEL REQUIREMENT
TEAM SIZE
EMPLOYMENT TYPE
Full-time, on-site
DATE POSTED
March 16, 2025

Subscribe to Rise newsletter

Risa star 🔮 Hi, I'm Risa! Your AI
Career Copilot
Want to see a list of jobs tailored to
you, just ask me below!
LATEST ACTIVITY
A
Someone from OH, Lewis Center just viewed 34505367634 - Fraud Analyst at Activate Talent
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Dublin just viewed Senior Third-Party Risk Analyst at Fenergo
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Columbus just viewed US Product Designer at Praxent
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Cleveland just viewed Accounting Co-Op (Part-Time) at Avery Dennison
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, North Ridgeville just viewed Product Manager at ShiftCare
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, North Ridgeville just viewed Product Operations at Binance
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Mentor just viewed Sales & Service Lead - Pinecrest at Alo Yoga