Director I, Purification Development

Role Overview

The Director will lead the development and advancement of robust, scalable purification processes, while shaping innovative technologies and strategies that accelerate development timelines and enable commercialization success.

Key Responsibilities

• Scientific & Technical Leadership:

  • Lead development, optimization, scale-up, and tech transfer of purification processes across early- and late-stage biologics programs
  • Drive scientific innovation by identifying, developing, and implementing novel purification approaches and platform enhancements
  • Solve complex technical challenges using first-principles understanding and data-driven decision making
  • Anticipate emerging scientific, regulatory, and industry trends, translating insights into actionable strategies

• Program & Cross-Functional Leadership:

  • Represent Purification Development on cross-functional CMC teams, influencing integrated development strategies
  • Lead tech transfer to pilot and GMP manufacturing sites, ensuring robust and scalable processes
  • Partner across functions (Upstream, Analytical, Manufacturing, Regulatory) to deliver end-to-end development outcomes
  • Navigate multiple, complex programs simultaneously, balancing priorities and timelines

• People & Organizational Leadership:

  • Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of scientists, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and collaboration
  • Provide technical coaching and strategic guidance across the organization
  • Build team capability through talent development, performance management, and succession planning

• Innovation & External Impact:

  • Generate and lead new scientific proposals and technology initiatives
  • Drive intellectual property creation and contribute to AbbVie’s innovation pipeline
  • Author technical reports, regulatory filings, and publications, and represent AbbVie at external scientific forums

• Execution Excellence:

  • Maintain a strong connection to the laboratory, guiding experimental design and execution as needed
  • Ensure delivery of high-quality data and documentation to support regulatory submissions and commercialization
  • Communicate complex scientific concepts clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders

Requirements

• Advanced degree in Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or related field
• PhD with ~12+ years, MS with ~16+ years, or BS with ~18+ years of relevant experience in biologics purification process development
• Proven expertise in downstream bioprocessing, including: Chromatography (affinity, CEX, AEX, HIC, mixed-mode; resin and membrane systems), Filtration (depth, viral, sterile, TFF)

Desired Skills

• Demonstrated ability to design, execute, and interpret complex experiments independently
• Develop robust, scalable purification processes across development stages
• Drive technical innovation and platform advancement
• Strong working knowledge of analytical techniques (e.g., HPLC) and data interpretation
• Hands-on experience with chromatography systems (e.g., KTA platforms or equivalent)
• Track record of scientific leadership and cross-functional influence
• Publications, regulatory submissions, and technical communications
• Leading teams and developing talent
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization
• Collaborative mindset with demonstrated success working in matrixed, cross-functional environments