Senior Director, Analytical Research

About the role

The Senior Director will lead the Synthetic Molecule (SM) Analytical R&D organization in Lake County supporting AbbVie's innovative and unique early stage pipeline which includes small molecule, peptides, ADCs (antibody-drug conjugates), APCs (antibody-peptide conjugates), LNP (Lipid Nanoparticle), and future modalities paired with formulation development support for conventional (e.g. OSD, injectables) and complex formulations (e.g. Long Acting Injectables, co-formulations).

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and talent development for > 50 highly skilled analytical and pharmaceutical scientists at the AbbVie Abbott Park, North Chicago, and Ludwigshafen Germany sites
• Define and communicate industry-leading analytical strategies for complex modalities
• Responsible for development, validation and transfer of analytical methods aligned with global strategies
• Establish industry-leading analytical characterization capabilities to support process development, formulation design and comparability
• Drive fundamental understanding of CQAs, degradation mechanisms and product/excipient interactions
• Manage departmental budget, analytical laboratories and equipment
• Balance resources, resolve issues and achieve target timing for pipeline projects and key strategic initiatives
• Drive technical excellence and innovations in science that improve the capabilities and productivity of the organization.
• Work collaboratively across R&D and Operations to align and influence a broad range of development strategies that directly support drug development programs.
• Manage and develop scientific talent across multiple disciplines and/or projects to address current and future business needs.
• Ensure scientific excellence and foster functional, scientific, and professional development of staff.
• Identify, evaluate, and propose both internal and external collaborations to drive scientific innovation and shared learning.
• Accountable for compliance with Environmental Health and Safety regulations for the group.
• Solves difficult and highly complex technical issues in an evolving regulatory climate.

Qualifications

• PhD with at least 15 years of relevant pharma/biotech industry experience or master's degree with at least 20 years of pharma/biotech experience.
• Proven experience leading an Analytical development organization with a range of experience levels and scientific disciplines
• Demonstrated record of success leading strategic initiatives and new technology evaluation/implementation
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Experience motivating and maintaining positive morale of highly skilled technical individuals and teams in an environment where compliance with standard procedures is required.
• Solid understanding of the various scientific disciplines needed for therapeutic development (including analytical, drug substance development, drug product development, combination product development, manufacturing, QA, supply chain, regulatory).
• Strong negotiating, influencing, and leadership skills
• Entrepreneurial thinker capable of driving innovative ideas and making smart business decisions.