China AI/ML and Capability Expansion Lead - Automation, Biotherapeutics and Genetic Medicine

Job Description

The Biotherapeutics and Genetic Medicine (BGM) team at AbbVie is a critical discovery engine supporting our ambition to become the top biopharma company in the world. BGM China expands the team’s access to China’s rapidly advancing scientific and technology ecosystem, connecting differentiated external capabilities with global discovery priorities to accelerate the delivery of transformational large-molecule candidates to patients.

Reporting to the Director of China Strategy BGM, the China AI/ML, Automation, and Capability Expansion Lead will identify, evaluate, and help translate China-based AI/ML, automation, and emerging technical capabilities into practical value for BGM. The role will prioritize biotherapeutic discovery applications—including antibody design, protein engineering, and discovery workflow automation—while assessing relevance to genetic medicine where appropriate. Working closely with global BGM teams, this lead will support technology learning, external diligence, and collaboration models that strengthen BGM’s future capability with AI/ML and automation.

This individual will also work closely with other partner functions in the Discovery and Development organizations.

Responsibilities:

• Scout and access potential China-based partners in AI/ML and automation, including both service providers and biotech companies, and coordinate with CIE on selected opportunities.
• Work closely with global BGM stakeholders to track and assess emerging AI/ML applications in biotherapeutic discovery, including antibody design, protein engineering, enzyme evolution, and data-enabled experimental optimization.
• Work closely with global BGM stakeholders to assess discovery-stage automation solutions and customized automation systems that can improve speed, quality, and throughput in priority workflows.
• Evaluate other China-based external technology platforms, service models, and technical partners for scientific quality, operational fit, scalability, and strategic relevance to BGM.
• Facilitate learning and technology translation from China-based external partners to the global BGM team and other partner functions in R&D.
• Contribute to external diligence activities related to scientific feasibility, execution risk, and capability fit.
• Maintain close communication and alignment with global stakeholders to translate internal requirements into external evaluation criteria, and to convert external learning into internal capability building.
• Work closely with the broader AbbVie partnership ecosystem as needed, including AI S&P, BD, S&E, TLC, and other relevant functions, to ensure alignment on external scouting, evaluation, and translation priorities.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. with 5–10 years of industry experience or a master’s degree with 10–15 years of industry experience. An advanced degree is preferred.
• Background in life sciences, chemistry, computer science or a related discipline;
• With relevant industry experience in discovery technologies, or related biopharmaceutical R&D fields; direct experience in AI/ML-enabled discovery and laboratory automation is strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of AI/ML methods, automation systems, data-enabled experimentation, or digital discovery workflows, with demonstrated ability to assess their relevance to real discovery applications.
• Experience evaluating or deploying AI/ML-driven solutions in biotherapeutic discovery, including applications in antibody design, protein engineering, enzyme evolution, or experimental optimization.
• Ability to assess technology maturity, scalability, implementation feasibility, and scientific value of external AI/ML or automation solutions and convert findings into actionable recommendations.
• Strong knowledge of China’s biotech and technology ecosystem, including AI/ML startups, automation solution providers, discovery technology companies, and service partners with relevant platform capabilities.
• Fluency in English and Chinese, with excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively across cultures and functions.
• This role is based in Shanghai, China. Candidates must be comfortable with travel (approximately 20–30%), external meetings, and conference participation.
• Background in biochemistry, protein science, bioinformatics, computational biology, or automation-related disciplines is preferred.

Additional Information

AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community.  Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled. 

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