Head of Molecular Discovery Technologies

Job Description

Summary

We are seeking an accomplished scientific and organizational leader to serve as Head of Molecular Discovery Technologies (MDT) team. This leader will define the strategic direction of a multidisciplinary organization spanning DNA-Encoded Libraries (DEL), protein NMR, mass spectrometry-based affinity screening platform development, mass spectrometry-based structural characterization, and emerging molecular discovery technologies. Together, these capabilities accelerate hit discovery, improve hit quality, and enable small-molecule and peptide discovery programs across therapeutic areas.

The leader will report to the Head of Target Enabling Technologies organization and serve on the extended leadership team of Small Molecule Therapeutics and Platform Technologies. Partnering across functions, the leader will help shape portfolio-level lead discovery strategies and drive the evolution of lead discovery through platform innovation, integrated data strategies, and AI/ML-enabled approaches.

The role requires a strategic and collaborative scientific leader who can translate emerging technologies and data insights into scalable discovery capabilities, stronger portfolio decisions, and measurable pipeline impact, while developing talent and maintaining external scientific visibility.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Define and execute the Molecular Discovery Technologies strategy to maximize portfolio impact through accelerated hit discovery and improved hit quality.  
• Lead MDT portfolio prioritization and resource allocation, aligning platform deployment and investments with the highest-value discovery opportunities.
• Drive integrated data strategies that connect experimental, screening, and computational insights, leveraging AI/ML-enabled approaches to improve decision quality and discovery effectiveness
• Partner with Molecular Screening and Characterization, Computational Drug Discovery, Medicinal Chemistry, Peptide Therapeutics, and other leaders to shape future lead-discovery approaches and cross-functional technology investments.
• Develop long-range MDT technology, talent, and infrastructure plans aligned with future portfolio needs.
• Establish metrics for platform performance, portfolio contribution, and organizational effectiveness.

Scientific Leadership

• Provide scientific and strategic oversight to ensure platform-generated insights inform hit identification, prioritization, and progression decisions.
• Lead teams in solving complex scientific problems and developing fit-for-purpose solutions.
• Drive scientific rigor and decision quality while ensuring technologies translate into actionable portfolio outcomes.
• Guide the evaluation, development, and adoption of emerging molecular discovery technologies based on scientific need and potential portfolio impact.
• Represent Molecular Discovery Technologies as a key scientific partner on cross-functional teams.
• Establish and maintain external scientific relationships and drive adoption of innovative technologies and best practices that enhance discovery effectiveness and portfolio impact.

Talent and Organizational Leadership

• Build and lead a high-performing multidisciplinary organization capable of delivering sustained impact across the portfolio.
• Develop scientific and people leaders through coaching, mentoring, and succession planning.
• Create clear goals, performance expectations, and accountability frameworks aligned with portfolio priorities.
• Drive operational excellence, resource stewardship, and continuous improvement across all platforms.
• Foster a culture of scientific excellence, inclusion, constructive challenge, agility, cross-functional collaboration, and innovation with purpose.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in chemistry, medicinal chemistry, biochemistry, biophysics, or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of industry experience in lead discovery and/or molecular discovery technologies.
• Strong background in medicinal chemistry and lead discovery strategy.
• Demonstrated success leading scientific functions or platform teams in a matrixed research environment.
• Recognized scientific leader with a strong external reputation demonstrated through publications, invited presentations, patents, scientific leadership, or other evidence of sustained impact in the field.
• Experience applying AI/ML or advanced analytics to discovery data is preferred.
• Excellent leadership, communication, influencing, and collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience guiding platform development in DEL, NMR, mass spectrometry, or related discovery technologies.
• Demonstrated success translating new technologies into scalable discovery capabilities and portfolio outcomes.
• Experience developing scientific talent and building succession depth.
• Broad awareness of emerging molecular discovery methods and industry trends.

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic thinking and functional leadership
• Scientific rigor and sound judgment
• Cross-functional influence
• Talent development and coaching
• Collaboration and relationship building
• Accountability for results
• Innovation and problem-solving

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 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 and serving our community.  Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled. 

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Compensation: 160500 to 305000 (USD) (YEARLY)