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Principal Research Scientist I, Checkpoint Immunology

AbbVie


Job Location:

Cambridge, MA - USA

Monthly Salary: Not provided by the employer
Posted: 24 October 2026 (21 hours ago)
Application Deadline: 21 January 2027
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

The Checkpoint Immunology group is seeking an experienced Principal Research Scientist I to advance novel immune checkpoint programs for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. The successful candidate will provide scientific leadership across discovery and translational research activities driving innovative therapeutic concepts from target identification through candidate nomination.

This role is ideal for a scientist who combines deep immunology expertise with a strong drug discovery mindset enjoys solving challenging biological questions in emerging areas of science and thrives in a collaborative cross-functional environment.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the scientific strategy and execution of one or more discovery-stage immunology programs.
  • Drive biological understanding of novel immune regulatory pathways and translate insights into therapeutic opportunities.
  • Lead from the bench by designing executing and interpreting critical experiments while mentoring other scientists.
  • Build scientific capability within the team and foster a strong drug discovery mindset
  • Integrate biology pharmacology translational sciences and external collaborations to advance program objectives.
  • Coordinate cross-functional workflows and drive alignment across multidisciplinary teams.
  • Ensure high-quality project planning through sound experimental design early risk assessment and robust contingency planning through integrated timelines
  • Contribute to PK/PD translational and biomarker strategies that support candidate selection and development decisions.
  • Foster a collaborative high-performing team culture through mentorship scientific rigor and effective teamwork.

Qualifications :

Required

  • PhD with typically 6 years of experience; MS or equivalent education with typically 12 years of experience; or BS or equivalent education with typically 14 years of extensive experience in Immunology Cell Biology Pharmacology or related discipline.
  • Significant experience in immunology drug discovery; proven ability to innovate and deliver new or improved lead and candidate molecules
  • Experience with biologics bispecific antibodies multispecific therapeutics or other immune-modulating modalities
  • Strong expertise in immune cell biology autoimmune disease immune regulation and/or checkpoint biology.
  • Demonstrated ability to independently lead scientific strategy and execution in a matrixed environment.
  • Excellent communication collaboration and problem-solving skills.

Preferred

  • Experience advancing programs from target validation through candidate nomination.
  • Experience designing and interpreting in vitro and in vivo pharmacology studies including PK/PD assessments.
  • Translational research and biomarker development experience.
  • Proven ability to integrate cross-functional activities and drive execution across complex research programs.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for a scientist who can lead biology in areas where the path forward is not yet defined remain closely connected to the science and the laboratory integrate activities across diverse functions and help build a cohesive collaborative team. This individual will be recognized for scientific excellence strong execution mentorship and the ability to translate complex biology into impactful therapeutic strategies.


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 Companys sole and absolute discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Companys 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. 

US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more visit  & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation click here to learn more:

Work :

No


Employment Type :

Full-time


About Company

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AbbVie is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on creating medicines and solutions that put impact first — for patients, communities, and our world. We aim to address complex health issues and enhance people's lives through our core therapeutic areas: immunology, oncology, neuro ... View more

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