Development Director Jobs at AbbVie with Visa Sponsorship
Development Director roles at AbbVie sit at the intersection of clinical strategy and commercial execution, requiring deep pharmaceutical or biotech expertise. AbbVie has a consistent record of sponsoring international talent across its development organization, covering both nonimmigrant and immigrant visa pathways for qualified candidates.
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Company Description
About AbbVie
AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology and neuroscience - and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio.
Job Description
The Senior Director, Development Sciences Licensing & Acquisitions leads a specialized team responsible for evaluating external pipeline opportunities, overseeing due diligence activities, and guiding Chemical, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) strategies for licensing and acquisitions across multiple therapeutic areas. The role is pivotal in assessing and integrating technical, regulatory, and operational considerations for external innovations, ensuring successful transitions into internal development pipelines.
Responsibilities:
- Build and manage a high-performing team dedicated to technical evaluation of novel drug substances, drug products, devices, and platforms. Partner with key technical SMEs to evaluate opportunities and understand impact across technical functions.
- Lead CMC due diligence activities, including comprehensive technical assessments, risk mitigation, and integration of CMC strategy with clinical development plans for business development opportunities.
- Serve as the primary CMC representative in cross-functional evaluations with R&D, Regulatory Affairs, Operations, Quality, Finance, and Commercial teams, influencing decision-making and integrating CMC perspectives into overall business strategy.
- Prepare and present balanced technical recommendations, risk analyses, and findings to senior management and governance forums.
- Ensure seamless transition and knowledge transfer of externally sourced assets into internal product development pipelines, coordinating with project management and technical teams.
- Support post-deal integration and development/resource planning to ensure continuity of clinical.
- Monitor industry and regulatory developments in CMC, manufacturing, and compliance, adapting strategies to the evolving landscape.
- Manage multiple concurrent CMC diligence projects across various asset types and therapeutic areas in a fast-paced environment.
- Build and maintain best in class licensing and acquisition processes to move projects forward in the most efficient and effective manner and provide recommendations for dismissing ideas early and effectively.
Qualifications
- Advanced degree (PhD or MS preferred) in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related discipline.
- 12+ years of experience in CMC roles within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology sector, with significant exposure to due diligence and external innovation.
- Proven track record of technical team leadership and management of cross-functional projects.
- Deep knowledge of drug development, manufacturing, and regulatory requirements for small molecules, biologics, peptides, and combination products.
- Strong analytical, strategic problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience in presenting recommendations and influencing senior executive management and governance bodies.
This role offers the opportunity to directly impact scientific portfolio growth and external innovation strategy through expert CMC leadership.
Key Stakeholders:
VP Development Sciences, Development Sciences CMC Functional Heads, S&E and BD groups; PDS&T, Operations, R&D Finance
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 short-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. US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visit https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/equal-employment-opportunity-employer.html US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more: https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html

Company Description
About AbbVie
AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology and neuroscience - and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio.
Job Description
The Senior Director, Development Sciences Licensing & Acquisitions leads a specialized team responsible for evaluating external pipeline opportunities, overseeing due diligence activities, and guiding Chemical, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) strategies for licensing and acquisitions across multiple therapeutic areas. The role is pivotal in assessing and integrating technical, regulatory, and operational considerations for external innovations, ensuring successful transitions into internal development pipelines.
Responsibilities:
- Build and manage a high-performing team dedicated to technical evaluation of novel drug substances, drug products, devices, and platforms. Partner with key technical SMEs to evaluate opportunities and understand impact across technical functions.
- Lead CMC due diligence activities, including comprehensive technical assessments, risk mitigation, and integration of CMC strategy with clinical development plans for business development opportunities.
- Serve as the primary CMC representative in cross-functional evaluations with R&D, Regulatory Affairs, Operations, Quality, Finance, and Commercial teams, influencing decision-making and integrating CMC perspectives into overall business strategy.
- Prepare and present balanced technical recommendations, risk analyses, and findings to senior management and governance forums.
- Ensure seamless transition and knowledge transfer of externally sourced assets into internal product development pipelines, coordinating with project management and technical teams.
- Support post-deal integration and development/resource planning to ensure continuity of clinical.
- Monitor industry and regulatory developments in CMC, manufacturing, and compliance, adapting strategies to the evolving landscape.
- Manage multiple concurrent CMC diligence projects across various asset types and therapeutic areas in a fast-paced environment.
- Build and maintain best in class licensing and acquisition processes to move projects forward in the most efficient and effective manner and provide recommendations for dismissing ideas early and effectively.
Qualifications
- Advanced degree (PhD or MS preferred) in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related discipline.
- 12+ years of experience in CMC roles within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology sector, with significant exposure to due diligence and external innovation.
- Proven track record of technical team leadership and management of cross-functional projects.
- Deep knowledge of drug development, manufacturing, and regulatory requirements for small molecules, biologics, peptides, and combination products.
- Strong analytical, strategic problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience in presenting recommendations and influencing senior executive management and governance bodies.
This role offers the opportunity to directly impact scientific portfolio growth and external innovation strategy through expert CMC leadership.
Key Stakeholders:
VP Development Sciences, Development Sciences CMC Functional Heads, S&E and BD groups; PDS&T, Operations, R&D Finance
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 short-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. US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visit https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/equal-employment-opportunity-employer.html US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more: https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Development Director Jobs at AbbVie Jobs
Align your credentials to specialty occupation standards
AbbVie's Development Director roles typically require an advanced degree in a life sciences field, clinical pharmacology, or a related discipline. Document how your degree directly maps to the role's technical requirements before your first interview, since H-1B approval hinges on this alignment.
Target AbbVie's therapeutic area teams strategically
AbbVie hires Development Directors primarily across oncology, immunology, and neuroscience pipelines. Applying to a posting that matches your therapeutic background signals fit beyond your title and strengthens the specialty occupation argument your employer will need to make to USCIS.
Search open Development Director roles on Migrate Mate
Migrate Mate filters AbbVie's open Development Director postings by visa sponsorship type, so you can confirm which specific roles are active for international candidates before investing time in an application.
Clarify sponsorship scope during offer negotiation
AbbVie sponsors multiple visa categories for this function, including H-1B, E-3, TN, and Green Card pathways. Ask your recruiter which categories apply to your offer and confirm whether PERM-based permanent residence is included in the package before signing.
Prepare for PERM's prevailing wage documentation early
If AbbVie initiates a Green Card through PERM for a Development Director role, DOL requires the employer to document that your offered salary meets the prevailing wage for the position and location. Understand the wage level assigned to your role so you can flag discrepancies before the process advances.
Development Director at AbbVie jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Development Director at AbbVie JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does AbbVie sponsor H-1B visas for Development Directors?
Yes, AbbVie sponsors H-1B visas for Development Director roles. The position qualifies as a specialty occupation given the advanced degree requirements in life sciences, clinical development, or a related technical field. AbbVie files both cap-subject petitions for new hires and extensions for employees already holding H-1B status, and it uses E-Verify to confirm work authorization.
Which visa types does AbbVie commonly use for Development Director roles?
AbbVie sponsors a range of visa categories for this function, including H-1B, H-1B1, E-3, TN, J-1, and F-1 OPT and CPT for eligible candidates. For longer-term employment, AbbVie also pursues immigrant visa pathways under EB-2 and EB-3 classifications. The applicable category depends on your nationality, degree, and the specific role's requirements.
What qualifications does AbbVie expect for a Development Director?
AbbVie typically expects candidates to hold an advanced degree, often a PhD, MD, or PharmD, in a relevant life sciences discipline, combined with substantial clinical development experience. Therapeutic area expertise in oncology, immunology, or neuroscience carries significant weight. Experience leading regulatory submissions or managing cross-functional clinical teams in a pharmaceutical or biotech environment is commonly required.
How do I apply for Development Director jobs at AbbVie?
You can browse current Development Director openings at AbbVie with confirmed visa sponsorship on Migrate Mate, which filters roles by visa type so international candidates can identify relevant postings quickly. Once you identify a role, apply directly through AbbVie's careers portal. Tailor your application to the therapeutic area and development phase specified in the job description to strengthen your candidacy.
How do I plan my timeline for AbbVie's visa sponsorship process?
If AbbVie files a cap-subject H-1B on your behalf, expect to start no earlier than October 1 following an April filing. For TN or E-3 candidates, processing is faster and can support a more immediate start date. Green Card sponsorship via PERM typically takes one to two years from initiation to I-140 approval, not counting priority date wait times for certain nationalities.
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