Research Director Jobs at AbbVie with Visa Sponsorship
Research Director jobs at AbbVie lead drug discovery and translational science programs across immunology, oncology, and neuroscience. The company has a consistent track record of sponsoring work visas for senior scientific roles, supporting candidates through both nonimmigrant and immigrant visa pathways.
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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. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
Job Description
The Principal Research Scientist II / Associate Director provides scientific, technical, and people leadership for the formulation and process development of sterile liquid dosage forms, with an emphasis on eyecare products. The role directs development activities for new chemical entities and life-cycle management programs from early research through clinical supply, technology transfer, regulatory submission, and commercialization. The candidate leads a team of scientists responsible for formulation, process, and associated analytical-method development.
Responsibilities:
- Provide scientific and technical leadership for the development of sterile liquid dosage forms and eyecare products, including formulation, associated analytical methods, and manufacturing processes. Apply Quality by Design principles and statistical experimental design and analysis to build product and process understanding and support robust development decisions.
- Plan, direct, and execute formulation and process-development strategies for new products intended for clinical trials and commercialization. Lead research in sterile product development to advance innovative products and life-cycle management opportunities.
- Develop and maintain current, in-depth knowledge of global CMC submission requirements and GLP/GMP expectations. Review internal and external technical documents and author technical memoranda, reports, patent applications, and scientific articles.
- Advance scientific excellence in sterile liquid dosage-form formulation and process development through high-quality technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, professional society participation, regulatory filings, and patents.
- Collaborate with CROs and CMOs specializing in sterile liquid dosage forms. Manage outsourced development activities, technical deliverables, timelines, and quality expectations in alignment with global regulatory requirements.
- Represent the department on CMC and project teams, partnering with Pharmaceutical Sciences functions, manufacturing sites, Process Chemistry, Toxicology, Regulatory Affairs, Quality, Clinical Development, Marketing, and external CROs and CMOs to achieve project objectives and timelines.
- Interpret and apply current global CMC regulatory requirements and guidance to development programs, technical documentation, regulatory submissions, and responses to health-authority questions in support of product registration.
- Lead, coach, and develop direct reports by setting priorities, providing timely feedback, supporting career development, and fostering scientific rigor, accountability, collaboration, inclusion, and laboratory safety. Communicate complex scientific and business information clearly in written and oral formats to technical and nontechnical stakeholders.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Science related field with 16 years of related work; Master’s Degree Science or PharmD with 14 years of related work; PhD in Science or related field with 8 years of related work experience.
- Proven ability to innovate with a history of new or improved product releases.
- Interacts well with diverse groups within function and maintains strong working relationships with internal and external collaborators.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Proven track record of developing and manufacturing sterile liquid dosage forms, demonstrated through approved products, successful regulatory submissions, technology transfers, patent applications, or other significant technical achievements. In-depth understanding of sterile liquid product development is required, including pharmaceutical formulation principles, manufacturing process development, technology transfer, and global CMC regulatory requirements.
- Experience managing technical development and manufacturing activities with CROs and CMOs specializing in sterile liquid dosage forms.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with management, co-workers and customers and work well in a team environment.
- Experience leading manufacturing process scale-up and technology transfer for sterile liquid dosage forms from development through commercial readiness.
- Experience applying Quality by Design principles and statistical experimental design and analysis, including the use of JMP or comparable statistical software, to formulation and process development.
- Working knowledge of characterization techniques used to assess critical quality attributes of sterile liquid dosage forms, together with comprehensive knowledge of raw-material properties and their effects on product performance, stability, processability, and manufacturability.
- Strong working knowledge of FDA, EMA, and ICH CMC guidance and GMP requirements, with demonstrated experience preparing or supporting global regulatory submissions.
- Demonstrated supervisory experience, including setting priorities, allocating work, monitoring progress against project timelines, coaching and developing scientific staff, resolving technical and operational issues, ensuring complete and accurate laboratory records, and promoting compliance with laboratory safety and quality requirements.
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.
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. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
Job Description
The Principal Research Scientist II / Associate Director provides scientific, technical, and people leadership for the formulation and process development of sterile liquid dosage forms, with an emphasis on eyecare products. The role directs development activities for new chemical entities and life-cycle management programs from early research through clinical supply, technology transfer, regulatory submission, and commercialization. The candidate leads a team of scientists responsible for formulation, process, and associated analytical-method development.
Responsibilities:
- Provide scientific and technical leadership for the development of sterile liquid dosage forms and eyecare products, including formulation, associated analytical methods, and manufacturing processes. Apply Quality by Design principles and statistical experimental design and analysis to build product and process understanding and support robust development decisions.
- Plan, direct, and execute formulation and process-development strategies for new products intended for clinical trials and commercialization. Lead research in sterile product development to advance innovative products and life-cycle management opportunities.
- Develop and maintain current, in-depth knowledge of global CMC submission requirements and GLP/GMP expectations. Review internal and external technical documents and author technical memoranda, reports, patent applications, and scientific articles.
- Advance scientific excellence in sterile liquid dosage-form formulation and process development through high-quality technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, professional society participation, regulatory filings, and patents.
- Collaborate with CROs and CMOs specializing in sterile liquid dosage forms. Manage outsourced development activities, technical deliverables, timelines, and quality expectations in alignment with global regulatory requirements.
- Represent the department on CMC and project teams, partnering with Pharmaceutical Sciences functions, manufacturing sites, Process Chemistry, Toxicology, Regulatory Affairs, Quality, Clinical Development, Marketing, and external CROs and CMOs to achieve project objectives and timelines.
- Interpret and apply current global CMC regulatory requirements and guidance to development programs, technical documentation, regulatory submissions, and responses to health-authority questions in support of product registration.
- Lead, coach, and develop direct reports by setting priorities, providing timely feedback, supporting career development, and fostering scientific rigor, accountability, collaboration, inclusion, and laboratory safety. Communicate complex scientific and business information clearly in written and oral formats to technical and nontechnical stakeholders.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Science related field with 16 years of related work; Master’s Degree Science or PharmD with 14 years of related work; PhD in Science or related field with 8 years of related work experience.
- Proven ability to innovate with a history of new or improved product releases.
- Interacts well with diverse groups within function and maintains strong working relationships with internal and external collaborators.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Proven track record of developing and manufacturing sterile liquid dosage forms, demonstrated through approved products, successful regulatory submissions, technology transfers, patent applications, or other significant technical achievements. In-depth understanding of sterile liquid product development is required, including pharmaceutical formulation principles, manufacturing process development, technology transfer, and global CMC regulatory requirements.
- Experience managing technical development and manufacturing activities with CROs and CMOs specializing in sterile liquid dosage forms.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with management, co-workers and customers and work well in a team environment.
- Experience leading manufacturing process scale-up and technology transfer for sterile liquid dosage forms from development through commercial readiness.
- Experience applying Quality by Design principles and statistical experimental design and analysis, including the use of JMP or comparable statistical software, to formulation and process development.
- Working knowledge of characterization techniques used to assess critical quality attributes of sterile liquid dosage forms, together with comprehensive knowledge of raw-material properties and their effects on product performance, stability, processability, and manufacturability.
- Strong working knowledge of FDA, EMA, and ICH CMC guidance and GMP requirements, with demonstrated experience preparing or supporting global regulatory submissions.
- Demonstrated supervisory experience, including setting priorities, allocating work, monitoring progress against project timelines, coaching and developing scientific staff, resolving technical and operational issues, ensuring complete and accurate laboratory records, and promoting compliance with laboratory safety and quality requirements.
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.
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
See all 113+ Research Director Jobs at AbbVie
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Research Director Jobs at AbbVie.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Research Director Jobs at AbbVie
Align Your CV to AbbVie's Therapeutic Priorities
AbbVie's Research Director roles cluster around immunology, oncology, and neuroscience pipelines. Frame your CV around program leadership and translational outcomes in these areas, not just publications. Hiring managers are evaluating your ability to advance a candidate molecule, not just conduct research.
Confirm Your Visa Type Before Applying
AbbVie sponsors multiple visa categories for Research Directors, including H-1B, E-3, TN, and F-1 OPT. Knowing which category fits your nationality and timeline before your first recruiter call positions you as prepared and avoids surprises during offer negotiations.
Target Roles That Qualify as Specialty Occupations
USCIS requires H-1B roles to meet the specialty occupation standard, meaning a specific bachelor's degree or higher is a minimum entry requirement. Research Director positions at AbbVie typically require advanced degrees in biology, pharmacology, or a related field, which usually satisfies this threshold cleanly.
Negotiate Offer Timing Around H-1B Filing Windows
If you need an H-1B, USCIS only accepts cap-subject petitions in April for an October 1 start. If AbbVie extends an offer outside that window, discuss a cap-exempt route through an affiliated institution or whether premium processing can accelerate a change of status if you're already in the U.S.
Prepare for a Multi-Stage Interview Focused on Pipeline Impact
AbbVie's Research Director interviews typically include a scientific presentation alongside leadership and cross-functional collaboration assessments. Prepare documentation of programs you've advanced from discovery to IND-enabling studies, as this is the evidence that differentiates candidates at the director level.
Use Migrate Mate to Find Open Research Director Roles
Research Director positions at AbbVie are posted across multiple channels but not always labeled consistently. Use Migrate Mate to browse verified open roles at AbbVie that include visa sponsorship, so you're applying to positions where sponsorship is already confirmed rather than guessing from a generic job listing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does AbbVie sponsor H-1B visas for Research Directors?
Yes, AbbVie sponsors H-1B visas for Research Director roles. Research Director positions typically qualify as specialty occupations under USCIS standards because they require an advanced degree in a specific scientific discipline. AbbVie also sponsors H-1B1 visas for Chilean and Singaporean nationals, and E-3 visas for Australian citizens in equivalent roles.
How do I apply for Research Director jobs at AbbVie?
Applications go through AbbVie's careers portal, but roles are also listed on Migrate Mate, which filters specifically for positions that include visa sponsorship. Research Director roles at AbbVie typically move through an initial recruiter screen, a scientific presentation round, and a leadership panel before an offer is extended. Tailor your application to the specific therapeutic area listed in the job posting.
Which visa types does AbbVie commonly sponsor for Research Director roles?
AbbVie sponsors H-1B, H-1B1 visa, E-3, TN visa, J-1 visa, and F-1 OPT visas for Research Directors, as well as Green Card pathways including EB-2 and EB-3. The right visa depends on your nationality and career stage. Australians and Canadians often use E-3 or TN visas respectively, while most other nationalities rely on the H-1B or pursue immigrant visa sponsorship directly.
What qualifications does AbbVie expect for Research Director candidates?
AbbVie Research Director roles typically require a Ph.D. in a life sciences discipline such as pharmacology, immunology, oncology, or molecular biology, along with substantial postdoctoral or industry experience. Candidates are expected to demonstrate a track record of leading multidisciplinary teams, advancing drug candidates through preclinical stages, and publishing peer-reviewed research in their therapeutic area.
How long does AbbVie's visa sponsorship process take for Research Directors?
Timeline depends on the visa type. E-3 and TN visas can be processed in weeks through consular appointment. H-1B sponsorship follows USCIS's annual cap cycle, with a start date no earlier than October 1 following an April lottery. USCIS premium processing for H-1B petitions reduces the adjudication window to 15 business days. Green Card sponsorship via PERM labor certification typically takes one to three years from initiation.