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 Director, Patient Centered Outcomes Research, is responsible for the design and execution of strategically-focused and innovative patient experience data (PED) evidence to support optimization of product registration, access & reimbursement, and clinical practice in collaboration with HEOR Strategy and other functions (eg, Clinical Development & Operations, Regulatory, Commercial).
The Director, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, will support Oncology primarily and cultivate strong partnerships to enable effective cross-functional collaboration with other product team members from internal groups including HEOR-Strategy, Clinical Development and Operations, Biostatistics, Regulatory Affairs, Medical Affairs, and the Commercial organization. The Director represents HEOR at global regulatory and payer / HTA meetings and may lead and/or support negotiations in collaboration with cross-functional team members to drive internal strategy and alignment with global regulatory & reimbursement agencies. In addition, the Director will represent AbbVie externally and assume a leadership role in collaborations with external partners (eg, industry consortiums, key opinion leaders, research organizations, patient advocacy groups). He / She serves as a subject matter expert (SME) on PED and patient-centered measurement strategies within HEOR and AbbVie to drive a patient-centric culture and adoption/uptake of standards and best practices for PED.
The Director will oversee at least one therapeutic area (eg, oncology, rheumatology, gastroenterology, dermatology, neurosciences, eye care, aesthetics) and their responsibility will span multiple products/indications. Additional responsibilities for the Director include developing annual strategic planning of PED aligned with TA / asset strategy and managing multiple projects and vendors to execute PED for their respective TA responsibilities. Managerial responsibilities may include attracting, mentoring, and oversight of junior members of the team (eg, interns, fellows, associate directors); development of annual strategic plans aligned with TA / asset strategy and managing annual budgets for their respective TA responsibilities.
Responsibilities
- Responsible for execution of global PED generation and stakeholder engagement strategies that encompasses innovative research aligned with overall asset strategy across multiple therapeutic areas
- Leads management of projects to ensure timely execution of PED research to characterize patient outcomes, identify patient preferences and unmet needs, inform patient-focused measurement strategies, and develop and validate innovative patient-relevant outcomes measures and endpoints to differentiate AbbVie’s portfolio and meet business and global needs
- Supports alignment of strategy with HEOR-Strategy counterparts and communicates strategy and translates results cross-functionally to key cross-functional teams that are part of Pipeline Commercial Model to facilitate alignment and integration of PED plans into the broader Integrated Evidence Plans
- Ensures the scientific quality and integrity of COA research through development of rigorous qualitative and quantitative study research proposals, protocols, analysis plans and reports
- Leads integration of COA measurement strategy into clinical development programs through clinical trial program support (eg, protocol/SAP content development, results interpretation, and CSR development) and ensures appropriate implementation of COAs on eCOA platforms in global programs
- Leads development, validation, and implementation of COAs measures for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) / observational studies
- Leads/contributes to strategy and development of content for regulatory and reimbursement submissions regarding PED and patient-relevant endpoints and leads/participates in regulatory and reimbursement discussions and negotiations to optimize registration approval, product labeling & promotion and patient access decisions
- Develops strategic scientific communication plan including submission and presentation of research in peer-reviewed journals and at medical / methodological congresses
- Serves as internal SME on technical specialty areas to identify new methodologies and advancements in the field (e.g., psychometric methods and results interpretation, COA methods, regulatory requirements to obtain COAs on labels, industry trends)
- Ensure scientific integrity of PED research through serving as expert reviewer on study designs, protocols, results and scientific communications (eg, qualitative or quantitative expert review)
- Lead above-brand research projects/initiatives to pilot innovative methodologies and elevate internal standards/best practices (eg, unique data presentation/visualization techniques, psychometric methodologies, digital health technology)
- Engages with external thought leaders and representatives at global regulatory and reimbursement authorities to shape the external environment with respect to patient centered outcomes research and patient focused drug development policy in alignment with AbbVie corporate objectives
- Develops and delivers standards/best practices and educational resources for functions across AbbVie to drive the integration of patient voice in development programs
Qualifications
- Advanced degree in Psychology or Psychometrics, Epidemiology, Statistics, Public Health, Health Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR) or related discipline (MS, MPH, PharmD, PhD) preferred
- Minimum of 7 years of experience required, with relevant pharmaceutical industry or consulting experience in PED research; clinical outcome assessment / patient reported outcome development, psychometric validation, and implementation; and medical product development and trial design
- Demonstrated ability in evaluation & development of PED from conceptualization through negotiations by global authorities
- Demonstrated ability in evaluating, developing, and validating COA instruments for inclusion in clinical programs that meet regulatory agency standards for label claims
- Experience in preparing regulatory & HTA submissions
- Excellent interpersonal skills with an ability to leverage deep expertise to understand, respond and influence effectively across multiple internal and external customers
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in rapidly changing environment
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Experience in handling delivery of services across complex matrix environments and on a global level
- Excellent project management skills
- Demonstrated experience / knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry (knowledge of regulatory/compliance frameworks) and clinical trial design
- Knowledge of global regulatory & HTA requirements for patient-centered endpoints
- Ability to effectively interpret and communicate research results to internal and external audiences
- Ability to work collaboratively to leverage other HEOR capabilities (Strategy, Geographies, other CoEs – Economic Modeling, Meta-Research, RWE Analytics)
- People management experience
- Develop standards and respond quickly to business questions
- Travel – Position requires up to 20% travel
- Must be a self-starter and have a strong desire to see projects achieve commercial success.
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 Director, Patient Centered Outcomes Research, is responsible for the design and execution of strategically-focused and innovative patient experience data (PED) evidence to support optimization of product registration, access & reimbursement, and clinical practice in collaboration with HEOR Strategy and other functions (eg, Clinical Development & Operations, Regulatory, Commercial).
The Director, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, will support Oncology primarily and cultivate strong partnerships to enable effective cross-functional collaboration with other product team members from internal groups including HEOR-Strategy, Clinical Development and Operations, Biostatistics, Regulatory Affairs, Medical Affairs, and the Commercial organization. The Director represents HEOR at global regulatory and payer / HTA meetings and may lead and/or support negotiations in collaboration with cross-functional team members to drive internal strategy and alignment with global regulatory & reimbursement agencies. In addition, the Director will represent AbbVie externally and assume a leadership role in collaborations with external partners (eg, industry consortiums, key opinion leaders, research organizations, patient advocacy groups). He / She serves as a subject matter expert (SME) on PED and patient-centered measurement strategies within HEOR and AbbVie to drive a patient-centric culture and adoption/uptake of standards and best practices for PED.
The Director will oversee at least one therapeutic area (eg, oncology, rheumatology, gastroenterology, dermatology, neurosciences, eye care, aesthetics) and their responsibility will span multiple products/indications. Additional responsibilities for the Director include developing annual strategic planning of PED aligned with TA / asset strategy and managing multiple projects and vendors to execute PED for their respective TA responsibilities. Managerial responsibilities may include attracting, mentoring, and oversight of junior members of the team (eg, interns, fellows, associate directors); development of annual strategic plans aligned with TA / asset strategy and managing annual budgets for their respective TA responsibilities.
Responsibilities
- Responsible for execution of global PED generation and stakeholder engagement strategies that encompasses innovative research aligned with overall asset strategy across multiple therapeutic areas
- Leads management of projects to ensure timely execution of PED research to characterize patient outcomes, identify patient preferences and unmet needs, inform patient-focused measurement strategies, and develop and validate innovative patient-relevant outcomes measures and endpoints to differentiate AbbVie’s portfolio and meet business and global needs
- Supports alignment of strategy with HEOR-Strategy counterparts and communicates strategy and translates results cross-functionally to key cross-functional teams that are part of Pipeline Commercial Model to facilitate alignment and integration of PED plans into the broader Integrated Evidence Plans
- Ensures the scientific quality and integrity of COA research through development of rigorous qualitative and quantitative study research proposals, protocols, analysis plans and reports
- Leads integration of COA measurement strategy into clinical development programs through clinical trial program support (eg, protocol/SAP content development, results interpretation, and CSR development) and ensures appropriate implementation of COAs on eCOA platforms in global programs
- Leads development, validation, and implementation of COAs measures for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) / observational studies
- Leads/contributes to strategy and development of content for regulatory and reimbursement submissions regarding PED and patient-relevant endpoints and leads/participates in regulatory and reimbursement discussions and negotiations to optimize registration approval, product labeling & promotion and patient access decisions
- Develops strategic scientific communication plan including submission and presentation of research in peer-reviewed journals and at medical / methodological congresses
- Serves as internal SME on technical specialty areas to identify new methodologies and advancements in the field (e.g., psychometric methods and results interpretation, COA methods, regulatory requirements to obtain COAs on labels, industry trends)
- Ensure scientific integrity of PED research through serving as expert reviewer on study designs, protocols, results and scientific communications (eg, qualitative or quantitative expert review)
- Lead above-brand research projects/initiatives to pilot innovative methodologies and elevate internal standards/best practices (eg, unique data presentation/visualization techniques, psychometric methodologies, digital health technology)
- Engages with external thought leaders and representatives at global regulatory and reimbursement authorities to shape the external environment with respect to patient centered outcomes research and patient focused drug development policy in alignment with AbbVie corporate objectives
- Develops and delivers standards/best practices and educational resources for functions across AbbVie to drive the integration of patient voice in development programs
Qualifications
- Advanced degree in Psychology or Psychometrics, Epidemiology, Statistics, Public Health, Health Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR) or related discipline (MS, MPH, PharmD, PhD) preferred
- Minimum of 7 years of experience required, with relevant pharmaceutical industry or consulting experience in PED research; clinical outcome assessment / patient reported outcome development, psychometric validation, and implementation; and medical product development and trial design
- Demonstrated ability in evaluation & development of PED from conceptualization through negotiations by global authorities
- Demonstrated ability in evaluating, developing, and validating COA instruments for inclusion in clinical programs that meet regulatory agency standards for label claims
- Experience in preparing regulatory & HTA submissions
- Excellent interpersonal skills with an ability to leverage deep expertise to understand, respond and influence effectively across multiple internal and external customers
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in rapidly changing environment
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Experience in handling delivery of services across complex matrix environments and on a global level
- Excellent project management skills
- Demonstrated experience / knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry (knowledge of regulatory/compliance frameworks) and clinical trial design
- Knowledge of global regulatory & HTA requirements for patient-centered endpoints
- Ability to effectively interpret and communicate research results to internal and external audiences
- Ability to work collaboratively to leverage other HEOR capabilities (Strategy, Geographies, other CoEs – Economic Modeling, Meta-Research, RWE Analytics)
- People management experience
- Develop standards and respond quickly to business questions
- Travel – Position requires up to 20% travel
- Must be a self-starter and have a strong desire to see projects achieve commercial success.
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 98+ 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.