Senior Level Principal Researcher Jobs
Senior level principal researcher jobs place experienced professionals in charge of defining research agendas, owning outcomes end-to-end, and guiding the teams that carry complex studies from question to conclusion. Openings are concentrated across Science & Research, Technology & Software, and Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals, with 30% of positions offered remotely or hybrid, and employers like AbbVie, Riot Games, and Inflection AI hiring at this level now.
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Showing 5 of 24+ Senior Level Principal Researcher jobs
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
Overview
The Development Sciences Biologics Drug Product Development organization within AbbVie develops and characterizes drug product formulations and manufacturing processes to provide clinical dosage forms to enable the development of AbbVie’s pipeline. AbbVie is seeking a highly motivated person to join the Biologics CMC Developability Team. Our team utilizes state-of-the-art biophysical and analytical instrumentation to assess candidates coming out of the Discovery pipeline. We collaboratively influence protein design paradigms to yield biologic candidates that will be successful drug products. Key to our success is developing models of protein structure and function to augment decision making in protein design and development. We utilize high throughput instrumentation and digital data systems to capture ML-ready data on industry leading datasets of therapeutic proteins. To drive maximum benefit from this data, we are seeking an experienced scientist to lead modeling efforts within our team. The successful candidate will bring deep experience of modeling protein stability or related properties to solve foundational questions such as viscosity, chemical degradation, and aggregation. Applicable modeling techniques could range from first principles to statistical based approaches. This role includes the opportunity to design molecules and custom studies for data generation, so knowledge of biochemistry experimentation is useful. The candidate will be a member of a global team and will work closely with scientists from multiple functional areas, including Discovery, Development Science Digital Transformation, and Information Research.
Key Responsibilities:
- Serve as a technical expert for modeling within Biologics CMC Developability Team
- Represent BCD in modeling communities within AbbVie; collaborates with other modelers or teams to ensure business needs are met by the correct modeling framework
- May perform in vitro laboratory experiments; works closely with teams for design of wet lab studies to build both models and fundamental knowledge of protein solution behavior
- Identifies emerging scientific and technological trends from multiple internal and external sources, assesses relevance and integrates applicable trends into BCD plans and strategies as appropriate. Present data at internal and external professional conferences and prepare manuscripts for publication in peer reviewed journals or patent applications
- May serve as BCD Lead, coordinate developability assessment activities for 1-2 Discovery Projects at a time
- Experience with cross-functional decision making across reporting lines
Qualifications
- BS, MS, or PhD in Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related disciplines with 14+ (Bachelors), 12+ (Masters), or 6+ (PhD) years of relevant industry experience.
- Proven ability to solve critical scientific problems.
- Direct experience with applying modeling techniques (mechanistic or statistical) to protein long-term stability or formulation screening such as kinetic degradation modeling
- Well versed in predictive machine learning and statistical modeling techniques
- Familiar with complex ML architectures including deep learning and hierarchical or multi-task frameworks
- Skilled with feature attribution, sensitivity analysis, and model interpretability
Key Competencies:
- Build strong relationships with peers and cross functionally with partners outside of the team to enable higher performance.
- Excellent oral communication skills in a scientific setting as well as sound technical writing and documentation competencies are required.
- The candidate must be able to work independently, respond to changing priorities and short lead times for multiple tasks; able to identify problems and work toward solutions.
- Raises the bar and is never satisfied with the status quo.
- Creates a learning environment, open to suggestions and experimentation for improvement.
- Embraces the ideas of others, nurtures innovation and manages innovation to reality.
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
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
Overview
The Development Sciences Biologics Drug Product Development organization within AbbVie develops and characterizes drug product formulations and manufacturing processes to provide clinical dosage forms to enable the development of AbbVie’s pipeline. AbbVie is seeking a highly motivated person to join the Biologics CMC Developability Team. Our team utilizes state-of-the-art biophysical and analytical instrumentation to assess candidates coming out of the Discovery pipeline. We collaboratively influence protein design paradigms to yield biologic candidates that will be successful drug products. Key to our success is developing models of protein structure and function to augment decision making in protein design and development. We utilize high throughput instrumentation and digital data systems to capture ML-ready data on industry leading datasets of therapeutic proteins. To drive maximum benefit from this data, we are seeking an experienced scientist to lead modeling efforts within our team. The successful candidate will bring deep experience of modeling protein stability or related properties to solve foundational questions such as viscosity, chemical degradation, and aggregation. Applicable modeling techniques could range from first principles to statistical based approaches. This role includes the opportunity to design molecules and custom studies for data generation, so knowledge of biochemistry experimentation is useful. The candidate will be a member of a global team and will work closely with scientists from multiple functional areas, including Discovery, Development Science Digital Transformation, and Information Research.
Key Responsibilities:
- Serve as a technical expert for modeling within Biologics CMC Developability Team
- Represent BCD in modeling communities within AbbVie; collaborates with other modelers or teams to ensure business needs are met by the correct modeling framework
- May perform in vitro laboratory experiments; works closely with teams for design of wet lab studies to build both models and fundamental knowledge of protein solution behavior
- Identifies emerging scientific and technological trends from multiple internal and external sources, assesses relevance and integrates applicable trends into BCD plans and strategies as appropriate. Present data at internal and external professional conferences and prepare manuscripts for publication in peer reviewed journals or patent applications
- May serve as BCD Lead, coordinate developability assessment activities for 1-2 Discovery Projects at a time
- Experience with cross-functional decision making across reporting lines
Qualifications
- BS, MS, or PhD in Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related disciplines with 14+ (Bachelors), 12+ (Masters), or 6+ (PhD) years of relevant industry experience.
- Proven ability to solve critical scientific problems.
- Direct experience with applying modeling techniques (mechanistic or statistical) to protein long-term stability or formulation screening such as kinetic degradation modeling
- Well versed in predictive machine learning and statistical modeling techniques
- Familiar with complex ML architectures including deep learning and hierarchical or multi-task frameworks
- Skilled with feature attribution, sensitivity analysis, and model interpretability
Key Competencies:
- Build strong relationships with peers and cross functionally with partners outside of the team to enable higher performance.
- Excellent oral communication skills in a scientific setting as well as sound technical writing and documentation competencies are required.
- The candidate must be able to work independently, respond to changing priorities and short lead times for multiple tasks; able to identify problems and work toward solutions.
- Raises the bar and is never satisfied with the status quo.
- Creates a learning environment, open to suggestions and experimentation for improvement.
- Embraces the ideas of others, nurtures innovation and manages innovation to reality.
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
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Senior Level Principal Researcher Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a senior level principal researcher job?
Candidates who land senior principal researcher roles typically demonstrate ownership of full research lifecycles, not just contributions to them. Hiring managers at this level look for a portfolio of independent studies, evidence of shaping methodology across a team or organization, and the ability to translate findings into strategic decisions. Publishing, presenting, or leading cross-functional research initiatives all signal readiness for the step up.
Which companies hire senior level principal researchers?
Companies hiring senior level principal researchers right now include AbbVie, Riot Games, and Inflection AI, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Hiring at this level tends to come from large technology firms, research-intensive healthcare and pharmaceutical organizations, and consultancies that run substantial internal or client-facing research programs.
Are there remote senior level principal researcher jobs?
Yes, though availability varies by industry and employer. About 30% of senior level principal researcher openings are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting sustained demand for experienced researchers who can lead and collaborate without being on-site full time. Research-heavy technology and life sciences employers tend to offer the most flexible arrangements at this level.
What makes a principal researcher role senior level?
Senior level principal researcher roles carry scope and accountability that mid-level positions don't. You're expected to set the research direction, not just execute it, own outcomes across multi-stage projects, and mentor junior and mid-level researchers on your team. The technical depth required is higher, and you're often the person connecting research results to organizational strategy or product decisions.
Which industries hire the most senior level principal researchers?
Senior Level principal researcher roles concentrate in Science & Research, Technology & Software, and Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. These sectors invest heavily in original research at the senior level because their competitive advantage depends on producing, owning, and applying novel findings rather than relying solely on published external work.