Senior Research Scientist I/II, Cheminformatics (Augmented Molecular Design)

Envision joining AbbVie, a top-tier biopharmaceutical company, which is once again positioning itself for another significant year of growth and continued advancement of its patient-centric scientific and strategic priorities. In a highly collaborative, resource rich environment, you will be working with energetic colleagues and inspirational leaders, all while gaining world-class experience in one of the most dynamic organizations in the pharmaceutical industry.

Our groundbreaking Augmented Molecular Design (AMD) team located in Lake County, IL is looking for a highly motivated and driven Computational Scientist with an established background, and keen interest, in chemical informatics. With patients at the heart of all we strive for, we are committed to ensuring our team can provide the experience and support needed for our drug discovery organization to excel in research excellence! You will drive the development of enabling computational applications to enhance our programs within our Technology and Therapeutic Platforms organization with particular emphasis on our Targeted Protein Degradation (TPD) platform. As a key leader and expert, you will be expected to apply your knowledge and expertise to enhance our capabilities and efficiencies in TPD through the establishment of enabling computational applications and methods for data analytics and state of the art data interpretation and visualization. 

As a subject matter expert, you will also be involved in cross functional initiatives and projects related to data analytics and other cheminformatics-based problems. Candidates should have world-class credentials in computational chemistry, biology, physics, or relevant areas of computer science and applied mathematics. Candidates are also expected to have a significant track record demonstrating an ability to deliver high-impact results and timely solutions within a team-oriented environment. Excellent research skills and experience in developing and leveraging cutting-edge cheminformatics application/tools are a must, as are strong interpersonal skills, an ability to influence multidisciplinary teams, a strong collaborative work ethic, ability to adapt to changing needs, and the capacity to multi-task to meet key goals. Excellent communication and presentation skills are essential to success in this position.

 Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop and implement computational applications and pipelines for the efficient curation and analysis of high-throughput, high content, and related screening data.   
• Identify chemical property classifications and trends from large databases using mathematical techniques to gain insights and subsequently refine and improve next generation drug design cycles.
• Utilize and develop methods for rapid interrogation of large databases and hierarchical chemical space navigation, including but not limited to machine learning methods.
• Develop methods for archiving and retrieving data on molecular structures, reaction pathways, molecular interactions, and other phenomena to gain insight and further improve the drug discovery process.
• Collaborate with discovery scientists to solve problems using data searching, retrieval, and analysis.
• Enhance AbbVie’s current suite of informatics tools to further drive competitive advantage in cheminformatics and drug design.
• Design and develop novel tools for analyses and visualization of chemical, chemoproteomic, biological, and structural data.
• Collaborate closely with discovery colleagues globally to enhance the overall cheminformatics and drug design platform at AbbVie. 
• Resolve research hurdles by effectively utilizing available information and technical expertise.
• Effectively write and communicate research materials.
• Proactively seek out new information in the literature and incorporate this into individual project(s) as well as the overall program.
• Publish research in peer-reviewed journals and present work at scientific conferences aligned with business objectives.
• Demonstrate a high degree of responsibility in maintaining scientific standards.

Basic Qualifications

• PhD in Computational Science (cheminformatics, computational chemistry, chemical engineering, chemistry, computer science or other scientific area with a computational emphasis) required.
• 3-5 years postdoctoral or industry experience strongly preferred.
• Best-in-class credentials in cheminformatics, computational chemistry, or relevant areas of computer science and applied mathematics.
• Scientific programming experience (e.g., Python).
• Record of scientific initiative and creativity in research or development activities.
• Capable of working independently, interpreting data, and identifying appropriate follow-up strategies.
• Excellent project management skills. Ability to multitask and work within timelines.
• Ability to resolve key project hurdles and assumptions by effectively utilizing available information and technical expertise.
• Demonstrated scientific writing skills and strong verbal communication skills.
• Global mindset to thrive in a diverse culture and environment.

Preferred

• Familiarity with state-of-the-art modeling and cheminformatics packages (e.g., RDKit, MOE, Schrodinger).
• Proficiency with scientific programming/scripting (e.g., Python, Java, C, pipeline pilot, Knime), SQL, Linux, shell scripting and command line, or data analytics (e.g., Spotfire).
• Experience with data mining, statistical analysis, machine learning, or artificial intelligence.

Key Leadership Competencies:

• Builds strong relationships with peers and cross functionally with partners outside of team to enable higher performance.
• Learns fast, grasps the "essence" and can change course quickly where indicated.
• 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 to reality.

AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer including disability/vets. It is AbbVie’s policy to employ qualified persons of the greatest ability without discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, status as a disabled veteran, recently separated veteran, Armed Forces service medal veteran or active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran or a person’s relationship or association with a protected veteran, including spouses and other family members, or any other protected group status. We will take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified minorities, women, individuals with a disability, disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, Armed Forces service medal veterans or active-duty wartime or campaign badge veterans. The Affirmative Action Plan is available for viewing in the Human Resources office during regular business hours.