Director, Obesity Discovery Research - North Chicago Illinois

Company: AbbVie
Location: North Chicago, Illinois
Posted On: 03/26/2026

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 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. AbbVie is expanding its presence in the Obesity Therapeutics area starting with the development of a long-acting amylin analog (licensed from Gubra). We are seeking an experienced scientific leader to lead innovative research in a matrix environment in the area of obesity, focusing on the discovery, validation, and advancement of novel therapeutics. Utilize cross-functional expertise and external collaborations to develop next-generation therapies using diverse modalities. This leadership role offers an opportunity to shape departmental strategy, leverage top-tier facilities, and contribute to cutting-edge research in obesity science. Responsibilities: Develop and implement a strategic vision for obesity discovery research, leveraging internal capabilities and external partnerships with CROs, academic institutions, biotech companies, and key opinion leaders. Establish and lead efforts to develop therapeutics the target CNS-driven appetite regulation and/or energy expenditure, utilizing multiple modalities (e.g., biologics, nucleic acid therapies, small molecules). Design and execute research programs utilizing advanced in vitro and in vivo assays, biomarker discovery, and translational approaches to support the evolution of obesity and comorbidity pipelines. Guide multidisciplinary teams (internal and/or external) in discovery and preclinical development, fostering innovation and scientific autonomy. Formulate translational strategies for target engagement, biomarker development, and patient segmentation in first-in-human dose trials. Monitor and incorporate emerging research, technology, and competitive intelligence relevant to obesity. Identify, evaluate, and champion external collaborations and licensing opportunities to enhance pipeline diversity. Maintain and expand relationships with KOLs and academic partners, ensuring ongoing strategic alignment and participation in high-impact scientific forums. Qualifications PhD, MD, or MD/PhD in Neuroscience, Metabolic Disorders, Physiology, or related life sciences. Minimum 10 years of industry drug discovery experience with a proven track record of advancing programs from early discovery to clinical development and publication in peer-reviewed journals. Extensive hands-on expertise in in vitro and in vivo models relevant to obesity, neuroendocrine systems, metabolic mechanisms, and appetite regulation. Leadership in managing, mentoring, and developing scientific teams in multidisciplinary environments is highly preferred. Proven success in research strategy, drug discovery processes, translational and biomarker research, data science, and human genetics. Strong communication skills and the ability to influence stakeholders including leadership, team members, academic collaborators, and external partners. Strategic thinker with familiarity in competitive intelligence, scientific due diligence, and external asset evaluation. Additional Information Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state orlocal law: The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Companybelieves ingood faith it will pay for this role at the timeof this posting based on the job grade for this position.Individualcompensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location, andwemay ultimatelypay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in thefuture. We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick),medical/dental/visioninsurance and 401(k) to eligibleemployees. This job is eligible to participate in our short-term incentiveprograms. Note: No amount of payis considered to bewages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, anddeterminable.The amount and availability of any bonus,commission, incentive, benefits, or any other form ofcompensation and benefitsthat are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole andabsolutediscretion unless and until paid andmay be modified at the Companys sole and absolute discretion, consistent withapplicable 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 More...

Register an account with us and set up job agents! We'll email you immediately when jobs like this are posted on our site.