Director I, Purification Development

We are seeking a high-impact, innovative Director to join the Purification Development team within the Biologics Drug Substance Development organization at AbbVie’s Bioresearch Center in Worcester, MA. 

Our team drives end-to-end downstream process development, from first-in-human through commercialization, across diverse biologics modalities. We are responsible for late-stage optimization, scale-up, tech transfer, and process characterization, while advancing next-generation purification technologies that enable robust, cost-effective manufacturing and create differentiated intellectual property. 

 

Role Overview: 

The Director will lead the development and advancement of robust, scalable purification processes, while shaping innovative technologies and strategies that accelerate development timelines and enable commercialization success. 

This role requires a strong foundation in biologics purification, combined with the ability to lead teams, navigate complex programs, and influence cross-functional strategy. The ideal candidate brings both deep technical expertise and a passion for hands-on process development, alongside a demonstrated ability to drive innovation and deliver results in a fast-paced, matrixed environment. 

 

Key Responsibilities 

Scientific & Technical Leadership 

• Lead development, optimization, scale-up, and tech transfer of purification processes across early- and late-stage biologics programs 
• Drive scientific innovation by identifying, developing, and implementing novel purification approaches and platform enhancements 
• Solve complex technical challenges using first-principles understanding and data-driven decision making 
• Anticipate emerging scientific, regulatory, and industry trends, translating insights into actionable strategies 

Program & Cross-Functional Leadership 

• Represent Purification Development on cross-functional CMC teams, influencing integrated development strategies 
• Lead tech transfer to pilot and GMP manufacturing sites, ensuring robust and scalable processes 
• Partner across functions (Upstream, Analytical, Manufacturing, Regulatory) to deliver end-to-end development outcomes 
• Navigate multiple, complex programs simultaneously, balancing priorities and timelines 

People & Organizational Leadership 

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of scientists, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and collaboration 
• Provide technical coaching and strategic guidance across the organization 
• Build team capability through talent development, performance management, and succession planning 

Innovation & External Impact 

• Generate and lead new scientific proposals and technology initiatives 
• Drive intellectual property creation and contribute to AbbVie’s innovation pipeline 
• Author technical reports, regulatory filings, and publications, and represent AbbVie at external scientific forums 

Execution Excellence 

• Maintain a strong connection to the laboratory, guiding experimental design and execution as needed 
• Ensure delivery of high-quality data and documentation to support regulatory submissions and commercialization 
• Communicate complex scientific concepts clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders 

 

• Advanced degree in Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or related field 
• PhD with ~12+ years, MS with ~16+ years, or BS with ~18+ years of relevant experience in biologics purification process development 
• Proven expertise in downstream bioprocessing, including: 
• Chromatography (affinity, CEX, AEX, HIC, mixed-mode; resin and membrane systems) 
• Filtration (depth, viral, sterile, TFF) 

 

Demonstrated ability to: 

• Design, execute, and interpret complex experiments independently 
• Develop robust, scalable purification processes across development stages 
• Drive technical innovation and platform advancement 
• Strong working knowledge of analytical techniques (e.g., HPLC) and data interpretation 
• Hands-on experience with chromatography systems (e.g., ÄKTA platforms or equivalent) 

Track record of: 

• Scientific leadership and cross-functional influence 
• Publications, regulatory submissions, and technical communications 
• Leading teams and developing talent 
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization 
• Collaborative mindset with demonstrated success working in matrixed, cross-functional environments 

Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization 

Collaborative mindset with demonstrated success working in matrixed, cross-functional environments 

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.

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 short-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. 

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