Director I, Purification Development

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
• Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law:

Additional Information

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.

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