AbbVie · Westport, MO

Principal Research Scientist I at AbbVie — Westport, MO

Full-timeWestport, MOPosted 2026-07-16Apply on SmartRecruiters

Full job description

AbbVie Westport is the largest operating facility in the AbbVie global network, the site is a dynamic, fast-paced environment with a strong pipeline of new product introductions, technology transfers, and development projects spanning both small and large molecule programs.

We are looking for a talented and driven Principal Research Scientist I to join our team, supporting the Small Molecule Business Units. This is an exciting opportunity to play a central role in bringing innovative ophthalmic products to patients worldwide, working within a highly collaborative team of scientific and technical professionals.

Purpose:

To lead research and project activities, as well as the professional development of a small group of scientists, within the area of expertise through effective mentoring, guidance, and supervision. This role will independently conceive, execute, and communicate innovative multidisciplinary research or development strategies that support project and functional goals, while serving as a lead scientist on their own project and contributing scientific insight across multiple other projects. In addition, the role will act as an effective people leader, fostering team development, engagement, and high performance.

Responsibilities

  • Supervise a team of scientists. Evaluate the performance of those individuals; be accountable for the effective performance of the team/individuals. Foster individual development within the team.
  • Proactively contributes to the performance and growth of the wider analytical department. Promote integration within global PDS&T function.
  • Effectively function as a principle investigator/project manager, generating original technical ideas and research or development strategies.
  • Demonstrate creative 'out of the box' thinking to solve difficult problems and champion new technologies to achieve project goals.
  • Independently responsible for project science within his/her area of expertise on one or more project teams.
  • Make significant contributions to project team through lab based, or other work environments, activities.
  • Generate new scientific proposals and lead those efforts. Anticipate and critically evaluate scientific or regulatory advances or competitive threats and respond with appropriate new strategies.
  • Recognized and sought out as an expert in his/her discipline within the company and possibly externally.
  • Primary author of publications, presentations, regulatory documents and/or primary inventor of patents. Present at leading scientific conferences.

•BSc or equivalent education and extensive, typically 14+ years of experience; MS or equivalent education with typically 12+ years of experience; PhD with typically 6+ years of experience in area or scientific area of discipline.

•Demonstrated ability to function as a principle investigator, generating original technical ideas and research or development strategies.

•Demonstrate creative 'out of the box' thinking to solve difficult technical problems and champion new technologies to achieve project goals.

•Recognized and sought out as an expert in his/her discipline within the company and possibly externally.

•Experienced and demonstrated success as primary author of publications, presentations, regulatory documents and/or primary inventor of patents.

•Demonstrated scientific communication and presentation skills by presenting at leading scientific conferences.