AbbVie: Principal Research Scientist I, Checkpoint Immunology — Cambridge, MA, United States

About AbbVie

AbbVie is a biopharmaceutical business focused on discovering and delivering medicines and related health solutions. Its employer introduction identifies immunology, oncology and neuroscience among its therapeutic areas, alongside the Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. The organisation's stated mission connects current health problems with the development of treatments for future medical needs. Its activities therefore have both scientific and product-delivery dimensions, with different functions supporting research, medicines and services within the named therapeutic and aesthetics areas.

The position and its setting

AbbVie lists Principal Research Scientist I, Checkpoint Immunology in Cambridge, MA, United States, under reference R00152419. The details below separate the work described by the employer from essential conditions, preferred experience and practical preparation advice.

• Employment type: Full-time
• Employer listing date: 24 October 2026
• Brands: AbbVie

Responsibilities and work described

• The Checkpoint Immunology group is seeking an experienced Principal Research Scientist I to advance novel immune checkpoint programs for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases
• Delivery: scientific leadership across discovery and translational research activities, driving innovative therapeutic concepts from target identification through candidate nomination
• This role is ideal for a scientist who combines deep immunology expertise with a drug discovery mindset, enjoys solving challenging biological questions in emerging areas of science, and thrives in a collaborative, cross-functional environment
• Leadership: the scientific strategy and execution of one or more discovery-stage immunology programs
• Drive biological understanding of novel immune regulatory pathways and translate insights into therapeutic opportunities
• Leadership: from the bench by designing, executing, and interpreting critical experiments while mentoring other scientists
• Building: scientific capability within the team and foster a drug discovery mindset
• Integration: biology, pharmacology, translational sciences, and external collaborations to advance program objectives
• Coordination: cross-functional workflows and drive alignment across multidisciplinary teams
• Quality / delivery: high-quality project planning through sound experimental design, early risk assessment and robust contingency planning through integrated timelines
• Contribution: to PK/PD, translational, and biomarker strategies that support candidate selection and development decisions
• Foster a collaborative, high-performing team culture through mentorship, scientific rigor, and effective teamwork

Essential requirements and candidate background

• Required
• PhD with typically 6+ years of experience
• MS or equivalent education with typically 12+ years of experience; or BS or equivalent education with typically 14+ years of extensive experience in Immunology, Cell Biology, Pharmacology, or related discipline
• Significant experience in immunology drug discovery; ability to innovate and deliver new or improved lead and candidate molecules
• Experience: biologics, bispecific antibodies, multispecific therapeutics, or other immune-modulating modalities
• Expertise in immune cell biology, autoimmune disease, immune regulation, and/or checkpoint biology
• Independently lead scientific strategy and execution in a matrixed environment
• Communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills

Preferred experience and additional strengths

• Experience advancing programs from target validation through candidate nomination
• Experience designing and interpreting in vitro and in vivo pharmacology studies, including PK/PD assessments
• Translational research and biomarker development experience
• Ability to integrate cross-functional activities and drive execution across complex research programs
• The Ideal Candidate
• This individual will be recognized for scientific excellence, execution, mentorship, and the ability to translate complex biology into impactful therapeutic strategies

Location, schedule and contract conditions

For this overseas or regional listing, confirm work authorisation and any location restrictions with the employer. The location does not establish visa sponsorship or permission to work remotely from India.

• Work arrangement: On-site
• Advertised location: Cambridge, MA, United States

Conditions requiring the complete notice

Some passages contain complex or combined conditions that have not been reduced to short eligibility statements here. Read the complete linked notice for those passages, including any alternatives, exceptions or restrictions. The concise facts above should not be treated as the full wording of every condition.

Pay and application dates

A verified salary figure is not established in this article. An online estimate for another Principal Research Scientist I, Checkpoint Immunology vacancy is not an offer for reference R00152419; use the employer’s own pay disclosure and recruitment communication.

A closing date is not confirmed in this article. Check the current employer page before submitting: an undated posting can change or be withdrawn.

How to apply to AbbVie

Applications follow the official employer page linked below.

Open the official AbbVie posting below and match the title and reference R00152419.

Compare your qualifications and experience with the essential conditions for the Cambridge, MA, United States position, then read the preferred criteria separately.

Prepare an accurate CV and the supporting items requested in that employer’s application. Provide only information and documents you are authorised to share.

Use the employer’s application option, complete the required fields and review the submission. Retain the acknowledgement when one is provided. Job Alerts World does not receive the application.

Practical preparation: pharmacy

For pharmacy or pharmaceutical-industry roles, separate the academic qualification, any professional registration and the relevant work experience. Explain the product, process or business context that matches your background.

Relevant skills

• pharmacy
• laboratory testing
• communication