Director , Purification Development

About Abb Vie

Abb Vie’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 key therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology, and neuroscience, as well as products and services within our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio.

We are seeking a high-impact, innovative Director to join the Purification Development team within the Biologics Drug Substance Development organization at Abb Vie’s Bioresearch Center in Worcester, MA. This team drives end-to-end downstream process development from first-in-human through commercialization, focusing on late-stage optimization, scale-up, tech transfer, process characterization, and next-generation purification technologies.

• 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 and translate insights into actionable strategies.
• 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.
• 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.
• Generate and lead new scientific proposals and technology initiatives.
• Drive intellectual property creation and contribute to Abb Vie’s innovation pipeline.
• Author technical reports, regulatory filings, and publications, and represent Abb Vie at external scientific forums.
• 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 a related field.
• PhD with approximately 12+ years of experience, MS with approximately 16+ years, or BS with approximately 18+ years in biologics purification process development.
• Proven expertise in downstream bioprocessing, including chromatography (affinity, CEX, AEX, HIC, mixed-mode; resin and membrane systems) and filtration (depth, viral, sterile, TFF).
• Experience designing, executing, and interpreting complex experiments independently.
• Demonstrated ability to develop robust, scalable purification processes across development stages.
• Strong working knowledge of analytical techniques (e.g., HPLC) and data interpretation.
• Hands-on experience with chromatography systems (e.g., ÄKTA platforms or equivalent).
• 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 and success working in matrixed, cross-functional environments.

• Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick days), medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k).
• Short-term incentive program eligibility.
• Compensation range provided is the base pay range for this role; actual compensation may vary based on location and other factors.

Abb Vie 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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