This role pays less than
54%
of similar roles. Most pay
$164,250–$255,600
— the shaded band above.
At the midpoint, this role pays about
$205k
versus about
$210k
for comparable roles.
Based on 240 similar postings.
Employer
About AbbVie
AbbVie is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and delivering innovative medicines and solutions in immunology, oncology, neuroscience, and eye care. Its products include Humira, Skyrizi, and Rinvoq.
AbbVie currently has
297 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$109,500–$208,500
across 271 roles with salary data.
Principal Research Scientist II, Computational Sciences, MPDD serves as a scientific leader within the Molecular Profiling and Drug Delivery organization. This role focuses on advancing computational sciences to support drug discovery and development across synthetic modalities. The scientist will lead the identification, development, and implementation of stage-appropriate computational models to optimize drug candidates from lead generation through clinical stages. Key responsibilities include designing benchmarking studies, managing a portfolio of internal workflows, and providing technical guidance to cross-functional teams including medicinal chemists and data scientists. The role requires expertise in quantum mechanics, atomistic molecular simulations, molecular dynamics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and hybrid physics-informed AI/ML models. This position addresses the challenge of establishing structure–property–performance correlations and ensuring optimal developability for small-molecule candidates by integrating advanced computational tools into screening funnels and drug-substance development processes.
What does a Research Scientist earn?
Median $216250 from 42 postings across 13 companies.
Apply quantum mechanics, molecular dynamics, and AI/ML models to design and optimize drug candidates across synthetic modalities.
Lead the development and implementation of a portfolio of internal computational models and workflows for small-molecule needs.
Provide scientific leadership in using computational chemistry for molecular design, chemical transitions, and materials design.
Guide team members in executing benchmarking studies to evaluate model performance, applicability, and limitations.
Translate complex computational results into actionable recommendations for both technical and non-technical cross-functional partners.
Mentor early- and mid-career scientists while managing research programs in a matrixed environment.
Identify emerging scientific trends and integrate them into long-term computational sciences strategies.
Build and maintain relationships with external partners to source and leverage external innovation.
What we're looking for
A Bachelor's degree with 16+ years of experience, a Master's with 14+ years, or a PhD with 8+ years in a relevant scientific field is required.
Extensive knowledge in applying computational chemistry and data science to medicinal chemistry, drug discovery, and molecular optimization is required.
Expertise in quantum mechanics, molecular dynamics, atomistic simulations, machine learning, and hybrid physics-informed AI/ML models is required.
Experience developing, evaluating, and implementing computational models across multiple stages of the drug discovery and development process is required.
Ability to establish model performance benchmarks and communicate limitations clearly to multidisciplinary project teams is required.
Demonstrated experience leading complex research programs and capability-development activities in matrixed or direct-reporting environments is required.
Experience mentoring and developing early- and mid-career scientists in a collaborative team environment is required.
Strong communication skills are required to translate complex scientific results into actionable recommendations for both technical and nontechnical audiences.
Python
R
Machine Learning
Genomics
Data Science
Cloud Computing
Large Language Models
Generative AI
Statistics
Computational Biology
Toxicology
Pharmacology
Molecular Profiling
Analytical Workflows
Dashboards