People. Passion. Possibilities. Three words that make a world of difference.

More than a job. It's a chance to make a real difference.

At Abb Vie, we strive to push the boundaries of science and innovation to improve life quality globally. As part of our vibrant team, you'll help transform the possibilities in neurological and psychiatric care into realities. Join a global powerhouse with over 50,000 employees worldwide, including 3,000 in Germany, where your expertise will address tomorrow's unmet medical needs.

We are seeking an Executive Director, Discovery Neuroscience of our research team in Ludwigshafen, Germany who will be responsible for leading a multidisciplinary team of approximately 80+ world-class scientists including molecular and cell biology as well as in-vivo pharmacology while collaborating within a global network of teams across Medicinal Chemistry, Toxicology, Genomics, Translational Sciences, and DMPK.

You will join the Neuroscience and Ophthalmology Discovery Leadership Team and will share accountability for the success of the pipeline at Abb Vie. You will represent and champion the Ludwigshafen team both locally and cross-functionally within the broader Abb Vie community.

Additionally you will also participate in providing scientific insights that advance compelling opportunities through the pipeline, including access to appropriate cellular and animal models, selection of optimal translational strategies and introduction of new technologies. You will advise on and share accountability for transitions across major drug discovery/development milestones, will access and evaluate the scientific merits of potential biotechnology alliances, help to extract value from Abb Vie’s participation in public-private consortia, consider and evaluate both internal pipeline and external licensing opportunities and guide Abb Vie’s research alliances and collaboration efforts in the defined area of diseases.

Together, we break through – as Executive Director, Discovery Neuroscience (all genders)

We seek an inspiring leader with a Ph.D. in Neuroscience, who has driven programs from target identification to clinical milestones, and commands exceptional communication, mentoring, and alliance-building skills.

Make your mark by:

• Leading an elite team of scientists, fostering breakthroughs in molecular and cell biology, pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, and beyond.
• Contributing to Abb Vie's Neuroscience and Ophthalmology Discovery Leadership Team, accelerating our pipeline's success through pioneering scientific insight and cross-functional collaboration.
• Contributing to Neuroscience and Ophthalmology’s strategic direction and overall productivity through effective management of scientific, technology, and human resources
• Translating insights into novel target identification, validation and advancement through early clinical development.
• Understanding the scientific/clinical/regulatory/commercial environment of Neuroscience indications and uses this knowledge to advance a discovery portfolio that is balanced with respect to risk, modality, and target class.
• Making highly critical but educated decisions based on review of all important information and data to effectively lead cross-disciplinary teams.
• Autonomously managing multiple projects and project leaders/directors and effectively communicating strategy and priority within the therapeutic area and across functional areas.
• Mentoring leaders, develops staff, and promotes culture of collaboration and teamwork.
• Contributing regularly to diligence efforts to support external innovation and business development opportunities.

This is how you can make a difference

• Ph.D. in Neuroscience or related field with a minimum of 15 years of industry/biotech leadership experience.
• Deep understanding of the complexities of neuroscience drug discovery and a proven track record of successfully advancing novel programs from target identification through early clinical development.
• Demonstrated ability to recruit, mentor, develop, and empower teams to deliver program / portfolio goals.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Experience in interacting with executive-level management is desired and fluency in both English and German is strongly preferred.
• Effectively networks with external opinion leaders. When appropriate, manages external research collaborations and makes significant contributions to the Therapeutic Area strategy.

What we offer you:

• with a diverse work environment where you can have a real impact
• with an open corporate culture
• with an attractive salary
• with an intensive onboarding process with a mentor at your side
• with flexible work models for a healthy work-life balance
• with a corporate health management that offers comprehensive health and exercise programs
• with company social benefits
• with a wide range of career opportunities in an international organization
• with top-tier, attractive development opportunities
• with a strong international network

Multiple times, we have been globally recognized as a "Great Place to Work" and we are proud to provide our employees with the flexibility to maintain a healthy work-life balance. We take our impact on the environment and our communities seriously and therefore focus on giving something back on a regular basis. We are committed to equality, equity, diversity and inclusion (EED&I) – a commitment that is fundamental to us. This includes appreciating different perspectives, creating an inclusive culture and treating all employees with dignity and respect.

We invite applications for the pivotal role of Executive Director, Neuroscience Discovery, who will spearhead groundbreaking research and innovation in Ludwigshafen. At Abb Vie, your individual contributions count – help us move mountains together. Be a part of our success, grow with us and accomplish more than you could have imagined. Sounds like the perfect career opportunity for you? We look forward to receiving your application! All you need is a complete CV – we will discuss everything else with you in person.

Ausschreibungsrange: The position is remunerated with AT

An internal application always requires a certain degree of transparency. So please remember when you want to inform the current manager about it. If there is any uncertainty on this subject, your BHR Partner, Talent Acquisition and colleagues on the Works Council will also be available for information.

Any questions? Feel free to email us at Anneke.

Janz@abbvie.com – we look forward to hearing from you!

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.

US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visit https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/equal-employment-opportunity-employer.html

US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more:

https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html

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 several key therapeutic areas – immunology, oncology, neuroscience, and eye care – and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about Abb Vie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Tik Tok.