Jobs / United States / Abbvie INC
Director I, siRNA Discovery Research
Abbvie INC · 🇺🇸 Cambridge, MA, US
Sponsorship verdict
Sponsorship possible
One solid signal, not two — worth applying, and worth asking about sponsorship early.
- Employer is on a government sponsor recordThe US Department of Labor certified 177 H-1B/E-3 labor condition applications for this employer between Oct 2025 and Jun 2026 (latest Jun 2026) — the step every H-1B hire needs first. USCIS also records 94 H-1B approvals in FY2023. Source: LCA disclosure data (US Department of Labor (OFLC)).
- The posting doesn’t mention sponsorshipSilence isn’t a refusal — ask the recruiter before investing much time.
- No salary bar for this routeH-1B has no fixed salary bar: the employer must pay at least the prevailing wage for the role and area. Cap-subject employers enter a lottery weighted by wage level. Source: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/12/29/2025-23853/weighted-selection-process-for-registrants-and-petitioners-seeking-to-file-cap-subject-h-1b, rules effective 2026-02-27.
- What Abbvie INC paid sponsored hires in similar roles2 certified filings for “Intercontinental Market Access Director, Oncology” (Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists) in IL: $191k–$260k, median $225k. Most were filed at wage level IV (100%) — 4 lottery entries, ≈61% projected selection odds for cap-subject employers. Source: US Department of Labor LCA disclosure data (Oct 2025 – Jun 2026).
- Confirmed live todayWhen a source last listed this job as open.
US H-1B: cap-subject employers enter a lottery weighted by wage level — Level I gets 1 entry, Level IV gets 4 (DHS projected selection odds ≈15% at Level I to ≈61% at Level IV). Universities and non-profit research employers are cap-exempt. The $100,000 fee for new petitions from abroad is currently blocked by a court order (appeal pending).
A verdict summarises public evidence; it is not legal advice and never a guarantee — the employer and the immigration authority decide. Sign in to factor in where you can already work.
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Sponsor Radar — Abbvie INC
The US Department of Labor certified 177 H-1B/E-3 labor condition applications for this employer between Oct 2025 and Jun 2026 (latest Jun 2026) — the step every H-1B hire needs first. USCIS also records 94 H-1B approvals in FY2023. Source: LCA disclosure data (US Department of Labor (OFLC)).
Past sponsorship or register membership never guarantees sponsorship for this vacancy or for you. Full Sponsor Radar for Abbvie INC →
About the role
This role will serve as a key scientific and strategic leader within BGM, shaping AbbVie's siRNA discovery portfolio and enabling the successful translation of RNAi technologies into differentiated therapeutic candidates across multiple Therapeutic Areas. Lead the advancement and expansion of a cross-therapeutic siRNA portfolio by leveraging and evolving AbbVie's established RNAi capabilities, driving asset strategy, and partnering closely with Therapeutic Areas to identify, prioritize, and advance high-value opportunities. This leader will direct a multidisciplinary team of 10+ scientists and drive scientific, portfolio, and organizational decisions that accelerate the progression of siRNA medicines from concept to development candidates. Responsibilities: • Define and execute the strategic roadmap for siRNA discovery capabilities , aligning platform investments and portfolio priorities with the needs of AbbVie's core Therapeutic Areas to build a sustainable pipeline of differentiated genetic medicine opportunities. • Partner closely with Therapeutic Area leaders to identify, evaluate, and prioritize therapeutic opportunities , applying rigorous scientific and business criteria to focus resources on programs with the highest probability of success and impact. • Lead the advancement of early discovery siRNA programs from concept through candidate-enabling validation , utilizing milestone-based decision making, clear Go/No-Go criteria, and a fast-fail, fast-learn approach to portfolio progression. • Serve as the primary scientific and strategic interface between BGM and Therapeutic Areas , ensuring alignment on program objectives, timelines, risks, and development strategies while fostering productive cross-functional partnerships. • Drive scientific innovation by integrating emerging advances in RNAi technologies , including oligonucleotide chemistry, delivery systems, and targeting approaches, while establishing external collaborations that strengthen AbbVie's competitive position in the field. • Recruit, develop, and lead a high-performing multidisciplinary team , fostering a culture of scientific excellence, innovation, accountability, and collaboration, while representing BGM discovery efforts across governance and strategic leadership forums. • Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or a related field, or a related discipline, with 10+ years of biotech/pharmaceutical industry experience. • Deep expertise in siRNA therapeutics, oligonucleotide chemistry, RNA biology, genetic medicines, or related drug discovery modalities. • Demonstrated track record of leading discovery-stage programs and advancing therapeutic assets through key decision points. • Experience building and leading multidisciplinary scientific teams, including direct people management and talent development. • Proven ability to influence and partner effectively across matrix organizations, including Therapeutic Areas, Safety, CMC, and Clinical Development. • Strong external scientific presence with experience establishing productive collaborations with academic and industry partners. Preferred • Experience advancing siRNA or ASO programs into development. • Knowledge of oligonucleotide delivery technologies and emerging RNA-targeting approaches. Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law: • The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Company believes in good faith it will pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location, and we may ultimately pay more