China Opportunity Translation and Project Lead, Biotherapeutics and Genetic Medicine

Company Description

About AbbVie

AbbVie'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 including immunology, oncology and neuroscience - and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

Job Description

The Biotherapeutics and Genetic Medicine (BGM) team at AbbVie is a critical discovery engine enabling our ambition to become the top biopharma company in the world. We combine our best-in-class internal technical platforms with the rapidly growing scientific ecosystem in China to deliver transformational large-molecule clinical development candidates to patients at unparalleled speed.

We are seeking a strategic, scientifically grounded leader to report to the Director of China Strategy, BGM. This role will translate China opportunities into clear strategic, scientific, and operational recommendations; help land and progress early BGM projects in China; and strengthen connectivity between BGM China and global stakeholders. The position will coordinate closely with CEI, Development Sciences China, Development Sciences Global, Discovery China Venture, Therapeutic Area teams, and other relevant global functions.

The role provides partial project leadership and project-management support for early programs, including IND-enabling planning and associated documentation and workstreams, as needed. The successful candidate will bring deep expertise in genetic medicine and/or biotherapeutics, sound judgment across late discovery and early development transitions, and the ability to align cross-functional teams around timely, disciplined execution.

Responsibilities:

• Translate China-related external and internal opportunities into integrated scientific, strategic, and operational assessments that inform BGM portfolio and investment decisions.
• Support scientific, technical, and development due diligence for external opportunities in China, with particular emphasis on biotherapeutics and genetic medicine.
• Serve as a primary bridge between BGM China and global stakeholders, enabling clear communication, alignment, and timely decision-making during opportunity translations.
• Coordinate across CEI, Development Sciences China, Development Sciences Global, Discovery China Venture, Therapeutic Area teams, and other relevant global functions to advance priorities and resolve cross-functional dependencies.
• Apply a clear understanding of internal evaluation standards, development-readiness criteria, and governance expectations to opportunity assessments and early project planning.
• Help land and progress early R&D projects in China by supporting transition planning, key milestones, decision points, and development readiness from late discovery through early development.
• Provide partial project leadership and project-management support, including coordination of IND-enabling activities and associated documentation and workstreams, as needed.
• Support alliance management and cross-functional execution by managing timelines, deliverables, risks, and dependencies across internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. with 5–10 years of industry experience or a master’s degree with 10–15 years of industry experience. An advanced degree is preferred.
• Background in life sciences, chemistry, or a related discipline; expertise in genetic medicine is strongly preferred.
• With relevant industry experience in genetic medicine and/or biotherapeutics discovery or development, ideally spanning discovery, development sciences, and early clinical interfaces.
• Strong understanding of late-discovery and early-development transition criteria, key decision points, and development readiness in China and global biopharmaceutical settings.
• Demonstrated ability to provide project leadership or project-management support in complex, matrixed environments.
• Experience evaluating external opportunities and conducting license-in and/or license-out due diligence.
• Strong analytical and strategic-thinking skills, with the ability to synthesize complex scientific and development information into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Fluency in English and Chinese, with exceptional written and verbal communication skills and the ability to influence across functions and geographies.
• Based in Shanghai, China, with the ability to travel frequently for external meetings, partner interactions, and conferences.
• Experience supporting IND-enabling activities, early project planning, and related documentation and workstreams is preferred.
• Familiarity with internal evaluation frameworks, governance requirements, and opportunity-assessment criteria is an advantage.
• Experience in alliance management and cross-functional coordination across China and global teams is an advantage.

Additional Information

AbbVie 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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