AbbVie

Senior Director, Safety Data Sciences

AbbVie • $180K — $220K *
North Chicago, IL 60064In-Person
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
11 - 15 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Advanced degree (MD, PharmD, PhD) with 15+ years in Pharmacovigilance and Drug Safety.
  • At least 8 years of leadership experience managing global teams.
  • Strong ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams at senior leadership level.
  • Excellent communication and relationship management skills with high emotional intelligence.
  • Thorough understanding of global pharmacovigilance regulations and risk management.

Responsibilities

  • Lead a global team of 40+ professionals in safety data analysis and signal detection.
  • Set strategic direction for proactive signal detection and surveillance.
  • Integrate diverse safety data sources to identify and contextualize signals.
  • Champion innovative methods for data analysis, including AI and automation.
  • Advance signal management capabilities with cutting-edge tools and mentorship.
  • Translate global PV regulations into internal compliance processes.
  • Mentor a diverse team to promote growth and innovation.
  • Collaborate with therapeutic area heads to ensure cross-functional support for safety initiatives.
  • Partner with Safety Data Architect team to optimize signal management strategies.
  • Drive continuous process improvement in safety surveillance and data analysis.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive package including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick days).
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance available.
  • 401(k) plan eligibility for employees.
  • Participation in long-term incentive programs.
Full Job Description
Job Description

Purpose:

The Head of Safety Data Sciences provides strategic, scientific and operational leadership for the Safety Data Sciences function within Global Patient Safety. The role is designed for an accomplished signal detection and surveillance leader who combines deep pharmacovigilance expertise with a forward-thinking, technology-enabled mindset. The Head of SDS will advance modern, data-driven approaches to safety surveillance and signal management across the AbbVie portfolio, including the thoughtful and responsible use of automation, analytics and AI helping to drive AbbVie's mission to deliver compassionate and innovative treatments that enhance patients' quality of life.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Lead a global team of 40+ physicians, pharmacists and healthcare professionals accountable for signal detection, safety surveillance and aggregate safety data analysis across the AbbVie portfolio, fostering accountability, scientific rigor, curiosity and mutual commitment.
  • Set the strategic direction for signal detection and surveillance, ensuring approaches are proactive, scalable and scientifically robust across development and marketed products.
  • Bring deep expertise in diverse safety data sources, including clinical trial data, spontaneous adverse event reports, real-world data, literature, electronic health records and preclinical findings, and guide the team in integrating these sources to identify, evaluate and contextualize potential signals.
  • Champion forward-thinking methods for the analysis and interpretation of safety data, including exploratory analytics, advanced visualization, automation and AI-enabled capabilities, while ensuring that all approaches remain compliant with global pharmacovigilance regulations and AbbVie guardrails.
  • Continuously advance signal management capabilities through fit-for-purpose tools, technology, training and mentorship, building organizational confidence in responsible AI and digital transformation in safety surveillance.
  • Ensure strong understanding of fast-evolving global PV regulations and translate external expectations into effective internal processes, procedures and standards that maintain compliance and support high-quality safety decision-making.
  • Mentor and develop a diverse, multidisciplinary team, promoting professional growth, inclusive leadership, scientific excellence and a mindset of innovation.
  • Partner with TA Heads to ensure appropriate cross-functional Safety Data Sciences support for each therapeutic area within Global Patient Safety.
  • Partner with the Safety Data Architect team to deliver seamless, optimized and technology-enabled signal management approaches for development products, including aligned strategies, clear communication channels for ongoing monitoring and protocols for safety issue escalation and resolution.
  • Lead the SDS team in the development and execution of major pharmacovigilance deliverables, including safety assessments, regulatory responses, risk management plans, PSURs and PADERs, in alignment with TA safety physician strategy.
  • Drive continuous process improvement across surveillance, signal management and aggregate data analysis, using data, technology and stakeholder feedback to improve quality, efficiency and consistency.


Qualifications
  • Advanced degree required (MD, PharmD, PhD) with 15+ years of experience in Pharmacovigilance and Drug Safety - in industry/academia and comprehensive expertise in product lifecycle from first-in-human studies to post-marketing.
  • At least 8 years of leadership experience managing global teams, with demonstrated success in driving impactful change.
  • Strong ability to lead diverse teams and influence senior leadership across global patient safety, R&D and Abbvie, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence in safety science and safety data analysis and interpretation.
  • Excellent skills in relationship management and communication, underpinned by emotional intelligence
  • Thorough understanding of global PV regulations, risk management, labelling and the interconnectedness of safety science, real world data and drug development.
  • Strong and seasoned leader able to lead, motivate and inspire a diverse and team located across multiple geographical locations.


Additional Information

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 thisposting 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 or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future.
  • We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.
  • This job is eligible to participate in our long-term incentive programs.

Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission,incentive, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole and absolute discretion unless anduntil paid and may be modified at the Company's sole and absolute discretion, consistent with applicable law.

About AbbVie

AbbVie develops pharmaceuticals and medical devices. They provide products and services to therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology, neuroscience, eye care, virology, women's health, and gastroenterology.

AbbVie Careers

Joining AbbVie means becoming part of a global team dedicated to making a remarkable impact on patients' lives. At AbbVie, our employees are united in the pursuit of groundbreaking innovation and are committed to transforming the future of healthcare with leading-edge science.

Work You’ll Do

At AbbVie, you’ll collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry to solve challenging problems that have a high impact on society. Our culture fosters growth and embraces leadership and diversity training, ensuring that every team member can thrive.

Explore Job Opportunities

AbbVie offers a wide range of job opportunities and career paths, providing a platform where professionals can propel their careers forward. From research and development to marketing and sales, the potential to make a significant impact is limitless.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with an AbbVie internship. Our programs provide invaluable industry experience and a chance to develop essential skills in a real-world setting. Interns at AbbVie are considered integral members of the team and are given tasks that are both challenging and rewarding.

Professional Growth and Development

We believe in nurturing our team's professional growth through comprehensive training programs, leadership development opportunities, and continuous learning. Our commitment to your career growth is reflected in our robust offerings that enhance your skills and knowledge.

Benefits and Culture

AbbVie is dedicated to supporting our employees' well-being both inside and outside of work. Our benefits package includes health, financial, and social benefits that are designed to support the diverse needs of our employees. Our inclusive culture encourages collaboration and innovation, fostering a workplace where all can excel.

Hiring Process

Our hiring process is designed to ensure a match that will be beneficial both for the company and for your career aspirations. From resume submission to interview, each step is an opportunity to showcase your skills and fit with the AbbVie team.

Networking and Career Advancement

At AbbVie, networking doesn’t just enhance your career; it propels it. We encourage our employees to engage internally and externally to build relationships that foster personal and professional growth.

Join Our Team

Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are looking for passionate, curious, and innovative team players who are ready to make a difference.

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Explore AbbVie Jobs

Whether you’re seeking to advance your career in a dynamic and empowering environment, or looking for a place where you can innovate, lead, and contribute to something bigger, AbbVie is the place for you. Join us in our mission to discover and deliver innovative medicines that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow.
Learn more about AbbVie
Size
50,000 employees
Market Cap
$288.5 billion
Industry
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Net Income
$4.6 billion
Founded
2013
5 Year Trend
+17%
Revenue
$45.8 billion
NASDAQ
ABBV
* Ladders Estimates

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