Scientific Affairs Director

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 115,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

WORKING AT ABBOTT:

At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and family, be your true self and live a full life. You’ll also have access to:

• Career development with an international company where you can grow the career you dream of.
• Employees can qualify for free medical coverage in our Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO medical plan.
• An excellent retirement savings plan with high employer contribution
• Tuition reimbursement, the Freedom 2 Save student debt program and FreeU education benefit - an affordable and convenient path to getting a bachelor’s degree
• A company recognized as a great place to work in dozens of countries around the world and named one of the most admired companies in the world by Fortune.
• A company that is recognized as one of the best big companies to work for as well as a best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists.

THE OPPORTUNITY:

We are seeking a Director of Research & Scientific Affairs to provide scientific leadership across our Point of Care and Diagnostics portfolio, with a focus on clinical chemistry, biochemistry, and molecular diagnostics. This role requires a PhD‑level scientist with a strong publication record, industry experience, and the ability to engage thought leaders and senior executives while leading high‑impact research and evidence generation strategies.

WHAT YOU’LL WORK ON:

• Collaborate with Development, Marketing, Clinical, and Regulatory teams to ensure optimal execution of data acquisition, feature development, and implementation, and to support testing of new product features once incorporated into devices. Accountable for the performance of subordinates and the work output of managed subcontractors.
• Manage performance, analysis, and interpretation of research data from multiple sources, including clinical studies, animal models, mathematical models, and bench experiments. Provide strategic and tactical leadership in defining new product features or therapies based on research and a thorough understanding of clinical needs and benefits.
• Provide tactical and strategic input to the research organization based on clinical needs and field input. Define and collaborate with researchers to establish projects that drive product improvements aligned with identified clinical needs.
• Manage researchers developing data collection and analytical methods; utilize sophisticated tools to collect, organize, and analyze research data generated both internally and by external research partners.
• Provide expert leadership in study design, including observational studies, interventional clinical trials, health economics and outcomes research (HEOR), and real-world evidence generation.
• Create, review, and critically evaluate research protocols, statistical analysis plans, and study endpoints to ensure scientific rigor and relevance.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Clinical Development, Biostatistics, Regulatory, Medical Writing, and Quality to ensure compliant and timely study execution.
• Prepare monthly research progress reports. Coordinate, contribute to, and author technical papers, abstracts, and articles. Deliver presentations at internal scientific and medical meetings, as well as external forums, to promote research activities and provide scientific credibility for diagnostics products.
• Develop project plans and manage complex assignments with minimal supervision. Review project plans and progress with executive research management, track deliverables, and work with researchers to maintain project schedules.
• Provide creative and scientific input toward novel therapies at the Emerging Indication level.
• Contribute to and establish project budgets as required, including capital, personnel, external research funding, materials, and preclinical testing requirements.
• Hire and retain a diverse, highly qualified staff; provide ongoing performance feedback; set goals aligned with departmental plans; and drive execution through coaching and mentoring while maintaining a safe and professional work environment.
• Ensure compliance with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, applicable regulatory requirements, and company policies and procedures. Maintain positive and effective collaboration with employees, customers, contractors, and vendors at all levels.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• PhD required in Biomedical Engineering, Clinical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a closely related scientific discipline or MD, MD/PhD with strong research background
• Strong publication record in peer‑reviewed journals; demonstrating depth of scientific expertise and research impact.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive research experience, with 5+ years of industry experience, preferably in diagnostics, medical devices, or point‑of‑care technologies.
• Demonstrated strong research background with hands‑on experience leading studies from concept through execution and publication.
• Minimum 3–5 years of people management or supervisory experience in a scientific or technical environment.
• Proven experience engaging KOLs, external researchers, and professional societies.
• Track record of influencing and collaborating with senior and executive leadership.

Learn more about our health and wellness benefits, which provide the security to help you and your family live full lives: 

Follow your career aspirations to Abbott for diverse opportunities with a company that can help you build your future and live your best life. Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to employee diversity.

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The base pay for this position is $149,300.00 – $298,700.00. In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.