Principal Research Scientist I, Process Chemistry (Biocatalysis) Job at AbbVie Inc., North Chicago, IL

  • AbbVie Inc.
  • North Chicago, IL

Job Description


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  . Follow @abbvie on  LinkedIn, Facebook ,  Instagram ,  X and  YouTube.

Job Description

The Process Chemistry group is responsible for inventing and executing the chemical processes for preparing active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) to enable toxicology studies, clinical trials, and drug product development for AbbVie’s pre-clinical and clinical candidates. We create valuable intellectual property through composition of matter, chemical processes, and technology, resulting in the development of safe and cost-effective commercial manufacturing processes. 

AbbVie is seeking a highly skilled and innovative Principal Research Scientist I to contribute to chemical process research and development of small molecules, peptides, antibody-drug conjugates, and other modalities via expertise in biocatalysis. The selected candidate will contribute to the development of biocatalytic processes for the scalable synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), enzyme discovery, directed evolution campaigns, and application of AI/ML tools for the discovery and optimization of enzyme-catalyzed reactions. Deep expertise in biocatalysis, a strong foundation in synthetic organic chemistry, and the technical versatility to integrate modern computational and high-throughput experimentation tools into process development is required for this role. 

Responsibilities: 

  • Contribute to the setting and implementation of strategies for solving complex synthetic problems in process development, via implementation of biocatalytic methods.  

  • Contribute to the identification and design of enzymes, application of recombinant DNA techniques, heterologous protein expression, and directed evolution methodologies to engineer biocatalysts with improved activity, selectivity, and stability in support of novel or improved synthetic transformations for API process development.  

  • Leverage AI/ML tools, bioinformatics platforms, and high-throughput experimentation (HTE) to accelerate enzyme screening, optimization, and process development cycles. 

  • Participate in and/or lead project teams associated with process development and characterization for small molecules, peptides, antibody-drug conjugates, and other modalities. 

  • Connect unrelated concepts to generate new ideas and always be on the lookout for the next big win.  

  • Author and review technical reports, regulatory documents, patents, and scientific publications, present findings at internal and external scientific forums. 

  • Understand and adhere to corporate standards regarding GxP compliance, code of conduct, safety, and appropriate handling of materials. 

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD Degree in organic chemistry with typically 14+ (BS), 12+ (MS) or 6+ (PhD) years of experience.  

  • Expertise in synthetic organic chemistry with demonstrated hands-on experience in biocatalysis, including enzyme screening, characterization, and application to synthetic transformations.  

  • Proficiency in recombinant DNA techniques and protein expression for enzyme production and engineering.  

  • Experience with high-throughput experimentation (HTE) platforms and data analysis workflows for rapid enzyme identification and reaction optimization. 

  • Demonstrated ability to employ AI/ML and data science approaches to solve complex chemical synthesis problems.  

  • Demonstrated ability in innovating new chemical and automation technologies. 

  • Proven scientific leadership; strong interpersonal and communication skills for facilitating collaborations. 

  • Experience in synthetic molecule process development.  

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 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 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 and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole and absolute discretion, consistent with applicable law.

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. 

US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visit 

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

Job Tags

Full time, Local area

Similar Jobs

Bitpanda

Executive Assistant Job at Bitpanda

 ...ready to join our industry-changing team. Lets go! As an Executive Assistant at Bitpanda, you will act as a strategic operational partner...  ...our Hybrid working model, combining onsite collaboration and remote work, with an additional 25 days per year to work from a... 

Home Work Staffing

Full-Time Nanny Position Job at Home Work Staffing

 ...Overview A warm and active Darien family of three young boys ages 4, 2.5, and 1 is seeking an experienced full-time afternoon nanny. This is a two-person household staffing structure; the nanny will work alongside a part-time Household Assistant/Nanny during... 

The UPS Store Florida State University Campus #6133

Campus Mail Courier Job at The UPS Store Florida State University Campus #6133

 ...following. Other duties may be assigned. Deliver proofs and completed print orders to customers Ability to safely operate a delivery van and follow all FSU Transportation guidelines Strategize and plan delivery routes to maximize efficiency Follow all... 

Ambition 24Hours Inc

Clinical Educator (RN) Med Surg Job at Ambition 24Hours Inc

 ...6; } tr th { background-color: #f5f5f5; } Clinical Educator (RN) - Critical Care - Full-Time Opportunity POSITION OVERVIEW...  ...Deliver classroom, clinical, and technology-based learning experiences. Ensure educational programs meet regulatory and nursing... 

Confidential

Travel Registered Nurse Nurse Educator Job Job at Confidential

 ...Job Overview TLC Nursing Associates, Inc. is seeking an experienced RN Nurse Educator for travel assignments in healthcare facilities. This role involves developing and implementing educational programs for nursing staff, ensuring high-quality patient care,...