Principal Research Scientist I, Engineering at AbbVie — North Chicago, IL

Process engineers support API and natural products projects through all phases of late-stage development, commercialization, and product life cycle. This position is responsible for assessing key unit operations (e.g., reactions, crystallizations) for process robustness, scientific understanding, and potential scale-up risks from the lab to a manufacturing environment. Effective cross-functional interactions with other functions (e.g., technical, quality, regulatory) and on-site manufacturing personnel are key for successful job performance.

Purpose

Lead research and/or project activities with a group of scientists within the individual’s area of expertise by effectively mentoring, guiding and/or supervising scientific personnel. Oversee the design, implementation, and optimization of processes for key modalities (e.g., small molecule APIs, antibody drug conjugates, peptides, and natural products) from development to commercialization. Independently conceive, execute and communicate novel multi-disciplinary research or development strategies that achieve project and area goals. Serve as a lead scientist on his/her own project and contribute scientific insights into multiple other projects.

Responsibilities

• Leverage core chemical engineering principles (chemical kinetics, transport phenomena, thermodynamics, mathematical modeling) in experimental design, thought process in problem-solving, and data analysis.
• Understand and adhere to corporate standards regarding code of conduct, safety, appropriate handling of materials, controlled drug and radioactive compounds, and GxP compliance.
• Effectively function as a principal investigator, generating original technical ideas and research or development strategies.
• Demonstrate creative 'out of the box' thinking to solve difficult problems and champion new technologies to achieve project goals.
• Independently responsible for project science within his/her area of expertise on one or more project teams.
• Make significant contributions to project team through lab-based, or other work environments, activities.
• Generate new scientific proposals and lead those efforts. Anticipate and critically evaluate scientific or regulatory advances or competitive threats and respond with appropriate new strategies.
• Recognized and sought out as an expert in his/her discipline within the company and possibly externally.
• Primary author of publications, presentations, regulatory documents and/or primary inventor of patents. Present at leading scientific conferences.
• Mentor/supervise a team of one or more and evaluate the performance of those individuals; is accountable for the effective performance of the team/individuals.
• BS, MS, or PhD in chemical engineering or a related field and 14+ (BS), 12+ (MS), or 6+ (PhD) years of relevant industrial experience.
• Possess excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Possess thorough theoretical and practical understanding of own scientific discipline.
• Demonstrated ability to function as a principal investigator, generating original technical ideas and research or development strategies.
• Experienced and demonstrated success as primary author of publications, presentations, regulatory documents and/or primary inventor of patents.
• Demonstrated scientific communication and presentation skills by presenting at leading scientific conferences.

Key Leadership Competencies:

• Builds strong relationships with peers and cross-functionally with partners outside of team.
• Learns fast, understands key objectives, and can change course quickly where indicated.
• Raises the bar and is never satisfied with the status quo.
• Creates a learning environment, open to suggestions and experimentation for improvement.
• Embraces the ideas of others, nurtures innovation.
• Demonstrates excellent technical and personal mentorship of others.

• 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.