AbbVie · North Chicago, IL

Senior Principal Research Scientist / Principal Research Scientist II

Full-timeNorth Chicago, ILPosted 2026-07-07Apply on SmartRecruiters

Full job description

Description

AbbVie is a global, research-based biopharmaceutical company formed in 2013, following separation from Abbott. AbbVie combines the focus and passion of a leading-edge biotech with the expertise and capabilities of a long-established pharmaceutical leader, to develop and market advanced therapies that address some of the world's most complex and serious diseases.  AbbVie employs approximately 50,000 people worldwide and markets medicines in more than 170 countries. AbbVie Process Chemistry is seeking a Senior Principal Research Scientist to conduct process research and development of drug conjugates, peptides, and small molecules from pre-clinical through early clinical phases.

Key Responsibilities:

  • The candidate will lead the setting and implementation of the Process Chemistry strategy for projects across therapeutic modalities and will serve as a cross-functional expert influencing overall strategy across Synthetic Molecules CMC R&D.
  • The candidate will lead project teams in process development and characterization across modalities.
  • Lead the development and characterize processes in the laboratory and translate them to scalable processes.
  • Proactively advise and share knowledge and expert opinions with subordinates, peers, and senior leadership. Mentor staff in troubleshooting strategic and experimental issues.
  • Author and review key regulatory documents, laboratory data, technical memos and reports.
  • The position involves multi-disciplinary interactions with organic chemists, analytical chemists, engineers, drug product development scientists, asset strategy leadership, and program management.
  • The candidate will identify and nurture ideas for continuous improvement activities and initiatives across Synthetic Molecules CMC R&D.
  • The candidate will be responsible for setting project strategies, defining project responsibilities and timelines, developing control strategies, providing leadership in a matrixed team setting and developing robust processes for cGMP manufacturing.

*This position can be hired at the Sr. Principal Research Scientist or Principal Research Scientist II level dependent upon years of experience and education*

  • Sr. Principal Research Scientist: Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD Degree in Organic Chemistry with typically 18+ (BS), 16+ (MS) or 10+ (PhD) years of experience. Candidates with less experience may be considered for other opportunities.
  • Principal Research Scientist II: Bachelor’s Degree in Science related field with 16 years of related work; Master’s Degree Science or PharmD with 14 years of related work; PhD in Science or related field with 8 years of related work experience
  • Experience managing and developing scientific leaders and teams in CMC is required.
  • Experience with siRNA, antibody drug- and oligonucleotide-conjugates (AOCs), and high-potent compounds is preferred.
  • Proven scientific leadership; strong interpersonal and communication skills for facilitating collaborations and a demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional process development teams and represent program strategy to allied functions and leadership.
  • The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of modern organic chemistry, mechanistic theory, control strategy development (including mutagenic impurity and nitrosamine controls), and regulatory starting material strategies.
  • An understanding of global regulatory expectations and experience with authoring development reports and regulatory filings is highly desirable.

Key AbbVie Competencies:

Interacts well with diverse groups within function and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external collaborators to enable higher performance.

  • Learns fast, grasps the "essence" 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 and manages innovation to reality.

Level and compensation will be commensurate with experience.

Significant Work Activities: Continuous sitting for prolonged periods (more than 2 consecutive hours in an 8-hour day)

Travel: Yes, 5 % of the Time

Job Type: Experienced

Schedule: Full-time

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 https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/equal-employment-opportunity-employer.html

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

https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html

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Questions about this Senior Principal Research Scientist / Principal Research Scientist II role

Is the Senior Principal Research Scientist / Principal Research Scientist II role at AbbVie still open?
Yes — this posting is active and accepting applications through 2026-08-06. Listings can close once filled, so apply soon.
Where is the Senior Principal Research Scientist / Principal Research Scientist II job at AbbVie located?
This role is based in North Chicago, IL.
How do I apply for the Senior Principal Research Scientist / Principal Research Scientist II role at AbbVie?
Apply directly through AbbVie's official hiring system, or let the Jobeezy app fill out and submit the application for you automatically.
Does Jobeezy apply to jobs for me?
Yes. Jobeezy can auto-apply to roles like this Senior Principal Research Scientist / Principal Research Scientist II position on your behalf — you set your preferences once and confirm, and it handles the rest.

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