Biocatalysis & AI-Driven Process Scientist

Allergan; North Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

AbbVie in North Chicago, IL is seeking a Principal Research Scientist to advance biocatalysis-driven API process development for small molecules, peptides and ADCs. You will lead efforts across enzyme discovery, directed evolution, and AI/ML-guided optimization to enable scalable manufacturing.

The role requires deep expertise in biocatalysis and synthetic chemistry, strong collaboration, and leadership to guide cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• PhD/MS/BS in chemistry or related field with practical biocatalysis experience.
• Hands-on enzyme screening, expression, and biocatalytic transformations.
• Experience with AI/ML data science for synthesis problems.
• Strong leadership and cross-functional collaboration abilities.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to setting and implementing strategies for solving complex synthetic problems via biocatalysis.
• Identify and design enzymes; apply recombinant DNA techniques and directed evolution.
• Leverage AI/ML, bioinformatics, and high-throughput experimentation to accelerate development.
• Lead project teams for process development and characterization of APIs.
• Connect ideas to generate new concepts and opportunities.
• Author and review technical reports, patents, and publications; present findings.

Skills

Biocatalysis

Enzyme screening

Recombinant DNA techniques

Protein expression

AI/ML methods

Synthetic organic chemistry

Leadership & collaboration

Education

Chemistry degree (BS/MS/PhD)

Tools

HTE platforms

Job description

AbbVie in North Chicago, IL is seeking a Principal Research Scientist to advance biocatalysis-driven API process development for small molecules, peptides and ADCs. You will lead efforts across enzyme discovery, directed evolution, and AI/ML-guided optimization to enable scalable manufacturing.

The role requires deep expertise in biocatalysis and synthetic chemistry, strong collaboration, and leadership to guide cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.