Future Opportunities - Join our Talent Pipeline for Sr Scientist Process Chemistry

Allergan; North Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

AbbVie is seeking a Senior Scientist in Process Chemistry to lead chemical process research and development from preclinical stages through early clinical phases. You will design and optimize scalable synthetic routes for small molecules, conjugates, and related modalities, enabling toxicology studies and drug product development.

The role requires strong synthetic chemistry expertise, the ability to work independently, and collaboration across disciplines to deliver robust, patentable processes

Qualifications

• PhD in Organic Chemistry with extensive research experience.
• Strong theoretical and practical understanding of organic synthesis and purification.
• Experience with peptides, bioconjugations, biocatalysis, AI/ML, or oligonucleotides is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute chemical processes to support clinical development.
• Demonstrate scientific initiative to resolve project hurdles.
• Publish research in peer‑reviewed journals and present at conferences.

Skills

Organic chemistry

Synthetic chemistry

Bioconjugation

NMR

LC-MS

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Organic Chemistry

Tools

NMR

LC-MS

Job description

Company Description

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 – immunology, oncology, neuroscience, and eye care – and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio.

For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedInand Tik Tok.

Job Description

The Process Chemistry team is responsible for inventing and executing the chemical processes and preparing active pharmaceutical ingredient (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 Process Chemistry is seeking a highly motivated Senior Scientist to conduct chemical process research and development, supporting projects from pre-clinical stages through early clinical phases.

Key Responsibilities

• The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and executing chemical processes to support clinical development of potential therapies, which may include small molecules, antibody drug conjugates, peptides, and/or oligonucleotides.
• Routinely demonstrate scientific initiative and creativity in research or development activities to resolve key project hurdles.
• Learns fast, grasps the 'essence', and can change course quickly where indicated.
• Builds strong relationships with peers and cross functionally with partners outside of team to enable higher performance.
• Highly autonomous and productive in performing laboratory research or method development, requiring only minimal direction from or interaction with supervisor.
• Maintain a high level of productivity in the laboratory setting.
• Publish research in peer-reviewed journals and present their work at scientific conferences.
• Creates a learning environment, embraces the ideas of others, open to suggestions and experimentation for improvement.
• Adheres to corporate standards regarding code of conduct, safety, quality, and appropriate handling of materials.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD Degree in Organic Chemistry with typically 10+ (BS), 8+ (MS) or 0+ (PhD) years of experience
• Possesses a thorough theoretical and practical understanding of own scientific discipline.
• A broad range of functional expertise in modern synthetic organic chemistry, compound purification, spectral analysis/interpretation. Experience in peptides, bioconjugations, biocatalysis, AI/ML, or oligonucleotides is also desired.
• An ability to search the chemical literature and evaluate potential solutions to synthetic problems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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