Principal Research Scientist I, Process Chemistry (Biocatalysis)

ABBVIE; North Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 125,000 - 237,000; Full time

Job summary

AbbVie is seeking a Principal Research Scientist I in Process Chemistry with biocatalysis expertise to advance scalable API synthesis. You will lead enzyme discovery, engineering, and development, integrating AI/ML and high-throughput workflows to accelerate optimization.

Collaboration across teams and adherence to GxP are essential in this role. Ideal candidates bring strong organic/inorganic chemistry fundamentals, hands-on biocatalysis experience, and leadership skills to drive innovative

Qualifications

• Expert in biocatalysis for scalable API synthesis.
• Experience with enzyme discovery and directed evolution.
• Proficiency in recombinant DNA techniques and protein expression.
• Ability to apply AI/ML tools to optimize enzyme-catalyzed reactions.
• Experience with high-throughput experimentation (HTE).

Responsibilities

• Contribute to setting and implementing strategies for solving complex synthetic problems via biocatalytic methods.
• Identify and design enzymes; apply recombinant DNA and directed evolution to engineer better biocatalysts.
• Leverage AI/ML, bioinformatics, and HTE to accelerate enzyme screening and process development.
• Participate in and/or lead project teams for API process development and characterization.
• Document findings, ensure compliance with GxP and quality standards.

Skills

Biocatalysis

Enzyme screening

Recombinant DNA

Protein expression

AI/ML tools

Data analysis

HTE platforms

Leadership

Communication

Education

Inorganic chemistry

Tools

HTE platforms

AI/ML tools

Data analysis workflows

Recombinant DNA techniques

Job description

Principal Research Scientist I, Process Chemistry (Biocatalysis)

• Full-time
• Salary Min: 124500
• Salary Max: 236500
• Workday Global Grade: 19
• Compensation: USD 124500 - USD 236500 - yearly

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 atwww.abbvie.com . Follow @abbvie onLinkedIn, Facebook ,Instagram ,X andYouTube.

The ProcessChemistrygroup is responsible for inventing and executing the chemical processesforpreparing active pharmaceuticalingredients(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 ScientistItocontribute tochemical process research and developmentof small molecules, peptides, antibody-drug conjugates, and other modalitiesviaexpertisein biocatalysis.The selected candidate willcontribute tothe development of biocatalytic processes for the scalable synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs),enzyme discovery,directed evolution campaigns,and application ofAI/MLtoolsfor the discovery and optimization of enzyme-catalyzed reactions.Deep expertise inbiocatalysis,astrong foundation insynthetic organic chemistry, and the technical versatility to integrate modern computational and high-throughput experimentation tools into process developmentis required for this role.

Responsibilities:

Contribute to thesetting andimplementation of strategiesfor solvingcomplexsyntheticproblems in process development,via implementation ofbiocatalytic methods.

Contribute to theidentification and design of enzymes, application ofrecombinant 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 forsmall molecules,peptides, antibody-drug conjugates,and other modalities.

Connect unrelated concepts to generate new ideasand 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 regardingGxPcompliance, code of conduct, safety, and appropriate handling of materials.

Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD Degree inorganicchemistry with typically 14+ (BS), 12+ (MS) or6+ (PhD) years of experience.

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

Proficiency inrecombinant DNA techniquesand protein expression for enzyme production and engineering.

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

Demonstrated ability to employ AI/MLanddata science approaches to solve complexchemical synthesis problems.

Demonstrated ability ininnovating new chemical and automation technologies.

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

Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state orlocal law:

The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Companybelieves ingood faith it will pay for this role at the timeof thisposting based on the job grade for this position.Individualcompensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location,andwemayultimatelypaymore or less than the posted range. This range may bemodifiedin thefuture.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick),medical/dental/visioninsurance and 401(k) to eligibleemployees.

This job is eligible toparticipatein our long-term incentiveprograms.

Note: No amount of payis considered to bewages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, anddeterminable.The amount and availability of any bonus,commission,incentive, benefits, or any other form ofcompensation and benefitsthat are allocable to a particular employeeremainsin the Company's sole andabsolutediscretion unless anduntil paid andmay bemodifiedat the Company’s sole and absolute discretion, consistent withapplicable 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.