Scientist, Biologics Purification

AbbVie Inc.; North Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

AbbVie Inc. in North Chicago, IL, seeks a Scientist I/II in Biologics Purification to lead end-to-end purification campaigns for multi-specific antibody biologics. You will design downstream strategies, apply analytical tools, and work with cross-functional teams to accelerate therapeutic candidates from bench to discovery.

The role emphasizes chromatographic purification, data-driven decisions, and continuous process improvement within a collaborative biologics discovery science group.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in preparative-scale column chromatography techniques (i.e. affinity, IEX, HIC, multimodal) for antibody-based biologics purification
• Hands-on experience operating AKTA chromatography systems and Unicorn software
• Strong foundation in analytical characterization techniques, including HPLC, gel electrophoresis, ELISA, mass spectrometry, and related methods
• Knowledge of biologics manufacturing or process development is a plus
• Solid understanding of protein structure, molecular attributes and post-translational modifications impacting biologic quality and performance
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences
• Track record of scientific curiosity, innovation, and continuous learning
• Collaborative mindset with a passion for teamwork, scientific rigor, and delivering impactful solutions

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end purification campaigns at production-based scales for delivery of high-quality multi-specific antibody biologics to support critical research efforts and program decisions
• Design and optimize downstream purification strategies using advanced chromatography techniques to remove process impurities, mitigate product liabilities, and achieve target quality attributes
• Apply deep analytical expertise to characterize molecules, process intermediates, impurities, and final drug candidates, enabling data-driven process decisions
• Drive scientific innovation and continuous process improvement by identifying and implementing novel approaches that enhance downstream biologics development workflows
• Partner across multidisciplinary teams, translating process insights into functional results to accelerate the advancement of therapeutic candidates
• Communicate scientific findings with clarity and influence, presenting technical information to diverse audiences to support project progression and knowledge sharing

Skills

Column chromatography

AKTA Unicorn

Analytical techniques

Biologics manufacturing

Protein science

Education

BS/MS in Biochemistry/Biophysics/Biomedical/Chemical Engineering

Tools

Unicorn software

Job description

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 at www.abbvie.com . Follow @abbvie on LinkedIn, Facebook , Instagram , X and YouTube.

Join AbbVie’s Biologics Discovery Sciences group and make a tangible impact in advancing innovative biologic therapies. As a scientist specializing in Biologics Purification, you will play a pivotal role in driving drug discovery, collaborating within a dynamic team dedicated to supporting transformative science that improves patient lives worldwide. You will leverage your expertise to deliver high-purity multi-specific antibody-based biologic candidates with suitable purity/characteristics to support the advancement of vital in vitro (i.e. drug-like property assays, binding, cell-based assays, etc.) and in vivo studies (i.e. efficacy, non-GLP NHP PK, DRF, etc.).

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead end-to-end purification campaigns at production-based scales for delivery of high-quality multi-specific antibody biologics to support critical research efforts and program decisions
• Design and optimize downstream purification strategies using advanced chromatography techniques to remove process impurities, mitigate product liabilities, and achieve target quality attributes
• Apply deep analytical expertise to characterize molecules, process intermediates, impurities, and final drug candidates, enabling data-driven process decisions
• Drive scientific innovation and continuous process improvement by identifying and implementing novel approaches that enhance downstream biologics development workflows
• Partner across multidisciplinary teams, translating process insights into functional results to accelerate the advancement of therapeutic candidates
• Communicate scientific findings with clarity and influence, presenting technical information to diverse audiences to support project progression and knowledge sharing

BS or MS in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biomedical, Chemical Engineering, or a related field, with typically 5-7 years (BS) or 2-5 years (MS) of experience

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated expertise in preparative-scale column chromatography techniques (i.e. affinity, IEX, HIC, multimodal) for antibody-based biologics purification
• Hands-on experience operating AKTA chromatography systems and Unicorn software
• Strong foundation in analytical characterization techniques, including HPLC, gel electrophoresis, ELISA, mass spectrometry, and related methods
• Knowledge of biologics manufacturing or process development is a plus
• Solid understanding of protein structure, molecular attributes and post-translational modifications impacting biologic quality and performance
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences
• Track record of scientific curiosity, innovation, and continuous learning
• Collaborative mindset with a passion for teamwork, scientific rigor, and delivering impactful solutions

Position will be filled at level commensurate with extent of education, experience, and accomplishment— Scientist I or Scientist II

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 short-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