Scientist I, Biopharmaceutics

BioSpace; North Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

AbbVie seeks a highly motivated scientist with biopharmaceutics expertise to design, execute, and interpret studies characterizing drug candidates’ biopharmaceutical properties. You will enable developability, support early- and late-stage development, and collaborate across multidisciplinary partners to drive product performance decisions.

The role emphasizes strong data generation, clear communication, and problem solving in a matrixed environment, with exposure to protein degraders and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree with relevant industry experience.
• Fundamental understanding of biopharmaceutics for drug absorption and formulation.
• Experience with in vitro assays and analytical techniques to assess CMC developability.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, troubleshoot experiments on biopharmaceutics properties of small molecules and peptides.
• Generate high-quality data with complete documentation of procedures and conclusions.
• Analyze data and communicate findings to project teams and stakeholders.
• Assess candidate molecules and formulations; identify risks and data-driven recommendations.
• Support optimization of methods, workflows, and scientific capabilities.
• Stay updated on external advances and integrate relevant knowledge into projects.
• Contribute to a collaborative, rigorous team environment.

Skills

Biopharmaceutics

Drug Delivery

Analytical Skills

Data Interpretation

Team Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent

Master’s Degree or equivalent

Tools

Chromatography

DSF

X-ray diffraction

Thermal analysis

Microscopy

Biophysical methods

Job description

Company 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.

Job Description

The Molecular Profiling and Drug Delivery (MPDD) function within the Small Molecule CMC organization is accountable for a broad range of deliverables across various stages of drug discovery and development. During lead optimization and through candidate selection, MPDD scientists utilize state-of-the-art automation and computational tools supported by expertise in biopharmaceutics, drug delivery, and solid-state chemistry to collaboratively progress candidates with higher probability of success into development and advise clinical formulation strategy. From candidate selection through clinical proof of concept and product launch, MPDD scientists work in cross functional teams to identify the commercial solid form of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and establish structure-property-performance correlations to help deliver robust commercial processes and align control strategies across drug substance and product. They also transition drug substance isolation processes and relevant physical characterization methods to commercial manufacturing sites and work within teams to ensure successful regulatory submissions.

Biopharmaceutics and Drug Delivery scientists within AbbVie's MPDD organization work collaboratively with other functions within Development Sciences and Discovery to conduct developability assessment to select molecules with higher probability of success for clinical development and eventual commercialization. This includes profiling of physicochemical properties, development of preclinical formulations, identifying solutions to in vivo absorption challenges, and advancement of novel drug delivery strategies across multiple routes of administration that are aligned with program target product profiles and downstream partners. Modalities of interest include traditional small molecules as well as complex chemically synthesized modalities such as protein degraders and peptides. In this role, you will work in cross-functional teams in matrixed environments and engage in multidisciplinary problem solving.

Job Description

AbbVie's MPDD organization is seeking a highly motivated scientist with experience in biopharmaceutics for a Scientist I position. The primary role of this position is to design, execute, analyze, and interpret the studies that characterize the biopharmaceutical properties of drug candidates and enable developability and product performance related informed decision-making for emerging molecules on peptide and small molecule pipeline programs. The successful candidate will apply scientific knowledge and laboratory skills to support early- and late-stage development activities, communicate findings clearly, and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary partners. The individual is expected to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams, demonstrate strong scientific rigor, and contribute to the advancement of project objectives through quality data generation, critical thinking, and clear communication.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, execute, troubleshoot, and interpret experiments related to biopharmaceutics properties of small molecules and peptides such as solubility, dissolution, permeability, stability, aggregation, precipitation, and formulation performance, as applicable.
• Generate high-quality data and maintain accurate, timely, and complete documentation of experimental procedures, results, and conclusions.
• Analyze and summarize data using appropriate scientific methods and communicate findings to project teams and functional stakeholders.
• Contribute to the assessment of candidate molecules and formulations by identifying key risks, opportunities, and data-driven recommendations.
• Support development, optimization, and continuous improvement of experimental methods, workflows, and scientific capabilities.
• Maintain awareness of external scientific advances and incorporate relevant knowledge into project work where appropriate.
• Contribute to a collaborative, inclusive, and scientifically rigorous team environment.

Qualifications

Level and compensation will be commensurate with experience. Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent education with typically 5 years of experience, or master’s degree or equivalent education with typically two years of experience in pharmaceutical or related industry. Preferred educational backgrounds include but are not restricted to Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Engineering, Chemical/ Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry, and Materials Science. Fundamental understanding of biopharmaceutics in relation to drug absorption across routes of administration including solubility, biorelevant dissolution testing, permeability, ex vivo permeability assessment, and peptide aggregation. Familiarity and preferred hands‑on laboratory experience in in vitro assays and standard analytical techniques for physicochemical and biopharmaceutical property assessment to understand CMC developability profile. Techniques of interest include, but are not limited to chromatography, DSF, rat intestinal perfusion, Ussing Chambers, Franz Diffusion cells, dissolution, X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, microscopy, biophysical characterization techniques, etc. Knowledge of preclinical and clinical formulation development principles relevant to chemically synthesized molecules across routes of administration. Ability to analyze data and draw scientifically sound conclusions. Demonstrated strong communication skills and ability to clearly communicate theories and concepts, influence others without authority, and drive technical excellence. Excellent self-management skills, organizational skills, and attention to detail.

Key Leadership Competencies

Builds strong relationship with peers and cross-functional partners to enable higher performance.

Learns fast, grasps the "essence", and can change course quickly where indicated.

Connects ideas from disparate fields, integrates data and information quickly, and takes risks to achieve the highest performance.

Raises the bar and is never satisfied with the status quo. Demonstrates scientific curiosity and problem-solving ability.

Creates a learning environment, open to suggestions and experimentation for improvement.

Embraces the ideas of others, nurtures innovation and manages innovation to reality.

Additional Information

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.

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