Senior Scientist, Biologics Purification I/II

Allergan; North Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Health benefits

401(k)

Job summary

AbbVie in North Chicago, IL is seeking a scientist specializing in Biologics Purification to advance drug discovery. You will lead purification of multispecific antibody biologics and design chromatography strategies.

The role emphasizes analytical characterization, DOE-driven optimization, and collaboration across teams, with opportunities to contribute to automation initiatives and presentations to diverse audiences.

Qualifications

• BS/MS/PhD in a relevant field with 0–10 years experience depending on degree level.
• Deep proficiency in bioprocessing, chromatography, and antibody-based biotherapeutics manufacturing is required.
• Expertise with AKTA chromatography systems is required.
• Experience with high-throughput automated liquid handling systems (e.g., Tecan, Hamilton) is desirable.
• DOE studies with scale-up experience are preferred.
• Familiarity with Python and developing Bioinformatics/AI tools is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead small-scale (<1L) purification of multispecific antibody biologics for research assays.
• Design and execute chromatography strategies to address impurities and liabilities.
• Perform analytical characterization of molecules, by-products, and intermediates.
• Apply DOE with high-throughput automation to optimize separation of complex proteins.
• Drive process improvements and automation initiatives in downstream bioprocessing.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and present results clearly.

Skills

Bioprocessing

AKTA systems

DOE studies

Python

Education

BS in Bioinformatics/Biophysics/Chemical Engineering

MS in related field

PhD (optional)

Tools

Tecan

Hamilton

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

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. Your expertise will help 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 small-scale (<1L) purification of multi‑specific antibody biologics to support critical research assays and studies
• Design and execute advanced chromatography techniques and robust bioprocess development strategies to address production impurities and liabilities to deliver high quality antibody biologics to therapeutic areas
• Execute rigorous analytical characterization of molecules, end products, by‑products, and process intermediates
• Apply Design of Experiments (DOE) with high throughput automation to optimize chromatography conditions for enhanced separation and resolution of complex protein mixtures
• Drive innovation to support continuous improvement in downstream biologics processes and advance automation initiatives
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, translating molecular insights into functional results
• Present findings clearly to diverse audiences and document results with rigor

Qualifications

• BS, MS, or PhD in Bioinformatics, Biophysics, Chemical Engineering, or related field with typically 8-10 years (BS), 5-7 years (MS), or 0-3 years (PhD) of experience
• Deep proficiency in bioprocessing, column chromatography, and antibody‑based biotherapeutics manufacturing is required
• Expertise with AKTA chromatography systems is required
• Experience operating high throughput automated liquid handling systems for chromatography applications (i.e. Tecan, Hamilton; plate‑based screening, robocolumns) is desireable
• Demonstrated success designing and executing DOE studies with successful application to protein production scale‑up is preferable
• Familiarity with programming languages (i.e. Python) and developing Bioinformatics or AI/ML tools is a plus
• Strong understanding of molecular and post‑translational attributes of biologics
• Exceptional analytical, communication, and presentation skills
• Collaborative spirit and dedication to scientific excellence

Additional Information

• 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 employeeremains in 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.

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