Senior Scientist, Drug Delivery & Formulation

BioSpace; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Short-term incentive plan

Job summary

AbbVie in Irvine, California seeks a Senior Scientist I to join the Drug Delivery Sciences and Engineering team. In this lab-based role, you will design and execute studies to develop and characterize innovative delivery systems for small molecules and biologics, collaborating across discovery and development.

The ideal candidate has a PhD in a relevant field, strong chemistry and formulation background, hands-on analytical experience, and excellent written and verbal communication for

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, pharmaceutical sciences or related field with 0–4 years of relevant experience; MS with at least 8+ years of relevant experience or Bachelor Degree with 10+ years of experience.
• Strong scientific foundation in chemistry, drug delivery, formulation science, protein science, polymer science, biomaterials, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design experiments, troubleshoot technical challenges, critically analyze data, and draw scientifically sound conclusions.
• Hands‑on experience with pharmaceutical formulation and relevant analytical or biophysical characterization methods.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex scientific information clearly to multidisciplinary audiences.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in cross‑functional collaboration and the ability to build productive working relationships.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, adapt to changing program needs, and deliver high‑quality results in a fast‑paced research environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, analyze, and document laboratory studies supporting novel drug delivery systems and enabling formulations.
• Develop and optimize delivery approaches for small molecules and biologics, including proteins and peptides, with emphasis on sustained, controlled, or targeted delivery.
• Apply principles of formulation, protein, polymer, and colloid science to address stability, compatibility, manufacturability, and performance challenges.
• Characterize formulations and delivery systems using relevant analytical and biophysical methods, which may include HPLC, ELISA, DSC, FTIR, GPC/SEC, MALS/DLS, rheology, spectroscopy, particle-size analysis, and in vitro release testing.
• Interpret complex data, identify technical risks, develop hypotheses, and recommend practical experimental strategies and mitigation plans.
• Represent Drug Delivery Sciences and Engineering on cross-functional project teams and clearly communicate study plans, risks, and recommendations.
• Maintain complete, timely, and compliant experimental records and prepare technical reports, presentations, development documentation, publications, and invention disclosures, as appropriate.
• Monitor advances in drug delivery technologies and identify opportunities to introduce new capabilities, platforms, or more efficient workflows.
• Collaborate with internal partners and external laboratories or vendors to execute studies, transfer methods, and meet project objectives.
• Contribute to a safe, inclusive, and high-performing laboratory environment and provide technical guidance or training to colleagues, interns, or junior scientists, as needed.

Skills

Chemistry

Drug delivery

Formulation science

Protein science

Polymer science

Analytical methods

Biomaterials

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Chemistry

PhD in Biochemistry

PhD in Chemical Engineering

MS with 8+ years experience

BS with 10+ years experience

Tools

HPLC

ELISA

DSC

FTIR

GPC/SEC

MALS/DLS

Job description

AbbVie in Irvine, California seeks a Senior Scientist I to join the Drug Delivery Sciences and Engineering team. In this lab-based role, you will design and execute studies to develop and characterize innovative delivery systems for small molecules and biologics, collaborating across discovery and development.

The ideal candidate has a PhD in a relevant field, strong chemistry and formulation background, hands-on analytical experience, and excellent written and verbal communication for