Senior Scientist I - Peptide Analytical Chemistry

BioSpace; North Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

AbbVie seeks a Senior Scientist I in Peptide Analytical Chemistry to conceive, implement, and execute novel research, developing analytical methods for peptide drug substances and products across preclinical and clinical spaces.

The role focuses on peptide DP formulation development and advanced analytics (HPLC/HRMS), collaborating with PCS, Process Chemistry, QA, and RA to advance development and regulatory readiness.

Qualifications

• Degree in Analytical Chemistry or Pharmaceutical Sciences with 0–10 years of industry experience.
• Strong background in analytical chemistry for peptides and small molecules; proficiency in chromatography and MS.
• Excellent analytical problem-solving and ability to develop and troubleshoot methods.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to work with cross-functional teams.
• Excellent written and oral communication; able to present data clearly.
• Ability to mentor junior scientists and contribute to IP/publications.

Responsibilities

• Lead peptide DP formulation development with analytical support across platforms.
• Provide analytical expertise for peptide formulation approaches and stability.
• Develop analytical strategies for peptide oral/IV formulations and DS-DP understanding.
• Support peptide and small-molecule project development with method development and transfer docs.
• Use analytical techniques to study impurities and drug substances.
• Perform laboratory research and method development with minimal supervision.
• Propose new scientific areas and communicate findings to teams.
• Develop and implement analytical control strategies for drug discovery.
• Ensure compliance with GxP and safety standards.
• Adhere to corporate standards; work with cross-functional partners.

Skills

Analytical chemistry expertise

Chromatographic techniques (HPLC/UHPLC

Mass spectrometry (HRMS, LC-MS/MS)

Analytical problem-solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Scientific communication

Education

Bachelors in Analytical Chemistry

Masters in Analytical Chemistry

PhD in Analytical Chemistry

Tools

HPLC/UHPLC

SEC

Chiral separation

HRMS

LC-MS/MS

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 atwww.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie onLinkedIn,Facebook,Instagram,XandYouTube.

Company Description

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 life 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,XandYouTube.

Job Description

For the Senior Scientist I Peptide Analytical Chemistry position, we are seeking a highly motivated candidate who can conceive, implement, and execute novel scientific research and development. You will independently develop and optimize analytical methods and techniques to generate reliable and reproducible data in a timely manner, while demonstrating broad versatile technical expertise. You should possess a strong understanding of analytical chemistry core disciplines and support early phase development of New Chemical Entities (NCEs), with primary focus on synthetic peptides for both drug substance and drug product development across preclinical and clinical spaces. You will collaborate within the global Analytical R&D organization and with R&D cross-functional partners such as Pre-Clinical Safety (PCS), Process Chemistry, Process Engineering, Drug Product Development (DPD), Quality Assurance (QA), and CMC-Regulatory Affairs (RA).
Candidate should have strong technical background in analytical chemistry, excellent analytical problem-solving skills, and is capable of independently developing and troubleshooting analytical methods. This position will focus primarily on peptide drug product (DP) formulation development - supporting diverse oral peptide formulation platforms and IV formulation strategies. You may also support peptide drug substance development and characterization as needed. Opportunities to support small-molecule projects may also arise. Experience with peptide development, chromatographic analysis (such as HPLC or GC), and Mass Spectrometry is highly preferred.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead peptide drug product (DP) formulation development initiatives, providing analytical support for oral and IV peptide formulation platform development; work cross-functionally to advance projects through the development pipeline
• Provide analytical expertise to support diverse peptide formulation approaches, leveraging understanding of formulation technologies, stability science, and analytical characterization specific to peptide therapeutics
• Drive drug product analytical strategy development for peptide oral and IV formulations, including method development, testing procedures, and implementation of analytical control strategies
• Support drug substance characterization and development as needed to inform formulation strategies and contribute to cross-functional DS-DP understanding
• Support peptide and small-molecule product development with advanced analytics, method development, validations, technical data packages, and technical transfer documentation in support of regulatory requirements
• Utilize a range of analytical techniques to conduct research and development studies related to peptide and small-molecule drug substances, active pharmaceutical ingredients, intermediates, starting materials, and impurity profiling
• Independently and autonomously perform laboratory research and method development with minimal supervision, demonstrating high productivity and scientific initiative
• Initiate new areas of investigation that are scientifically meaningful, reliable, and can be directly incorporated into research or development programs
• Formulate conclusions, design follow-on experiments, and process, interpret, and visualize data based on multidisciplinary findings to facilitate project team decision-making
• Develop, test, and implement analytical control strategies to support advancement of drug discovery and development candidates
• Routinely demonstrate scientific initiative, creativity, and continuous improvement - never satisfied with the status quo, always raising the bar
• Apply analytical separation and detection modes for complex impurity profiling of pharmaceutical products, especially therapeutic peptides, to further the understanding of emerging cGMP manufacturing process.
• Understand and adhere to corporate standards regarding code of conduct, safety, appropriate handling of materials, controlled drug and radioactive compounds, and GxP compliance, where applicable.

Qualifications

• Bachelors, Masters, or Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry or Pharmaceutical Sciences (with strong Analytical focus) typically with minimum 10 (BS), 8 (MS), or 0 - 2 (Ph.D.) years related industry experience.
• Strong technical background in analytical chemistry for peptides and small molecules. Proficiency in chromatographic techniques (HPLC/UHPLC, SEC, chiral separation), high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), LC-MS/MS, and sample preparation for complex matrices. Practical knowledge of organic structure, functional groups, and modern spectroscopic techniques applied to peptide and small-molecule analysis. Experience in peptide characterization, degradation pathway understanding, and formulation science is highly preferred.
• Excellent analytical problem-solving skills with strong critical thinking capability. Capable of independently developing, optimizing, and troubleshooting complex analytical methods. Demonstrates resilience when facing challenges, learns rapidly, and iterates quickly.
• Self-motivated, hard-working, and detail-oriented. Demonstrates genuine curiosity and desire to learn and advance technical capabilities. Takes proactive ownership beyond assigned scope when it advances scientific understanding or program goals. Raises the bar continuously - never satisfied with the status quo.
• Demonstrates high-quality written and oral communication skills with ability to translate complex analytical data into clear, compelling narratives. Actively engages in cross-functional discussions, asks strategic questions that advance team understanding, and presents findings effectively to diverse audiences. Builds strong relationships and works effectively with interdisciplinary teams across diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrates ability to own technical strategy, mentor junior scientists, and proactively identify gaps and bring solutions to the table. Shows history of proposing novel analytical approaches and contributing to intellectual capital (publications, presentations, IP). Creates a learning environment open to suggestions and experimentation for continuous improvement, inspiring curiosity, rigor, and a learning mindset in others.

Additional Information

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 roleat thetimeofthis posting based on the job grade for this position.Individualcompensation paid within this range will depend on manyfactors including geographiclocation,andwemay ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may bemodified in 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 toparticipate in our short-term incentiveprograms.

Note: No amount of payis considered to bewages or compensation until such amount isearned, vested, anddeterminable.Theamountandavailabilityof anybonus,commission, incentive, benefits, or any other form ofcompensation and benefitsthat areallocable to a particular employeeremains in the Company'ssole andabsolutediscretion unless and until paid andmay bemodified at the Companys sole and absolutediscretion, 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.

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