Senior Principal Research Scientist / Principal Research Scientist II

Senior Principal Research Scientist – Process Chemistry

AbbVie is a global, research-based biopharmaceutical company formed in 2013 following separation from Abbott. AbbVie combines the focus and passion of a leading‑edge biotech with the expertise and capabilities of a long‑established pharmaceutical leader, to develop and market advanced therapies that address some of the world’s most complex and serious diseases.

Job Description

To conduct process research and development of drug conjugates, peptides, and small molecules from pre‑clinical through early clinical phases.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the setting and implementation of the Process Chemistry strategy for projects across therapeutic modalities and serve as a cross‑functional expert influencing overall strategy across Synthetic Molecules CMC R&D.
• Lead project teams in process development and characterization across modalities.
• Lead the development and characterise processes in the laboratory and translate them to scalable processes.
• Proactively advise and share knowledge and expert opinions with subordinates, peers, and senior leadership. Mentor staff in troubleshooting strategic and experimental issues.
• Author and review key regulatory documents, laboratory data, technical memos and reports.
• Engage in multi‑disciplinary interactions with organic chemists, analytical chemists, engineers, drug product development scientists, asset strategy leadership, and program management.
• Identify and nurture ideas for continuous improvement activities and initiatives across Synthetic Molecules CMC R&D.
• Set project strategies, define project responsibilities and timelines, develop control strategies, provide leadership in a matrixed team setting, and develop robust processes for cGMP manufacturing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Organic Chemistry with typically 18+ (BS), 16+ (MS) or 10+ (PhD) years of experience. Candidates with less experience may be considered for other opportunities.
• Experience managing and developing scientific leaders and teams in CMC is required.
• Experience with siRNA, antibody drug– and oligonucleotide‑conjugates (AOCs), and high‑potent compounds is preferred.
• Proven scientific leadership; strong interpersonal and communication skills for facilitating collaborations and a demonstrated ability to lead cross‑functional process development teams and represent program strategy to allied functions and leadership.
• Strong understanding of modern organic chemistry, mechanistic theory, control‑strategy development (including mutagenic impurity and nitrosamine controls), and regulatory starting‑material strategies.
• Understanding of global regulatory expectations and experience with authoring development reports and regulatory filings is highly desirable.

Key AbbVie Competencies

• Learns fast, grasps the "essence" and can change course quickly where indicated.
• Raises the bar and is never satisfied with the status quo.
• Creates a learning environment, open to suggestions and experimentation for improvement.
• Embraces the ideas of others, nurtures innovation and manages innovation to reality.

Compensation & Benefits

Level and compensation will be commensurate with experience.

Additional Information:

• 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 long‑term incentive programs.

Significant Work Activities

Continuous sitting for prolonged periods (more than 2 consecutive hours in an 8‑hour day).

Other Information

Travel: Yes, 5 % of the time.

Job type: Experienced.

Schedule: Full‑time.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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

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