Principal Research Scientist I, Engineering

About the Role

Process engineers at AbbVie support API and natural products projects through all phases of late-stage development, commercialization, and product life cycle. This position is responsible for assessing key unit operations (e.g., reactions, crystallizations) for process robustness, scientific understanding, and potential scale-up risks from the lab to a manufacturing environment. Effective cross-functional interactions with other functions (e.g., technical, quality, regulatory) and on-site manufacturing personnel are key for successful job performance.

As a lead scientist, you will oversee the design, implementation, and optimization of processes for key modalities (e.g., small molecule APIs, antibody drug conjugates, peptides, and natural products) from development to commercialization. You will independently conceive, execute, and communicate novel multi-disciplinary research or development strategies that achieve project and area goals.

Responsibilities

• Leverage core chemical engineering principles (chemical kinetics, transport phenomena, thermodynamics, mathematical modeling) in experimental design, problem-solving thought processes, and data analysis.
• Understand and adhere to corporate standards regarding code of conduct, safety, appropriate handling of materials, controlled drug and radioactive compounds, and GxP compliance.
• Function as a principal investigator, generating original technical ideas and research or development strategies.
• Demonstrate creative 'out of the box' thinking to solve difficult problems and champion new technologies to achieve project goals.
• Independently responsible for project science within your area of expertise on one or more project teams, making significant contributions through lab-based or other work environment activities.
• Generate new scientific proposals and lead those efforts.
• Anticipate and critically evaluate scientific or regulatory advances or competitive threats and respond with appropriate new strategies.
• Serve as a recognized expert in your discipline within the company and possibly externally; primary author of publications, presentations, regulatory documents, and/or primary inventor of patents.
• Present at leading scientific conferences.
• Mentor and supervise a team of one or more, evaluating their performance and ensuring effective team performance.

Qualifications

• BS, MS, or PhD in chemical engineering or a related field with 14+ (BS), 12+ (MS), or 6+ (PhD) years of relevant industrial experience.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Thorough theoretical and practical understanding of your scientific discipline.
• Demonstrated ability to function as a principal investigator, generating original technical ideas and research or development strategies.
• Recognized as an expert in your discipline within the company and possibly externally.
• Proven success as the primary author of publications, presentations, regulatory documents, and/or primary inventor of patents.
• Demonstrated scientific communication and presentation skills, including presenting at leading scientific conferences.

Key Leadership Competencies

• Builds strong relationships with peers and cross-functionally with partners outside the team.
• Learns fast, understands key objectives, and can change course quickly when 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 and nurtures innovation.
• Demonstrates excellent technical and personal mentorship of others.

Benefits

• Comprehensive package including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick).
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Eligibility to participate in long-term incentive programs.

Pay

The compensation range for this role is based on the job grade and may vary depending on geographic location. Individual compensation will be determined by many factors, and AbbVie may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future.