Principal Research Scientist I - Process Engineering

About the Role

Join AbbVie's Research and Development Process Engineering team in North Chicago, IL, where you will shape the future of drug manufacturing. As a Principal Research Engineer I/II, you will lead drug product development for synthetic molecule candidates, driving projects from concept to commercial-ready processes. This role offers the opportunity to apply your expertise in drug product manufacturing platforms and powder material properties to accelerate life-changing medicines to patients.

Responsibilities

• Lead drug product manufacturing process early phase development for synthetic molecule development candidates within the AbbVie pipeline.
• Collaborate with development CMC teams to align manufacturing processes with intended commercial manufacturing sites.
• Advance scientific expertise within the function by mentoring peers and influencing senior leadership with expert insights.
• Drive the development of technologies and scientific innovations that expand AbbVie's small molecule formulation capabilities.
• Partner cross-functionally to build strategies that power AbbVie's drug discovery and development programs.
• Champion compliance with AbbVie's safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
• Troubleshoot complex process and material issues with creativity and rigor.
• Translate bench-scale breakthroughs into pilot plant realities through expert scale-up execution.
• Apply and interpret models during drug product development to optimize processes.
• Write regulatory submissions and generate data required for approval.

Requirements

• BS (+14 years experience), MS (+12 years experience), or PhD (+6 years experience) in Chemical Engineering or equivalent scientific/engineering degrees.
• Strong project leadership experience in drug product development.
• Advanced understanding of drug product manufacturing platforms, including direct compression, wet & dry granulation, hot melt extrusion, tableting, encapsulation, and film coating.
• Advanced understanding of powder material properties and their impact on drug product manufacturability and final product performance.
• Ability to troubleshoot process and material issues.
• Experience scaling up development processes to pilot plant equipment.
• Technical awareness in various aspects of drug development, adherence to rigorous scientific methods, and commitment to the scientific process.
• Strong drive for learning new techniques and technologies.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional team setting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Drug Substance Crystallization development knowledge.

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.

Note: Compensation range is determined by job grade and may vary based on geographic location and other factors. Individual compensation will depend on various elements, including experience and qualifications.