Principal Research Scientist I - Process Engineering

AbbVieNorth Chicago, IL
$124,500 - $236,500Onsite

About The Position

AbbVie's Research and Development Process Engineering team is looking for a Principal Research Engineer I/II to transform cutting-edge science into life-changing medicines. This role involves driving synthetic molecule candidates from concept to commercial-ready processes, making decisions that accelerate medicines to patients. The position requires expertise in drug product manufacturing platforms such as direct compression, wet & dry granulation, hot melt extrusion, tableting, encapsulation, and film coating, along with a deep understanding of powder material properties. The role also involves troubleshooting complex process and material issues and scaling up bench-scale breakthroughs to pilot plant realities.

Requirements

  • BS (+14 yr experience) MS (+12 yr. experience) or PhD (+6 yr experience) in Chemical Engineering, or equivalent scientific/engineering degrees
  • Strong project leadership experience for drug product development.
  • Advanced understanding drug product manufacturing platforms with direct compression, wet & dry granulation, and hot melt extrusion which include tableting, encapsulation and film coating.
  • Advanced understanding of powder material properties and their impact on drug product manufacturability and final product performance.
  • Ability to apply/interpret models during drug product development to optimize development.
  • Experience writing regulatory submissions and generating the data required to gain approval
  • Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot process/material issues.
  • Apply techniques to scale-up the development process to pilot plant equipment.
  • Displays 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.

Nice To Haves

  • Drug Substance Crystallization development knowledge

Responsibilities

  • Lead drug product manufacturing process early phase development for synthetic molecule development candidates within the AbbVie pipeline.
  • Collaborate with development CMC teams to ensure manufacturing processes are aligned with intended commercial manufacturing sites.
  • Advance scientific expertise within the function — mentoring peers and influencing senior leadership with your 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 directly power AbbVie's drug discovery and development programs.
  • Champion compliance with AbbVie's safety, quality, and regulatory standards.

Benefits

  • paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick)
  • medical/dental/vision insurance
  • 401(k)
  • long-term incentive programs
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