Principal Research Scientist I - Process Engineering
About The Position
AbbVie's Research and Development Process Engineering team is looking for a Principal Research Engineer I /II to help push the boundaries of drug product development. This role involves transforming cutting-edge science into life-changing medicines. The position is based in North Chicago, IL. The engineer will drive synthetic molecule candidates from concept to commercial-ready processes, making decisions that accelerate medicines to patients. The role 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 individual will troubleshoot complex process and material issues and scale-up development from bench-scale to pilot plant realities. AbbVie encourages bold ideas, experimentation, and provides resources and autonomy for innovation.
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 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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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
