Principal Scientist II, Analytical Platform Sciences and Characterization, tLNP

AbbVie•North Chicago, IL

15h•$141,500 - $268,500

About The Position

The Analytical Development group within the Targeted LNP (tLNP) CMC Team at AbbVie is dedicated to advancing state-of-the-art analytical capabilities for mRNA-lipid nanoparticle therapeutics. Our team provides critical support across drug substance (DS) and drug product (DP) manufacturing, drug product formulation, and the development and implementation of robust analytical methodologies to ensure the quality and integrity of tLNP genetic medicines. We leverage advanced biophysical, separations, and mass spectrometry techniques to deeply characterize intact LNP particles. We foster close collaborations with cross-functional colleagues in CMC, drug product formulation, and external partners, and are currently growing a world-class team of scientists who will be instrumental in building and deploying the analytical toolbox necessary to deliver high-quality, innovative tLNP medicines to patients. The Analytical Research & Development group within Targeted Lipid Nanoparticle (tLNP) CMC Team is responsible for building the scientific capabilities that will enable the next generation of genetic medicines. Our team advances innovative analytical approaches that deepen mechanistic understanding of tLNP systems, accelerate development decisions, and create differentiated platform capabilities across AbbVie's expanding nucleic acid therapeutic portfolio. We are seeking an exceptional scientific leader to serve as Principal Scientist II/Associate Director of Analytical Platform Sciences & Characterization, leading a multidisciplinary team responsible for advanced characterization, platform science, mechanistic understanding, emerging analytical technologies, and analytical innovation. This individual will drive the development and application of next-generation analytical capabilities spanning particle characterization, structure-function understanding, mass spectrometry, advanced biophysical characterization, data analytics, and other enabling technologies critical to the advancement of tLNP therapeutics. The successful candidate will partner closely with tLNP Drug Product Development, tLNP Process Development, Discovery, Quality, Regulatory Affairs, and cross-functional CMC teams to convert analytical observations into actionable scientific insights. In addition to serving as a recognized scientific expert, the individual will lead and develop scientists, establish strategic capability roadmaps, foster external scientific collaborations, and help shape the future direction of analytical science within AbbVie's tLNP CMC organization. This position represents a unique opportunity to build and lead a growing scientific organization at the intersection of analytical chemistry, nanomedicine, biologics characterization, and genetic medicine development. Beyond technical excellence, the role requires strong organizational leadership, talent development, strategic thinking, and the ability to influence scientific direction across multiple programs and platforms. The selected candidate will report directly to the Director of tLNP Analytical R&D and will play a key role in developing the scientific capabilities, organizational strength, and leadership pipeline needed to support AbbVie's long-term ambitions in genetic medicines.

Requirements

Masters, or Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry typically with a minimum of 14 (MS), or 8 (Ph.D.) years related industry experience.
Deep expertise in analytical development and characterization of complex therapeutics such as lipid nanoparticles (preferred), oligonucleotides, biologics, gene therapies, or related modalities.
Expertise in one or more advanced characterization disciplines including particle characterization, mass spectrometry, cryo-electron microscopy, spectroscopy, light scattering techniques, or other biophysical analytical approaches.
Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary scientific programs and influencing scientific strategy across cross-functional development teams.
Strong track record of scientific innovation, problem solving, and translating analytical observations into development decisions.
Experience mentoring, developing, and leading scientists within a research or development organization.
Experience applying data science, modeling, automation, or artificial intelligence approaches to analytical and development challenges.

Nice To Haves

lipid nanoparticles (preferred)

Responsibilities

Establish and execute the scientific strategy for the Analytical Platform Sciences & Characterization organization, advancing mechanistic understanding of tLNP systems and enabling improved development decisions.
Drive the development and application of advanced analytical technologies and characterization approaches to support AbbVie's genetic medicines portfolio.
Identify emerging scientific trends, technologies, and opportunities and translate them into differentiated analytical capabilities and platform advantages.
Lead, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary team of scientists while fostering a culture of scientific excellence, innovation, collaboration, and accountability.
Establish organizational priorities, allocate resources, and ensure alignment of scientific activities with departmental and business objectives.
Build leadership capabilities within the organization and actively support talent development initiatives.
Serve as a key scientific leader across development teams, influencing formulation, process, analytical, and control-strategy decisions.
Build and maintain productive relationships with internal stakeholders, academic collaborators, technology partners, CROs, and CDMOs.
Contribute to long-term analytical strategy, innovation planning, and capability roadmaps that support the future growth of AbbVie's tLNP platform