Senior Principal Research Scientist
AbbVie
July 01, 2026
Remote friendly (North Chicago, IL)
United States
$160,500 - $305,000 USD yearly
Clinical Research and Development
Description:
AbbVie Process Chemistry is seeking a Senior Principal Research Scientist to conduct process research and development of drug conjugates, peptides, and small molecules from pre-clinical through early clinical phases.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the setting and implementation of the Process Chemistry strategy across therapeutic modalities; serve as a cross-functional expert influencing overall strategy across Synthetic Molecules CMC R&D.
- Lead project teams in process development and characterization across modalities.
- Develop and characterize processes in the laboratory and translate them to scalable processes.
- Advise and share technical knowledge with subordinates, peers, and senior leadership; mentor staff on troubleshooting.
- Author and review regulatory documents, laboratory data, technical memos, and reports.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with organic chemists, analytical chemists, engineers, drug product development scientists, asset strategy leadership, and program management.
- Identify and nurture continuous improvement ideas across Synthetic Molecules CMC R&D.
- Set project strategies; define responsibilities and timelines; develop control strategies; lead in a matrixed setting; develop robust processes for cGMP manufacturing.
Qualifications:
- BS/MS/PhD in Organic Chemistry with 18+ (BS), 16+ (MS), or 10+ (PhD) years of experience.
- Experience managing/developing scientific leaders and teams in CMC (required).
- Preferred: experience with siRNA, antibody drug- and oligonucleotide-conjugates (AOCs), and high-potent compounds.
- Strong scientific leadership, interpersonal/communication skills, and ability to lead cross-functional process development teams.
- Knowledge of modern organic chemistry, mechanistic theory, control strategy development (including mutagenic impurity and nitrosamine controls), and regulatory starting material strategies.
- Highly desirable: global regulatory expectations and experience authoring development reports and regulatory filings.
Benefits (if explicitly stated):
- Paid time off; medical/dental/vision insurance; 401(k); eligibility for long-term incentive programs.
Travel/Work:
- Travel: Yes, 5% of the time. Schedule: Full-time.
AbbVie Process Chemistry is seeking a Senior Principal Research Scientist to conduct process research and development of drug conjugates, peptides, and small molecules from pre-clinical through early clinical phases.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the setting and implementation of the Process Chemistry strategy across therapeutic modalities; serve as a cross-functional expert influencing overall strategy across Synthetic Molecules CMC R&D.
- Lead project teams in process development and characterization across modalities.
- Develop and characterize processes in the laboratory and translate them to scalable processes.
- Advise and share technical knowledge with subordinates, peers, and senior leadership; mentor staff on troubleshooting.
- Author and review regulatory documents, laboratory data, technical memos, and reports.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with organic chemists, analytical chemists, engineers, drug product development scientists, asset strategy leadership, and program management.
- Identify and nurture continuous improvement ideas across Synthetic Molecules CMC R&D.
- Set project strategies; define responsibilities and timelines; develop control strategies; lead in a matrixed setting; develop robust processes for cGMP manufacturing.
Qualifications:
- BS/MS/PhD in Organic Chemistry with 18+ (BS), 16+ (MS), or 10+ (PhD) years of experience.
- Experience managing/developing scientific leaders and teams in CMC (required).
- Preferred: experience with siRNA, antibody drug- and oligonucleotide-conjugates (AOCs), and high-potent compounds.
- Strong scientific leadership, interpersonal/communication skills, and ability to lead cross-functional process development teams.
- Knowledge of modern organic chemistry, mechanistic theory, control strategy development (including mutagenic impurity and nitrosamine controls), and regulatory starting material strategies.
- Highly desirable: global regulatory expectations and experience authoring development reports and regulatory filings.
Benefits (if explicitly stated):
- Paid time off; medical/dental/vision insurance; 401(k); eligibility for long-term incentive programs.
Travel/Work:
- Travel: Yes, 5% of the time. Schedule: Full-time.