Senior Principal Research Scientist Engineering
AbbVie
June 28, 2026
Remote friendly (North Chicago, IL)
United States
$160,500 - $305,000 USD yearly
Clinical Research and Development
Role Overview:
- Technical team leader in R&D Process Engineering.
- Lead identification and development of novel approaches/technologies to enhance process development efficiency and commercialization of novel modalities.
- Proactively identify process challenges across pipeline/innovation projects; lead cross-functional teams to deliver project needs; provide scientific leadership to develop and implement solutions.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop robust manufacturing processes supporting novel modalities through all phases of clinical development.
- Lead project teams for process development and characterization of new synthetic and large molecule assets.
- Influence process development for toxins, cosmetic active ingredients, and genetic medicines.
- Lead scale-up of laboratory processes in the pilot plant.
- Set project strategies; define responsibilities and timelines; provide leadership in a matrixed team environment.
- Address biochemical challenges (reactions, separations, isolations) using expertise in reaction kinetics, transport phenomena, and mathematical modeling.
- Establish, communicate, and execute research plans.
- Collaborate cross-disciplinarily to identify process challenges and communicate findings/recommendations.
- Author/review technical documents and contribute to regulatory filings.
- Mentor direct reports and process engineering colleagues.
Qualifications:
- BS/MS/PhD in Chemical/Bio Engineering or related field.
- 18+ years (BS), 16+ years (MS), or 10+ years (PhD) relevant biopharmaceuticals industrial experience; PhD candidates with pertinent research exposure encouraged.
- Strong foundations in chemical engineering; ability to solve challenging technical problems.
- Scientific leadership with effective oral/written communication to lead cross-functional teams.
Benefits (if applicable):
- Paid time off; medical/dental/vision insurance; 401(k) for eligible employees; eligible for short-term incentive programs.
- Technical team leader in R&D Process Engineering.
- Lead identification and development of novel approaches/technologies to enhance process development efficiency and commercialization of novel modalities.
- Proactively identify process challenges across pipeline/innovation projects; lead cross-functional teams to deliver project needs; provide scientific leadership to develop and implement solutions.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop robust manufacturing processes supporting novel modalities through all phases of clinical development.
- Lead project teams for process development and characterization of new synthetic and large molecule assets.
- Influence process development for toxins, cosmetic active ingredients, and genetic medicines.
- Lead scale-up of laboratory processes in the pilot plant.
- Set project strategies; define responsibilities and timelines; provide leadership in a matrixed team environment.
- Address biochemical challenges (reactions, separations, isolations) using expertise in reaction kinetics, transport phenomena, and mathematical modeling.
- Establish, communicate, and execute research plans.
- Collaborate cross-disciplinarily to identify process challenges and communicate findings/recommendations.
- Author/review technical documents and contribute to regulatory filings.
- Mentor direct reports and process engineering colleagues.
Qualifications:
- BS/MS/PhD in Chemical/Bio Engineering or related field.
- 18+ years (BS), 16+ years (MS), or 10+ years (PhD) relevant biopharmaceuticals industrial experience; PhD candidates with pertinent research exposure encouraged.
- Strong foundations in chemical engineering; ability to solve challenging technical problems.
- Scientific leadership with effective oral/written communication to lead cross-functional teams.
Benefits (if applicable):
- Paid time off; medical/dental/vision insurance; 401(k) for eligible employees; eligible for short-term incentive programs.