This role pays more than
50%
of similar roles. Most pay
$167,500–$245,000
— the shaded band above.
At the midpoint, this role pays about
$205k
versus about
$206k
for comparable roles.
Based on 240 similar postings.
Employer
About AbbVie
AbbVie is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and delivering innovative medicines and solutions in immunology, oncology, neuroscience, and eye care. Its products include Humira, Skyrizi, and Rinvoq.
AbbVie currently has
340 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$109,500–$208,500
across 310 roles with salary data.
Associate Director – Process Engineering / Principal Research Scientist II joins the Research and Development Process Engineering team to drive synthetic molecule candidates from concept to commercial-ready processes. This role involves leading early phase development for drug products, collaborating with CMC teams to align manufacturing processes with commercial sites, and developing technologies to expand small molecule formulation capabilities. The candidate will manage technical strategy, mentor peers, and troubleshoot complex process and material issues using expertise in powder material properties. Key technical areas include direct compression, wet and dry granulation, hot melt extrusion, tableting, encapsulation, and film coating. The position requires translating bench-scale breakthroughs into pilot plant realities while ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards. The role focuses on solving manufacturing challenges to accelerate the delivery of medicines within the drug discovery and development pipeline.
Lead early-phase manufacturing process development for synthetic molecule candidates within the company pipeline.
Translate bench-scale breakthroughs into pilot plant realities through expert scale-up execution.
Troubleshoot complex process and material issues using technical expertise and creative problem-solving.
Apply knowledge of powder properties to optimize manufacturing platforms like granulation, tableting, and film coating.
Develop new technologies and scientific innovations to expand small molecule formulation capabilities.
Align manufacturing processes with intended commercial sites in collaboration with CMC teams.
Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and potential direct management of team members at the Associate Director level.
Ensure all processes comply with corporate safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
What we're looking for
A Bachelor's Degree in a science-related field with 16 years of related work experience is required.
A Master's Degree in Science or PharmD with 14 years of related work experience is required.
A PhD in Science or a related field with 8 years of related work experience is required.
Proven ability to innovate with a history of new or improved product releases.
Ability to interact well with diverse groups and maintain strong relationships with internal and external collaborators.
Expertise in drug product manufacturing platforms including direct compression, granulation, hot melt extrusion, tableting, encapsulation, and film coating.
Experience translating bench-scale breakthroughs into pilot plant realities through expert scale-up execution.
Ability to troubleshoot complex process and material issues with creativity and rigor.
Drug Product Manufacturing
Direct Compression
Dry Granulation
Hot Melt Extrusion
Tableting
Encapsulation
Film Coating
Powder Material Properties
Scale-up
Crystallization
CMC
Regulatory Submissions
Chemical Engineering