This role pays more than
50%
of similar roles. Most pay
$150,402–$229,268
— the shaded band above.
At the midpoint, this role pays about
$180k
versus about
$190k
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
297 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$109,500–$208,500
across 271 roles with salary data.
Principal Research Scientist I - Process Engineering 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 sites, and mentoring peers while influencing senior leadership. The candidate will manage drug product manufacturing platforms including direct compression, wet and dry granulation, hot melt extrusion, tableting, encapsulation, and film coating. Key responsibilities include troubleshooting complex process and material issues, applying models to optimize development, and executing scale-up from bench-scale breakthroughs to pilot plant realities. Required expertise includes powder material properties, regulatory submission writing, and potentially drug substance crystallization. The role focuses on solving manufacturing challenges for small molecule formulations within the drug discovery and development pipeline while ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.
What does a Research Scientist earn?
Median $216250 from 42 postings across 13 companies.
Lead early-phase manufacturing process development for synthetic molecule candidates within the company pipeline.
Align manufacturing processes with intended commercial sites in collaboration with CMC teams.
Develop and implement new technologies to expand small molecule formulation capabilities.
Troubleshoot complex process and material issues using creative and rigorous scientific methods.
Execute scale-up transitions from bench-scale breakthroughs to pilot plant production.
Apply knowledge of powder material properties to optimize drug product manufacturability and performance.
Generate data and write technical content for regulatory submissions to gain product approval.
What we're looking for
BS with 14 years experience, MS with 12 years experience, or PhD with 6 years experience in Chemical Engineering or equivalent degree.
Strong project leadership experience for drug product development.
Advanced understanding of manufacturing platforms including direct compression, wet and dry granulation, hot melt extrusion, tableting, encapsulation, and film coating.
Advanced understanding of powder material properties and their impact on manufacturability and performance.
Ability to apply or interpret models during drug product development to optimize the process.
Experience writing regulatory submissions and generating data required for approval.
Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot process/material issues and scale up processes to pilot plant equipment.
Drug Substance Crystallization development knowledge (preferred).
Dip Molding
Material Science
Statistical Process Control
Tooling Design
Quality Standards
Measurement Systems
Rheology Management
Automated Stripping Systems
Process Development
IQ/OQ/PQ
Design of Experiments (DOE)
Statistical Process Control (SPC)
FMEA
Automation
Robotics
Injection Molding
Extrusion
CAPA
Digital Manufacturing