Jobs › AbbVie

Principal Scientist I, Biologics Analytical R&D (External Programs)

AbbVie · North Chicago, IL · Full time · Research

Posted May 13, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

Apply at AbbVie

Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a method transfer that went badly. What would you do differently now?

What they are checking: Whether they learn from transfer failures and know what makes transfers succeed.

Describe how you manage relationships with several external labs at once.

What they are checking: Whether they can keep quality and timelines on track across partners they do not directly control.

Tell me about a time you resolved a scientific disagreement with an external partner.

What they are checking: Whether they can push back on partners constructively and reach a sound scientific outcome.

What would you do

A CDMO reports an out-of-specification result on a clinical supply lot the night before release. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they can lead an investigation through a partner calmly while protecting the clinical timeline.

How do you represent analytical concerns on a CMC team when others want to cut testing to save time?

What they are checking: Whether they can defend necessary testing while staying flexible about what is truly optional early on.

About the work

As analytical lead for an outsourced early-stage antibody program, how do you make sure a CRO develops methods you can trust?

What they are checking: Whether they can oversee external method development closely enough to catch problems early.

Walk me through the analytical control strategy you would set up for a monoclonal antibody going into first-in-human.

What they are checking: Whether they know which attributes and methods matter at the clinical proof of concept stage.

What analytical challenges are specific to antibody drug conjugates, and how would you handle them with an external partner?

What they are checking: Whether they understand drug-to-antibody ratio, free drug and conjugation variability.

How do you decide whether a method is qualified enough for phase 1 versus fully validated?

What they are checking: Whether they apply phase-appropriate expectations rather than overdoing or underdoing validation.

How would you set specifications for a new biologic when you have only a few batches of data?

What they are checking: Whether they can justify early specifications using limited data, prior knowledge and clinical relevance.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at AbbVie from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

Practice this out loud

The full job description

As published by AbbVie.

Overview: AbbVie Biologics Analytical Research & Development (Biologics ARD) is a global analytical sciences organization responsible for CMC analytical activities related to the development of AbbVie's therapeutic biologic products.  Our scope includes AbbVie's diverse pipeline of innovative therapeutic biologics medicines, including monoclonal antibodies, antibody drug conjugates (ADC), and other novel modalities, and spans from the selection of Discovery candidate molecules through the transition of analytical methods and testing to operations partners for late stage development.  We are building a world-class team of scientists and leaders who will drive the advancement of industry-leading analytical capabilities and make meaningful contributions to advance AbbVie's pipeline of innovative medicines.  Careers in AbbVie Biologics ARD provide unique opportunities to work with global and cross-functional teams to drive exceptional science and innovative product development strategies. The Analytical Development – External Programs group within Biologics ARD is responsible for early development (through clinical proof of concept) of programs with outsourced analytical activities. The candidate will serve as analytical lead on internal CMC teams and will work with external parties on method development, optimization, validation/transfer, and testing of clinical supplies to meet analytical deliverables for their given development programs. In collaboration with cross-functional partners, the lead will define analytical strategies for formulation and process development studies. Key deliverables include robust analytical methods, clinical supplies release testing and stability studies to establish clinical product dating, product control strategies informed by analytical data and method understanding, comprehensive data packages that drive product and process understanding, and regulatory submission content. Major Responsibilities • As analytical lead, develop analytical strategies and communicate to Analytical R&D functions and CMC business partners for experimental execution in support of stability studies, product analytical control strategies, comparability studies and extended characterization of biologics. • Collaborate with third party laboratories to ensure CMC timelines are met. • Interpret and identify data trends in key analytical release and stability assays. • Author and/or review key regulatory documents, laboratory data, technical memos and reports. • Proactively advise and share knowledge/expert opinions with peers and senior management. Mentor peers in project management and development of analytical strategies. • Demonstrate scientific excellence in analytical characterization of biologics internally and externally and build and foster an active network of consortia collaborations • Brainstorm ideas for continuous improvement activities and lead/participate in initiatives. • Understand and adhere to corporate standards regarding code of conduct, safety, and GXP compliance. Qualifications: • MS (12+ years), or PhD (6+ years) in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Biology with previous work experience (6+ years) in a pharmaceutical laboratory setting. • Preferred candidate should have experience in project management/leadership of analytical development activities for biologic compounds (mAbs, antibody drug conjugates and/or fusion proteins). • Experience and strong knowledge of protein HPLC (e.g., SEC, IEX, HIC), capillary electrophoresis, and other separation techniques as applied to protein analysis. • Demonstrated scientific writing skills and excellent verbal communication skills. • Experience in laboratory systems (LIMS, CDS, ELN) preferred. • Statistical knowledge and experience are preferred, e.g. capability analysis, gauge R&R and design of experiments (DOE) methodologies. Key AbbVie Competencies: • Interact well with diverse groups within function and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external collaborators to enable higher performance. • Learns fast, grasps the "essence" and can change course quickly where indicated. • Raises the bar and is never satisfied with the status quo. • Creates a learning environment, open to suggestions and experimentation for improvement. • Embraces the ideas of others, nurtures innovation and manages innovation to reality. Level and compensation will be commensurate with experience. Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law: ​ • The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Company believes in good faith it will pay for this role at the time of thisposting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location,and we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future. ​ • We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.​ • This job is eligible to participate in our long-term incentive programs. ​ Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission,incentive, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole and absolute discretion unless anduntil paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole and absolute discretion, consistent with applicable law. AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community.  Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled. US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visit https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/equal-employment-opportunity-employer.html US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more: https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html

Apply at AbbVie