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Scientist I - Analytical Chemistry

AbbVie · North Chicago, IL · Full time · Research

Posted Oct 2, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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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 you were part of. What problems came up?

What they are checking: Whether they have real experience moving methods between labs and solving issues that arise.

Describe a time you independently solved a technical problem in the lab.

What they are checking: Whether they can work independently and troubleshoot efficiently, as the posting asks.

Tell me about a new technology or technique you evaluated. How did you decide if it was worth adopting?

What they are checking: Whether they evaluate new tools with clear criteria rather than enthusiasm alone.

What would you do

Your system suitability fails on a run with important samples. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they troubleshoot systematically and follow procedures instead of forcing results.

A process chemist asks for results faster than your method allows. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they can communicate tradeoffs clearly and support project needs without cutting corners.

About the work

What analytical challenges are specific to peptide drug substances compared with small molecules?

What they are checking: Whether they understand peptide impurities like deletions, racemization and aggregation that drive method design.

Walk me through how you would develop an HPLC method to separate closely related peptide impurities.

What they are checking: Whether they can make practical choices about columns, mobile phases and gradients.

How do you validate an analytical method for late-phase development, and what do you look for in each parameter?

What they are checking: Whether they know ICH Q2 validation and why each element matters.

How would you use mass spectrometry to identify an unknown impurity in a peptide sample?

What they are checking: Whether they can use LC-MS to characterize unexpected peaks, which peptide work often requires.

How do you document experiments in an electronic notebook so another scientist could repeat your work?

What they are checking: Whether they understand good documentation and data integrity practices.

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The full job description

As published by AbbVie.

For the Scientist I, Analytical Chemistry position, we are seeking a highly motivated candidate with a strong scientific research background, proven technical proficiency, and ability to effectively collaborate on cross-functional teams. The role will support late-phase development of peptide drug substance assets – familiarity with peptide synthesis & associated analytical testing are critical to success. You should also have experience in core analytical chemistry disciplines and common analysis techniques, as well as experience developing, validating and transferring analytical methods. Successful applicants will be able to work independently, efficiently troubleshoot technical problems, and clearly communicate findings within and across technical teams. Responsibilities • Independently plan and perform method development, validation, execution, and assessment of results. • Resolve and troubleshoot routine scientific and technical issues independently. • Evaluate new technologies to solve scientific challenges or improve technological capabilities. • Understand and execute established techniques independently. • Document experimental activities and results in using an electronic data acquisition and management systems. • Demonstrate proficiency in numerous scientific software applications to collect, process, and report data. • Prepare protocols and reports as well as quality, safety, and regulatory documents. • Interact directly with partners outside the department with minimum oversight. • Present results and actively engage with local and global teams. • Understand and adhere to corporate standards regarding code of conduct, safety, appropriate handling of materials, and GxP compliance, where applicable. • Bachelors in Chemistry, Chemical Biology, or equivalent education with 5+ years of experience or Master’s Degree or equivalent with 2+ years of experience. • Practical knowledge of modern peptide manufacturing processes. • Theoretical and practical knowledge of various chromatographies including HPLC, GC, and IC. Experience with mass spectrometry including method optimization, data collection, and interpreting results. • Understanding of cGMP and regulatory requirements. • Experience in analytical techniques relevant to peptide product development including mass spectrometry, amino acid analysis, advanced separation techniques, and higher-order structure studies. • Self-motivated, hard-working, detail-oriented individual able to work in a fast-paced team environment. • High-quality written and oral communication skills and ability to interact effectively with interdisciplinary scientists and engineers. Key Leadership Competencies: • Builds strong relationships with peers and cross functionally with partners outside of team to enable higher performance. • Demonstrates agility in triaging priorities, pivoting strategy when faced with change, and independently resolving bottlenecks and conflicts. • Highly developed ability to work as part of a team and an effective communicator. • Creates a positive learning environment, open to suggestions and experimentation for improvement. • Embraces the ideas of others, nurtures innovation, and manages innovation to reality. • Actively supports and instructs less experienced colleagues. • A quick learner who is highly motivated to drive for results. 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 this posting 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 short-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 and until 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

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