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This position has closed. AbbVie removed this listing from their careers page on Oct 2, 2026. The interview prep below is still useful, and there are similar open roles at the bottom of this page.

Senior Scientist, Biologics Purification I/II

AbbVie · North Chicago, IL · Full time · Science

Posted Sep 2, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 1, 2026

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

What would you tell a discovery team whose molecule has a purification liability they did not design for?

What they are checking: Feeding developability back upstream

You'd drive continuous improvement in downstream work. What would you change about how small-scale purification usually runs?

What they are checking: An opinion about the craft

What would you do

At under a liter, you are supporting research rather than manufacturing. How do you decide when a process is good enough for the research purpose?

What they are checking: Fit-for-purpose judgment at the stated scale

A molecule will not purify well and the study needs material next week. What do you do?

What they are checking: Working a hard timeline with a difficult molecule

This is posted at two levels within biologics discovery sciences at North Chicago. Where do you place yourself, and what would you want to know about the molecules and the equipment before you took it?

What they are checking: Self-placement plus whether they diligence the setup

About the work

This role leads small-scale purification of multi-specific antibody biologics for research assays. Walk me through purifying a difficult multi-specific molecule.

What they are checking: The named molecule class, which is harder than a standard antibody

You'd design and execute advanced chromatography to address production impurities and liabilities. Which chromatography modes do you reach for, and when?

What they are checking: Chromatography judgment rather than a list of techniques

Multi-specific antibodies bring mispaired and aggregated species. How do you separate them, and how do you know you have?

What they are checking: The specific purification problem of this molecule class

The posting names design of experiments with high-throughput automation to optimize chromatography conditions. Walk me through a designed experiment you ran on a separation.

What they are checking: The named methodology, applied rather than named

You'd characterize molecules, end products, by-products and process intermediates. Which analytical methods do you rely on, and what do they miss?

What they are checking: Analytical depth with a critical edge

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The full job description

As published by AbbVie.

Job Description Join AbbVie’s Biologics Discovery Sciences group and make a tangible impact in advancing innovative biologic therapies. As a scientist specializing in Biologics Purification, you will play a pivotal role in driving drug discovery, collaborating within a dynamic team dedicated to supporting transformative science that improves patient lives worldwide. Your expertise will help deliver high-purity multi-specific antibody-based biologic candidates with suitable purity/characteristics to support the advancement of vital in vitro (i.e. drug-like property assays, binding, cell-based assays, etc.) and in vivo studies (i.e. efficacy, non-GLP NHP PK, DRF, etc.). Key Responsibilities: • Lead small-scale (<1L) purification of multi-specific antibody biologics to support critical research assays and studies • Design and execute advanced chromatography techniques and robust bioprocess development strategies to address production impurities and liabilities to deliver high quality antibody biologics to therapeutic areas • Execute rigorous analytical characterization of molecules, end products, by-products, and process intermediates • Apply Design of Experiments (DOE) with high throughput automation to optimize chromatography conditions for enhanced separation and resolution of complex protein mixtures • Drive innovation to support continuous improvement in downstream biologics processes and advance automation initiatives • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, translating molecular insights into functional results • Present findings clearly to diverse audiences and document results with rigor Qualifications • BS, MS, or PhD in Bioinformatics, Biophysics, Chemical Engineering, or related field with typically 8-10 years (BS), 5-7 years (MS), or 0-3 years (PhD) of experience • Deep proficiency in bioprocessing, column chromatography, and antibody-based biotherapeutics manufacturing is required • Expertise with AKTA chromatography systems is required • Experience operating high throughput automated liquid handling systems for chromatography applications (i.e. Tecan, Hamilton; plate-based screening, robocolumns) is desireable • Demonstrated success designing and executing DOE studies with successful application to protein production scale-up is preferable • Familiarity with programming languages (i.e. Python) and developing Bioinformatics or AI/ML tools is a plus • Strong understanding of molecular and post-translational attributes of biologics • Exceptional analytical, communication, and presentation skills • Collaborative spirit and dedication to scientific excellence 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