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Senior Scientist I/II - Outsourcing Manager, Analytical R&D

AbbVie · North Chicago, IL · Full time · Research

Posted Sep 25, 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 improving an outsourcing process.

What they are checking: Whether they have actually improved an outsourcing process, showing initiative beyond managing vendors day to day.

How do you lead and develop a team of scientists?

What they are checking: Whether they invest in their scientists' growth through coaching and feedback, as this people management role requires.

What would you do

A provider misses a key milestone for an early-phase project. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they act fast with a recovery plan and escalate when needed, rather than waiting and hoping the provider catches up.

How do you represent AbbVie's interests while keeping a good provider relationship?

What they are checking: Whether they can hold providers to commitments firmly while keeping a respectful relationship, since good partners are hard to replace.

How do you prioritize work packages when pipeline needs change?

What they are checking: Whether they reprioritize clearly when pipeline needs shift, communicating changes so providers and teams stay aligned.

About the work

How do you pick and qualify a new external analytical service provider?

What they are checking: Whether they evaluate providers on quality, capability and compliance before signing, since a poor choice can delay entire programs.

What do you look for when reviewing GMP analytical data from a CRO or CDMO?

What they are checking: Whether they review external GMP data carefully for errors and integrity issues, because the company owns any problem that gets through.

How do you plan formulation, process and analytical work across providers within timeline and budget?

What they are checking: Whether they can coordinate work across several providers, keeping timelines and budgets realistic and visible to everyone.

What GMP documents do you prepare and file, and how do you make sure they are right?

What they are checking: Whether they know which GMP documents they own and check them carefully, since errors can delay filings or trigger findings.

How do you keep QA, business operations and project teams informed as a single point of contact?

What they are checking: Whether they keep every group informed proactively, so QA, operations and project teams are never caught by surprise.

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The full job description

As published by AbbVie.

Purpose The Outsourcing Manager is the single point of contact for the internal project development teams, QA, Business Operations, and external service providers. The position strategically coordinates global outsourcing activities to meet pipeline needs and given development timelines and budget, and assumes people-management responsibility for leading and developing a team. Existing processes are continuously challenged and further developed together with internal and external interfaces to increase their effectiveness. The role requires a high level of organizational, documentation, and communication skills. Responsibilities • Manage and lead interactions with service providers and represent AbbVie’s interests by supporting externalized early-phase development projects. • Strategically coordinate, plan, schedule, and monitor development work in formulation, manufacturing process development, and analytics within the given project timelines. • Maintain an overview and assessment of existing service providers and proactively drive the identification and qualification of new external partners. • Prepare and file GMP-compliant documents and review analytical service-provider data. • Prioritize activities and work packages and work with different areas to drive standardized, GMP-compliant, and effective outsourcing processes. • Develop and continuously improve appropriate management systems. • Collaborate in global teams with internal and external partners. • Obtain and evaluate proposals and support contract preparation. • Contribute to the planning of and adherence to the budget for assigned projects. • Contribute to the preparation, review, and negotiation of technical quality agreements, with a focus on analytical requirements. • Lead and develop a team and ensure compliance with GMP training requirements. • Senior Scientist I Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent education and typically 10+ years of experience, Master’s Degree or equivalent education and typically 8+ years of experience, PhD 0-4 years experience (preferably in pharmaceutical development in a GMP-regulated environment). • Senior Scientist II Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent education and typically 12+ years of experience, Master’s Degree or equivalent education and typically 10+ years of experience, PhD and 4+ years of experience, required (preferably in pharmaceutical development in a GMP-regulated environment). • This position requires an individual who is self-motivated, self-reliant, structured, conscientious, detail-oriented, and able to work successfully in a fast-paced global team environment. • Competency with software programs, including MS Excel, PowerPoint, and Word. • Strong organizational skills, assertiveness, and demonstrated problem-solving skills, with strong attention to quality and detail when exercising organizational, documentation, and communication skills. • Proven resilience, reliability, and flexibility in dealing with changing timelines and shifting work priorities. • Very good teamwork and communication skills when collaborating with global teams and internal and external interfaces. ​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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