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This position has closed. AbbVie removed this listing from their careers page on Oct 1, 2026. The interview prep below is still useful, and there are similar open roles at the bottom of this page.

Senior Scientist I, Small Molecule and Peptide Bioanalysis

AbbVie · North Chicago, IL · Full time · Research

Posted Aug 7, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Sep 30, 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

You would independently evaluate and implement new analytical technologies. Tell me about a technique you brought into a laboratory.

What they are checking: Initiative and follow-through on technical change.

You would mentor junior scientists. What is hardest for someone new to bioanalysis to learn?

What they are checking: Teaching depth, visible through what they have seen people struggle with.

How do you stay current with the analytical literature while carrying a full study load?

What they are checking: A realistic habit, since the posting names staying current as a duty.

This asks for a doctorate with no minimum years, a master's with eight or more, or a bachelor's with ten or more, in the non-regulated bioanalysis group at North Chicago. What would you want to know about the portfolio and the instrumentation?

What they are checking: That they ask what they would actually be running.

What would you do

How do you decide a method is good enough for a non-regulated preclinical study?

What they are checking: Fit-for-purpose judgment, which differs from regulated bioanalysis.

You would support pipeline-enabling preclinical studies against timelines. How do you handle a study team that needs data faster than your method is ready?

What they are checking: Scientific integrity against program pressure.

About the work

This role supports quantitative bioanalysis of both small molecules and peptides. What makes peptide bioanalysis harder than small molecule work?

What they are checking: The specific technical challenge the posting centers on.

Walk me through developing a method for a peptide with poor recovery from plasma.

What they are checking: Extraction and method development depth, named as a core responsibility.

You would operate and maintain liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry instruments. Tell me about troubleshooting an instrument problem that was masquerading as an assay problem.

What they are checking: Diagnostic skill across the boundary between instrument and chemistry.

How do you tell a real result from a matrix effect or an artifact?

What they are checking: The central skepticism of bioanalysis.

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The full job description

As published by AbbVie.

Purpose The Quantitative, Translational and ADME Science (QTAS) Department at AbbVie is seeking a highly motivated scientist to join our Non-regulated Bioanalysis Team in North Chicago. In this lab-based role, the ideal candidate will have strong expertise in developing and implementing LC/MS-based bioanalysis to support pipeline enabling preclinical studies, to provide scientific leadership in developing custom methodology for complex modalities, and to evaluate and implement novel technologies and methodologies Core responsibilities • Support method development and optimization for quantitative bioanalysis, hands-on experience in peptide extraction, separation, and quantification is required. • Independently investigate, evaluate, and implement new analytical methodologies and technologies to meet challenging assay requirements while maintaining effective resource utilization. • Identify, troubleshoot, and provide quick response to address instrument and assay issues • Execute operational activities including supporting pipeline enabling preclinical studies to meet timelines, operate and maintain LC/MS instruments, and maintain accurate study documentation in electronic notebooks. • Stay current with emerging literature and development of analytical science. • Mentoring junior scientists. • PhD (0+ years), M.S. (8+ years) or BS (10+ years) in analytical chemistry or related field with relevant academic or industry experience. • In-depth understanding of LCMS methodology and quantitative science, with a focus on synthetic molecules. • Hands-on experience with one or more current LC-MS/MS platforms and software; familiarity with automated sample preparation platforms. • Knowledge of pharmacokinetics with an understanding of both experimental design and data analysis will be a plus. • Working experience in regulated bioanalysis and/or CRO settings will be a plus. • Proven ability to work in a team environment and an ability to interact with interdisciplinary p • Highly motivated and self-driven with the ability to quickly adapt to shifting priorities. • Maintain creative and flexible thinking, passionate for learning and solving technical problems • Excellent communication and presentation skills and the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of team. Key Leadership Competencies • Builds strong relationships with peers and cross functionally with partners outside of the immediate team to enable higher performance. • Learns fast, grasps the “essence” and can change course quickly when indicated. • Creates a learning environment, open to suggestions and experiments to drive the science in the field of interest. • Embraces the ideas of others, nurtures innovation and manages innovation to reality. 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 roleat the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on manyfactors 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 isearned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, incentive, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that areallocable 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 absolutediscretion, 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