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Senior Scientist l, QTAS & ADME Sciences

AbbVie · North Chicago, IL · Full time · Research

Posted Jun 9, 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 scientific idea you drove from concept to result.

What they are checking: Whether they have taken an idea from concept to result themselves, showing scientific initiative rather than only executing assigned work.

Tell me about working closely with pharmacokinetic modelers.

What they are checking: Whether they work well with modelers by sharing data and assumptions, since ADME results feed directly into PK predictions.

What would you do

An LC-MS/MS bioanalysis result looks off. How do you troubleshoot it?

What they are checking: Whether they troubleshoot bioanalysis systematically, checking standards, matrix effects and instruments, because bad data leads to wrong decisions.

How do you communicate an ADME liability to a project team?

What they are checking: Whether they explain a liability clearly with its risk and options, so the project team can make an informed decision.

About the work

How would you assess the risk that a new small molecule is a CYP3A4 time-dependent inhibitor?

What they are checking: Whether they know how to test for time-dependent CYP3A4 inhibition, since missing it can cause dangerous drug interactions in patients.

What in vitro models do you use for drug metabolism, and when would you use a more complex model?

What they are checking: Whether they choose in vitro systems based on the question, using complex models only when simpler ones cannot answer it.

How do you translate in vitro clearance to a human prediction?

What they are checking: Whether they understand how to scale lab clearance to human predictions, and the common reasons those predictions miss.

How would you qualify a new technology like a microphysiological system for ADME use?

What they are checking: Whether they validate new tools carefully against known compounds before trusting them for project decisions.

How do transporters affect drug disposition, and when do you test for them?

What they are checking: Whether they understand when transporters drive drug exposure and know when regulators expect transporter testing.

How do you design an assay to be reproducible and robust?

What they are checking: Whether they build controls, replicates and acceptance criteria into assays, so results hold up when others repeat them.

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The full job description

As published by AbbVie.

AbbVie is seeking a highly motivated and experienced scientist to join our Quantitative, Translation & ADME Sciences (QTAS) team in North Chicago. The ideal candidate will have a strong background and expertise with in vitro models, drug metabolizing enzyme function, drug-drug interaction concepts, quantitative bioanalysis and ability to spot, ideate and drive cutting-edge science. Applicants having experience in an adjacent area, such as drug permeability and transport, receptor pharmacology and pharmacokinetic modeling is desirable. In this exciting role, you will be expected to participate in implementing innovative and quantitative approaches to advance translational ADME using conventional as well as more complex in vitro models. Working primarily in a laboratory, the position will involve the conduct and contribution to scientific leadership of in vitro assays as well as applying translational modeling concepts to help drive the global in vitro ADME strategy at AbbVie. The candidate will be expected to qualify, confirm and evaluate new technologies as well as execute operational activities to support the mechanistic and translational understanding of early and late-stage small molecules to help advance drug candidates in our pipeline. In addition, you will have opportunities to contribute to broader areas within DMPK as your experience and expertise warrants. Core responsibilities include: • Laboratory experimentation in cellular and subcellular models • Evaluating novel in vitro tools and methods, and apply established methods and concepts to enable and improve prediction of human PK and drug-drug interaction potential • As needed, liaise with QTAS, discovery biology/pharmacology to generate data and knowledge supporting the build-up of translational, mechanistic models • Communicate internally and externally on topics related to in vitro drug metabolism • Keep up to date with emerging literature and science in modeling and in vitro approaches Qualifications • 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 and no experience necessary. • Strong experience in cell culture methods, including hepatocytes and cell lines. • Deep understanding of drug metabolism and ADME principles including enzyme kinetics, IVIVE and DDI risk assessment • Strong and relevant publication record • Highly motivated, self-driven and results-oriented person with excellent communication and presentation skills, capable to work both as team player and independent scientific contributor • Passion for generating ideas, learning, solving technical problems and applying new technologies to further scientific goals. Key Leadership Competencies: • Builds strong relationships with peers and cross functionally with partners outside of team to enable higher performance • Ability to inspire and lead others in areas of your expertise • 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 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

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