Principal Research Scientist I, Process Chemistry (Biocatalysis)

AbbVie seeks a Principal Research Scientist I with deep biocatalysis expertise to develop enzymatic processes for active pharmaceutical ingredient synthesis. The role involves enzyme engineering, directed evolution, and AI/ML integration to advance process chemistry across multiple drug modalities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement biocatalytic strategies to address complex synthetic challenges in API process development
• Engineer enzymes through recombinant DNA, protein expression, and directed evolution to improve activity and selectivity
• Apply AI/ML tools, bioinformatics, and high-throughput experimentation to accelerate enzyme optimization
• Lead or participate in process development and characterization projects across small molecules, peptides, and antibody-drug conjugates
• Author technical reports, patents, publications, and present scientific findings at internal and external forums

Requirements

• Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in organic chemistry with 14+, 12+, or 6+ years experience respectively
• Demonstrated hands-on expertise in biocatalysis including enzyme screening and synthetic applications
• Proficiency in recombinant DNA techniques and heterologous protein expression
• Experience with high-throughput experimentation platforms and data analysis workflows
• Ability to apply AI/ML and data science approaches to chemical synthesis problems
• Proven experience innovating chemical and automation technologies
• Scientific leadership with strong interpersonal and communication skills