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Formulation Development information

See Illinois salary details

$13

$22

$40

How much do formulation development jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for formulation development in Illinois is $22.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.69 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced in a Formulation Development role, and how are they typically addressed?

Professionals in Formulation Development often encounter challenges such as ensuring product stability, achieving desired drug release profiles, and scaling up formulations from the laboratory to manufacturing. These challenges are typically addressed by conducting thorough pre-formulation studies, collaborating closely with analytical and process engineers, and performing iterative testing to optimize formulations. Teamwork and effective communication with quality assurance and regulatory teams are also crucial to ensure products meet both efficacy and compliance standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Formulation Development, and why are they important?

To excel in Formulation Development, a solid background in chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or related fields, often with a relevant degree, is essential. Experience with analytical instruments, formulation software, and knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) or regulatory guidelines are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective cross-functional communication set top performers apart. These skills ensure the creation of safe, effective, and compliant products that meet both scientific and regulatory standards.

What is the difference between Formulation Development vs Formulation Scientist?

AspectFormulation DevelopmentFormulation Scientist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Pharmacy, Chemistry, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Pharmacy, Chemistry, or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, pharmaceutical companies, R&D departmentsResearch labs, pharmaceutical companies, R&D departments
Industry UsageDesigning and optimizing drug formulations for productionDeveloping and testing drug formulations, conducting experiments

Formulation Development focuses on designing and optimizing drug formulations for manufacturing, while Formulation Scientists conduct experiments and testing to develop these formulations. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work environments, but their specific responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What is formulation development?

Formulation development is the process of designing and optimizing the composition of a pharmaceutical product, such as a tablet, capsule, or injectable, to ensure its safety, efficacy, and stability. This involves selecting appropriate active ingredients, excipients, and delivery methods to achieve the desired therapeutic effect. Professionals in formulation development work to address challenges like solubility, bioavailability, and manufacturability, while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Their work is essential for turning a drug candidate into a viable, market-ready product.
What are the most commonly searched types of Formulation Development jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Formulation Development jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Formulation Development jobs in Illinois? For Formulation Development jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Formulation Development jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Formulation Development jobs in Illinois are:
Formulation Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Formulation Development job openings in Illinois as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,017 per year, or $22.1 per hour.
Scientist I / II, tLNP Formulation

Scientist I / II, tLNP Formulation

AbbVie

North Chicago, IL • On-site

$78K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

AbbVie rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 97 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 71 rated pharmaceutical

Job description

Company Description
About AbbVie
AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology and neuroscience - and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
Job Description
About the Team
The Targeted Lipid Nanoparticle (tLNP) drug product development group within AbbVie's tLNP CMC team is committed to advancing clinical-stage tLNP assets from First-in-Human (FIH) through Phase 2. The team collaborates across biologics discovery, CMC partners, Clinical Operations, Regulatory Affairs, Quality Assurance, and external manufacturing to support development and commercialization of tLNP products. Key focus areas include establishing robust formulation and process development capabilities, leading critical CMC activities for pipeline programs, devising formulation development strategies, conducting stability evaluations, optimizing clinical in-use strategies, developing innovative product presentations, implementing stage-based quality risk management, and driving scientific initiatives to ensure the strong development of current and future tLNP programs.
Purpose
AbbVie is seeking a highly motivated Scientist I/II to support the development of early-stage targeted Lipid Nanoparticle (tLNP) assets within AbbVie's pipeline. The successful candidate will contribute to formulation and process development activities through hands-on laboratory experimentation, data analysis, and scientific problem solving. This role will work closely with cross-functional teams including analytical sciences, process development, manufacturing, and subject matter experts to advance tLNP drug product development from early research through clinical enablement.
Responsibilities
  • Design, execute, and interpret formulation and process development experiments to support tLNP drug product development.
  • Conduct formulation screening studies evaluating variables such as pH, buffer systems, cryoprotectants, surfactants, antioxidants, and other excipients to improve stability and performance of tLNP formulations.
  • Support process development activities including formulation preparation, sterile filtration, freeze-thaw evaluations, lyophilization development, and other drug product unit operations.
  • Generate high-quality experimental data and perform scientific analysis to support formulation and process optimization efforts.
  • Apply statistical tools and Design of Experiments (DoE) approaches, with appropriate guidance, to evaluate formulation and process variables.
  • Characterize tLNP formulations using relevant analytical and biophysical techniques and collaborate with analytical teams to interpret results.
  • Support technology transfer, scale-up activities, and manufacturing readiness assessments by providing laboratory process knowledge and technical documentation.
  • Evaluate formulation stability under various storage and stress conditions and contribute to development of clinical in-use strategies.
  • Maintain detailed and accurate documentation of experimental procedures, results, and conclusions in electronic laboratory notebooks, technical reports, and presentations.
  • Effectively communicate scientific findings and recommendations within project teams and cross-functional meetings.
  • Continuously identify opportunities to improve laboratory methods, workflows, and scientific understanding.
  • Maintain compliance with safety, quality, and good research practices while ensuring high laboratory productivity.

Qualifications
  • Scientist I: BS in Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, or a related scientific discipline with typically 5+ years of relevant industry experience, or MS with typically 2+ years of relevant industry experience.
  • Scientist II: BS in Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, or a related scientific discipline with typically 7+ years of relevant industry experience, or MS with typically 5+ years of relevant industry experience.
  • Fundamental understanding of drug product formulation principles, protein biochemistry, stability, and analytical characterization.
  • Demonstrated ability to independently execute experiments, analyze data, troubleshoot technical challenges, and communicate scientific findings.
  • Experience with formulation development, process development, or characterization of biologics, nanoparticles, or related drug delivery systems.
  • Knowledge of laboratory experimental design, data analysis, and scientific documentation practices.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality results within project timelines.

Preferred
  • Hands-on experience with mRNA, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), targeted LNP systems, biologics, or advanced drug delivery platforms.
  • Experience evaluating formulation stability and stress conditions, including freeze-thaw and frozen-state storage.
  • Familiarity with formulation characterization techniques including Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Microflow Imaging (MFI), chromatography methods (SEC, RP-HPLC, IEX), and UV-Vis spectroscopy.
  • Experience performing LNP characterization assays such as particle size analysis, encapsulation efficiency measurements, and ligand-targeting assessments.
  • Working knowledge of sterile drug product operations including filtration, aseptic processing, lyophilization, and fill-finish development.
  • Experience supporting technology transfer, process scale-up, or manufacturing activities.
  • Familiarity with statistical software and Design of Experiments (DoE) methodologies.
  • Understanding of relevant ICH, cGMP, and pharmaceutical development principles.

Additional Information
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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About AbbVie

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas: immunology, oncology, neuroscience, eye care, virology, women's health, and gastroenterology, in addition to products and services across its Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

Industry

Scientific research and development services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

North Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

2013

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