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Formulation Development Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Sr Engineer R & D

Summit, IL

$105K - $144K/yr

The work will include process development, operations support, formulation optimization, lab testing and prototyping, improving scale-up capabilities, pilot and plant trials, data collection and ...

Sr Engineer R & D

Summit, IL · On-site

$105K - $144K/yr

The work will include process development, operations support, formulation optimization, lab testing and prototyping, improving scale-up capabilities, pilot and plant trials, data collection and ...

Business Case Development: Support multiple projects that require overall problem structuring, strategy formulation and quantitative / qualitative analysis (e.g., white space opportunity sizing ...

Business Case Development: Support multiple projects that require overall problem structuring, strategy formulation and quantitative / qualitative analysis (e.g., white space opportunity sizing ...

Manager, R&D - Product Dev

Glenview, IL · On-site

$112K - $141K/yr

Strong knowledge of ingredients, product formulation, processing equipment, ingredient interactions, and laboratory test methods * Proven ability to lead product development and commercialization ...

Strong understanding of product development, formulation, and quality standards. * Experience in translating consumer insights into actionable product design and development strategies. * Familiarity ...

... policy formulation. * Build pipelines of potential partners by developing, implementing, and ... Continuous development of workflow outline for scheduling software, including development queue ...

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Showing results 1-20

Formulation Development information

See Illinois salary details

$13

$22

$40

How much do formulation development jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 11, 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 job categories do people searching Formulation Development jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Formulation Development jobs in Illinois are:
Senior Director, Analytical Research

Senior Director, Analytical Research

AbbVie

North Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


AbbVie rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 100 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 74 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

The Senior Director will be responsible for leading the Synthetic Molecule (SM) Analytical R&D organization in Lake County supporting AbbVie's innovative and unique early stage pipeline which includes small molecule, peptides, ADCs (antibody-drug conjugates), APCs (antibody-peptide conjugates), LNP (Lipid Nanoparticle), and future modalities paired with formulation development support for conventional (e.g. OSD, injectables) and complex formulations (e.g. Long Acting Injectables, co-formulations).

This individual will lead the organization to develop industry-leading analytical methods, analytical characterization packages, and control strategies to advance the manufacturing, purification, formulation, and process development for drug intermediates, Drug Substance and Drug Products from Discovery Research through late-stage clinical development. The Senior Director will advance fundamental understanding of novel synthetic modalities and their degradation mechanisms during manufacturing, shelf-life, distribution, and administration. He/she will partner cross-functionally to drive robust drug substance and drug product manufacturing processes and formulation selection by providing key analytical data and insights.

The Senior Director will ensure that all analytical deliverables are achieved within set timelines, budgets, and regulatory frameworks, while seamlessly integrating analytical and program strategies into broader business objectives. He/she will drive top-tier analytical method development and validation strategies, implementation of new technologies, and automation. The Senior Director will establish collaborative and productive working relationships with key partner organizations to define successful process development strategies for drug intermediate, drug substance, drug product and novel drug delivery development.  He/she will effectively manage Discovery Research and Operations interfaces to ensure seamless transition of research programs into clinical development and technology transfers to commercial manufacturing and testing sites.  He/she will also partner with global Analytical R&D peer organizations working to advance similar Synthetic modalities to benchmark strategies and technologies and leverage analytical best practices.

Responsibilities:

  • Provide leadership and talent development for > 50 highly skilled analytical and pharmaceutical scientists at the AbbVie Abbott Park, North Chicago, and Ludwigshafen Germany sites
  • Define and communicate industry-leading analytical strategies for complex modalities
  • Responsible for development, validation and transfer of analytical methods aligned with global strategies
  • Establish industry-leading analytical characterization capabilities to support process development, formulation design and comparability
  • Drive fundamental understanding of CQAs, degradation mechanisms and product/excipient interactions
  • Manage departmental budget, analytical laboratories and equipment
  • Balance resources, resolve issues and achieve target timing for pipeline projects and key strategic initiatives
  • Drive technical excellence and innovations in science that improve the capabilities and productivity of the organization.
  • Work collaboratively across R&D and Operations to align and influence a broad range of development strategies that directly support drug development programs.
  • Manage and develop scientific talent across multiple disciplines and/or projects to address current and future business needs.
  • Ensure scientific excellence and foster functional, scientific, and professional development of staff.
  • Identify, evaluate, and propose both internal and external collaborations to drive scientific innovation and shared learning.
  • Accountable for compliance with Environmental Health and Safety regulations for the group.
  • Solves difficult and highly complex technical issues in an evolving regulatory climate.
Qualifications
  • PhD with at least 15 years of relevant pharma/biotech industry experience or master's degree with at least 20 years of pharma/biotech experience.
  • Proven experience leading an Analytical development organization with a range of experience levels and scientific disciplines
  • Demonstrated record of success leading strategic initiatives and new technology evaluation/implementation
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.
  • Experience motivating and maintaining positive morale of highly skilled technical individuals and teams in an environment where compliance with standard procedures is required.
  • Solid understanding of the various scientific disciplines needed for therapeutic development (including analytical, drug substance development, drug product development, combination product development, manufacturing, QA, supply chain, regulatory).
  • Strong negotiating, influencing, and leadership skills
  • Entrepreneurial thinker capable of driving innovative ideas and making smart business decisions.

Team size: 50+

Number of programs supported: 20+

Recent additional responsibilities: peptides, LNP


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 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 long-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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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