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Pharmaceutical Formulation Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Sr Project Engineer

Melrose Park, IL · On-site

$96K - $126K/yr

... formulation and processing technologies for the improvement of current commercial projects for parenteral nutrition and generic pharmaceuticals. Salary Range: $100,000.00-$115,000.00 Position is ...

Sr Project Engineer

Melrose Park, IL · On-site

$96K - $126K/yr

... formulation and processing technologies for the improvement of current commercial projects for parenteral nutrition and generic pharmaceuticals. Salary Range: $100,000.00-$115,000.00 Position is ...

Sr Project Engineer

Melrose Park, IL · On-site

$96K - $125K/yr

... formulation and processing technologies for the improvement of current commercial projects for parenteral nutrition and generic pharmaceuticals. Salary Range: $100,000.00-$115,000.00 Position is ...

Analytical Chemist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$65K - $80K/yr

... pharmaceuticals, chemicals, etc.). This position involves formulating, developing and validating methodologies for dose formulation analysis. As needed, the Analytical Chemist supervises support ...

Senior Scientist

North Chicago, IL · On-site

$88K - $120K/yr

Working closely with analytical and formulation scientists in an integrated group the candidate ... Hands on expertise of bio analytical test methods for protein pharmaceuticals e.g. mass ...

Provide strategic and technical leadership at the interface of synthetic chemistry, formulation ... pharmaceutical laboratory setting. * Experience in radiolabeling and safety. * Experience in ...

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Pharmaceutical Formulation information

See Chicago, IL salary details

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How much do pharmaceutical formulation jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for pharmaceutical formulation in Chicago, IL is $23.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.80 and $23.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a pharmaceutical formulation?

A Pharmaceutical Formulation job involves the development of drug products by combining active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) with excipients to create a stable, effective, and safe dosage form. Professionals in this role work on designing tablets, capsules, injections, or other drug delivery systems, ensuring proper bioavailability and stability. They also conduct laboratory testing, optimize formulations for large-scale manufacturing, and comply with regulatory guidelines. Their work is essential in bringing new medications to market and improving existing drug formulations.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of someone working in pharmaceutical formulation?

Professionals in Pharmaceutical Formulation are responsible for designing and developing dosage forms and ensuring their stability, safety, and efficacy. Daily tasks often include conducting experiments, analyzing raw materials, preparing prototypes, and documenting results according to regulatory standards. Collaboration with analytical scientists, quality assurance, and process engineering teams is common to address formulation challenges and optimize product development. The role frequently involves troubleshooting formulation issues and supporting scale-up activities for manufacturing. A detail-oriented and systematic approach is key to success in this fast-paced, research-driven environment.

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

To excel in Pharmaceutical Formulation, a candidate typically holds a degree in pharmacy, chemistry, or a related field and demonstrates expertise in drug delivery systems, analytical techniques, and formulation development. Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and regulatory guidelines is also crucial. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills are highly valued. These qualifications ensure that formulations are developed efficiently, compliantly, and with a focus on safety and efficacy.

How to become a pharmaceutical formulation scientist?

To become a pharmaceutical formulation scientist, typically a bachelor's degree in pharmacy, chemistry, or a related field is required, often followed by a master's or Ph.D. for advanced roles. Relevant skills include knowledge of drug development, formulation techniques, and laboratory practices, with experience in using analytical tools and adhering to regulatory standards. Gaining practical experience through internships or research projects can also enhance job prospects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Pharmaceutical Formulation jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Pharmaceutical Formulation jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Pharmaceutical Formulation job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,919 per year, or $23.5 per hour.

Senior Scientist I, Molecular Profiling and Drug Delivery (MPDD)

AbbVie

North Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


AbbVie rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 103 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 86 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 Molecular Profiling and Drug Delivery (MPDD) function within the Small Molecule CMC organization is accountable for a broad range of deliverables across various stages of drug discovery and development. During lead optimization and through candidate selection, MPDD scientists utilize state-of-the-art automation and computational tools supported by expertise in biopharmaceutics, drug delivery, and solid-state chemistry to collaboratively progress candidates with higher probability of success into development and advise clinical formulation strategy. From candidate selection through clinical proof of concept and product launch, MPDD scientists work in cross functional teams to identify the commercial solid form of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and establish structure-property-performance correlations to help deliver robust commercial processes and align control strategies across drug substance and product.

Solid State Chemists within AbbVie's MPDD function work in cross-functional teams to support projects through all phases of development (Lead Optimization to Process Validation). In early development, they work in cross functional teams to help pick the best molecule for development, identify solid form of the API and develop scalable API isolation processes for early clinical studies. During Phase II, they work with engineers and formulation scientists to establish structure-property-performance correlations and deliver commercial API isolation processes with optimized physical properties. In the final stages of development, Solid State Chemists at AbbVie help align control strategies across API and drug product throughout development, they work with relevant teams to ensure successful regulatory submissions. In order to develop and implement robust solutions, Solid State Chemists at AbbVie use a very diverse set of experimental, analytical techniques, automation, and modeling tools. In this role, you will be a key leader within dynamic, engaging, and multidisciplinary project teams with the ability to apply your skills and expertise in this exciting function with diverse accountabilities across development phases.

Job Description

AbbVie's MPDD organization is seeking a highly motivated, talented, and creative scientist with experience in the areas of solid form development, material sciences and molecular modeling for a Senior Scientist I position.

Qualifications
  • Bachelors, Masters, or PhD with 8+ (BS), 5+ (MS), and 0-3 (PhD) years of experience in pharmaceutical or related industry. Preferred educational background includes but is not restricted to Physical Chemistry, Material Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences or Chemical Engineering.
  • Sound understanding of biopharmaceutical concepts to improve drug-ability of molecules through salts and cocrystals. Strong knowledge of polymorphism concepts, structure elucidation, solid form development, and materials properties assessment along with experience in analytical tools used (i.e. PXRD, HPLC, thermal techniques, microscopy, particle size analysis, etc.).
  • Familiarity with state-of-the-art computational tools for physicochemical assessment of molecules and optimization of solid forms and their properties.
  • Knowledge of preclinical and clinical development formulation design across multiple dosage forms.
  • Knowledge of material science and experience in applying mathematical models to relate material physical properties with process performance and product properties.   
  • Experience in leveraging cutting-edge automation tools and data mining/analytics techniques to probe key development questions and build robust foundational knowledge base.
  • Record of independently leading research for short- and long-term organizational objectives.
  • Excellent communication skills and demonstrated record of building lasting partnerships across functional boundaries.

Key Competencies

  • Builds strong relationships with peers and cross functionally with partners outside of team to enable higher performance.
  • 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
Additional Information

https://us.smrtr.io/4_6zB

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