ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Process Chemist Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

AbbVie

Scientist, Chemistry

North Chicago, IL · On-site

Purpose AbbVie's Product Development Science & Technology group is seeking a Scientist level Process Chemist to conduct late-stage chemical process development, support projects from late clinical ...

AbbVie

Scientist, Chemistry

North Chicago, IL · On-site

$75K/yr

Purpose AbbVie's Product Development Science & Technology group is seeking a Scientist level Process Chemist to conduct late-stage chemical process development, support projects from late clinical ...

AbbVie

Scientist, Chemistry

North Chicago, IL

Purpose AbbVie's Product Development Science & Technology group is seeking a Scientist level Process Chemist to conduct late-stage chemical process development, support projects from late clinical ...

AbbVie

Sr Scientist I, Process Chemistry

North Chicago, IL · On-site

$88K - $120K/yr

The Process Chemistry team is responsible for inventing and executing the chemical processes and preparing active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) to enable toxicology studies, clinical trials, and ...

AbbVie

Sr Scientist I, Process Chemistry

North Chicago, IL

$88K - $120K/yr

The Process Chemistry team is responsible for inventing and executing the chemical processes and preparing active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) to enable toxicology studies, clinical trials, and ...

AbbVie

Sr Scientist I, Chemistry

North Chicago, IL

$88K - $120K/yr

AbbVie Product Development Science & Technology is seeking a Senior Scientist (Process Chemist) to conduct late-stage chemical process development, supporting projects from late clinical development ...

AbbVie

Sr Scientist I, Chemistry

North Chicago, IL · On-site

$96K/yr

AbbVie Product Development Science & Technology is seeking a Senior Scientist (Process Chemist) to conduct late-stage chemical process development, supporting projects from late clinical development ...

AbbVie

Sr Scientist I, Chemistry

North Chicago, IL · On-site

$88K - $120K/yr

AbbVie Product Development Science & Technology is seeking a Senior Scientist (Process Chemist) to conduct late-stage chemical process development, supporting projects from late clinical development ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsProcess Chemist JobsProcess Chemist Jobs in Chicago, IL

Process Chemist information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$42.3K

$87.4K

$135.1K

How much do process chemist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for process chemist in Chicago, IL is $87,407.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,800.00 and $108,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a process chemist?

Process chemists are specialized scientists who develop, scale up, and optimize chemical processes for manufacturing products, such as pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and specialty chemicals. They work to ensure that these processes are efficient, cost-effective, and safe for large-scale production. Process chemists collaborate closely with chemical engineers and production teams to transition laboratory methods to industrial-scale operations, while also addressing environmental and regulatory requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a process chemist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Process Chemist, you need a solid background in chemistry or chemical engineering, typically with a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field. Proficiency with laboratory instruments, process simulation software, and familiarity with safety and regulatory standards are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help distinguish successful candidates. These competencies ensure safe, efficient process development and scale-up, which are critical for producing high-quality chemical products.

What are some common challenges faced by process chemists when transferring a chemical process from the lab to full-scale manufacturing?

Process Chemists often encounter challenges when scaling up a reaction from the laboratory to production scale, such as maintaining product quality, ensuring safety, and optimizing yields. Variables like mixing, temperature control, and raw material variability can behave differently at larger volumes, requiring careful adjustment and troubleshooting. Close collaboration with chemical engineers, safety specialists, and production staff is essential to address these issues and ensure a smooth, efficient, and compliant manufacturing process.

What is the difference between Process Chemist vs Analytical Chemist?

AspectProcess ChemistAnalytical Chemist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry or Chemical EngineeringBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry or related field
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, production facilitiesLaboratories, research settings
Industry UsagePharmaceuticals, chemicals, manufacturingPharmaceuticals, environmental testing, quality control
Job FocusOptimizing production processes, scale-up, process improvementsAnalyzing samples, testing, method development

While both roles require a chemistry background, a Process Chemist focuses on manufacturing processes and scaling production, whereas an Analytical Chemist specializes in testing and analyzing samples to ensure quality and compliance. The roles often overlap in industries like pharmaceuticals and chemicals but differ in daily tasks and focus areas.

How much do process chemists make in the US?

Process chemists in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $90,000, with experienced professionals and those working in specialized industries earning higher. Salaries can vary based on education, experience, location, and the complexity of processes they manage.
Process Chemist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Process Chemist job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $87,338 per year, or $42 per hour.

Associate Scientist, Chemistry

Scorpion Therapeutics

North Chicago, IL • On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Other

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Purpose

AbbVie's Product Development Science & Technology group is seeking an Associate Scientist level Process Chemist to conduct late-stage chemical process development, support projects from late clinical development through commercialization and throughout the product lifecycle.

Responsibilities
  • Develop organic chemistry processes and execute on scale to provide practical access to potential therapies, including small molecules and/or antibody drug conjugates.
  • Support the development and oversight of process chemistry and manufacturing controls at commercial sites.
  • Perform independent experimentation to generate reliable and consistent data.
  • Use data analysis to guide future work.
  • Troubleshoot experiments and instrumentation; learn and understand new experimental techniques.
  • Impact projects through lab and manufacturing plant-based activities.
  • Provide support to manufacturing facilities during commercial production.
  • Present technical topics to cross-functional stakeholders.
  • Adhere to corporate standards for code of conduct, safety, appropriate handling of materials, controlled drug and radioactive compounds, GxP compliance, and animal care where applicable.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with typically 3+ years’ experience, or Master’s degree (or equivalent) with no additional experience.
  • Expertise in modern synthetic organic chemistry, compound purification, and spectral analysis/interpretation.
  • Ability to problem solve using lab and literature-based resources.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
#J-18808-Ljbffr

Apply