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Process Chemistry Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

New

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 ...

New

Archer Daniels Midland

$95K - $121K/yr

The Process Chemistry Group within the ADM Research and Development organization has an opening for a Senior Research Scientist. The qualified candidate will be expected to carry out and/or lead ...

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Process Chemistry information

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$13

$23

$34

How much do process chemistry jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for process chemistry in Illinois is $23.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.09 and $27.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is process chemistry?

Process chemistry is a branch of chemistry focused on the development, optimization, and scale-up of chemical processes for manufacturing substances, typically in the pharmaceutical or chemical industries. Process chemists work to make chemical reactions safer, more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly when moving from laboratory scale to large-scale production. Their responsibilities often include troubleshooting, improving yields, and ensuring regulatory compliance during manufacturing. This field is crucial for bringing new chemical products from research and development to market.

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 organic and analytical chemistry, typically with a bachelor's or advanced degree in chemistry or chemical engineering. Familiarity with laboratory instruments (e.g., HPLC, GC, NMR), process scale-up techniques, and safety regulations is essential, and certifications like OSHA training can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are key soft skills for success. These competencies ensure safe, efficient development and optimization of chemical processes, which are crucial for high-quality, scalable manufacturing.

What are some common challenges faced by process chemists in scaling up reactions from the laboratory to manufacturing?

Process chemists often encounter challenges when transitioning chemical reactions from small-scale laboratory experiments to large-scale manufacturing. These challenges include ensuring consistent product quality, managing heat transfer and mixing issues, and addressing safety concerns that may not be apparent at a smaller scale. Close collaboration with engineers, quality control teams, and safety specialists is essential to address these complexities and optimize the process for commercial production. Effective troubleshooting and adaptability are key skills for success in this role.

What is the difference between Process Chemistry vs Chemical Engineering?

AspectProcess ChemistryChemical Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Chemistry or related field, possibly a master'sBachelor's in Chemical Engineering, often with a master's or higher
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, R&D settings, pilot plantsIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, process design
Industry UsagePharmaceuticals, specialty chemicals, research labsPetrochemicals, large-scale manufacturing, process optimization

Process Chemistry focuses on developing and optimizing chemical reactions and formulations, often in research and development settings. Chemical Engineering involves designing and managing large-scale chemical processes and production systems. While both roles require chemistry knowledge, Process Chemists are more research-oriented, whereas Chemical Engineers focus on process scale-up and plant operations.

What are popular job titles related to Process Chemistry jobs in Illinois?

For Process Chemistry jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Process Chemistry jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Process Chemistry jobs in Illinois are:

Process Chemistry jobs near you
Infographic showing various Process Chemistry job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,729 per year, or $23.9 per hour.

Future Opportunities - Join our Talent Pipeline for Sr Scientist Process Chemistry

Allergan

North Chicago, IL • On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Other

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Company Description

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 – immunology, oncology, neuroscience, and eye care – and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio.

For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedInand Tik Tok.

Job Description

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 drug product development for AbbVie’s pre-clinical and clinical candidates. We create valuable intellectual property through composition of matter, chemical processes, and technology, resulting in the development of safe and cost-effective commercial manufacturing processes.

AbbVie Process Chemistry is seeking a highly motivated Senior Scientist to conduct chemical process research and development, supporting projects from pre-clinical stages through early clinical phases.

Key Responsibilities
  • The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and executing chemical processes to support clinical development of potential therapies, which may include small molecules, antibody drug conjugates, peptides, and/or oligonucleotides.
  • Routinely demonstrate scientific initiative and creativity in research or development activities to resolve key project hurdles.
  • Learns fast, grasps the 'essence', and can change course quickly where indicated.
  • Builds strong relationships with peers and cross functionally with partners outside of team to enable higher performance.
  • Highly autonomous and productive in performing laboratory research or method development, requiring only minimal direction from or interaction with supervisor.
  • Maintain a high level of productivity in the laboratory setting.
  • Publish research in peer-reviewed journals and present their work at scientific conferences.
  • Creates a learning environment, embraces the ideas of others, open to suggestions and experimentation for improvement.
  • Adheres to corporate standards regarding code of conduct, safety, quality, and appropriate handling of materials.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD Degree in Organic Chemistry with typically 10+ (BS), 8+ (MS) or 0+ (PhD) years of experience
  • Possesses a thorough theoretical and practical understanding of own scientific discipline.
  • A broad range of functional expertise in modern synthetic organic chemistry, compound purification, spectral analysis/interpretation. Experience in peptides, bioconjugations, biocatalysis, AI/ML, or oligonucleotides is also desired.
  • An ability to search the chemical literature and evaluate potential solutions to synthetic problems.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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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