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Senior Scientist Process Chemistry Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sr Scientist I, Process Chemistry

North Chicago, IL · On-site

$88K - $120K/yr

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 ...

$95K - $121K/yr

Senior Research Scientist, Process Chemistry - Decatur, IL This is an exempt level position. Position Summary: The Process Chemistry Group within the ADM Research and Development organization has an ...

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Senior Scientist Process Chemistry information

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$66.5K

$110.5K

$164.5K

How much do senior scientist process chemistry jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior scientist process chemistry in the United States is $110,545.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,500.00 and $125,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior scientist in process chemistry do?

A Senior Scientist in Process Chemistry is responsible for developing, optimizing, and scaling up chemical processes for the manufacture of pharmaceuticals or other chemical products. They design experiments, analyze data, and ensure that processes are efficient, safe, and meet regulatory requirements. Additionally, they often collaborate with cross-functional teams, mentor junior scientists, and contribute to technology transfer from research to production. Their work is essential to ensuring that new drugs or products can be produced reliably and cost-effectively on a larger scale.

What are some common challenges faced by a senior scientist in process chemistry, and how can they be addressed?

Senior Scientists in Process Chemistry often encounter challenges such as optimizing chemical processes for scale-up, ensuring reproducibility, and meeting strict regulatory requirements. Navigating the transition from laboratory to manufacturing scale requires strong problem-solving skills and close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including engineering and quality assurance. Staying updated on the latest synthetic methods and regulatory standards can help overcome these challenges, as can fostering open communication with team members to troubleshoot and resolve process bottlenecks efficiently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior scientist in process chemistry, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Scientist in Process Chemistry, you need advanced knowledge in organic synthesis, chemical engineering, and analytical techniques, typically supported by a Ph.D. or equivalent experience in chemistry. Familiarity with laboratory automation tools, process development software, and regulatory documentation systems is crucial. Strong problem-solving, project management, and communication skills help you lead teams and collaborate across departments. These competencies are essential for optimizing chemical processes, ensuring safety and compliance, and delivering innovative solutions in pharmaceutical or chemical manufacturing environments.

What is the difference between Senior Scientist Process Chemistry vs Process Development Scientist?

AspectSenior Scientist Process ChemistryProcess Development Scientist
Required CredentialsTypically PhD in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering, relevant experience in process chemistrySimilar credentials, often with additional focus on process optimization
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, manufacturing sites, R&D facilitiesLaboratories, pilot plants, manufacturing settings
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceutical, biotech, chemical industriesPharmaceutical, biotech, chemical industries
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding role scope, responsibilities, and qualificationsClarifying differences in process roles, career paths

The Senior Scientist Process Chemistry and Process Development Scientist roles share similar educational backgrounds and work environments within the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. The senior role typically involves leading complex process chemistry projects, while the process development scientist focuses more on developing and optimizing manufacturing processes. Both positions require strong chemistry expertise and contribute to product development and manufacturing efficiency.

More about Senior Scientist Process Chemistry jobs

What cities are hiring for Senior Scientist Process Chemistry jobs?

Cities with the most Senior Scientist Process Chemistry job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Scientist Process Chemistry jobs?

The most popular types of Scientist Process Chemistry jobs are:

What states have the most Senior Scientist Process Chemistry jobs?

States with the most job openings for Senior Scientist Process Chemistry jobs include:

Infographic showing various Senior Scientist Process Chemistry job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,545 per year, or $53.1 per hour.

Sr Scientist I, Process Chemistry

AbbVie

North Chicago, IL • On-site

$88K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 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 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

​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 short-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