Principal Research Scientist , tLNP Process Development

Company

Abb Vie is a global biopharmaceutical company that discovers and delivers innovative medicines in key therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology, neuroscience, and Allergan Aesthetics.

The targeted lipid nanoparticle (tLNP) process development team is seeking a highly motivated, talented, and innovative scientist. The role serves as a technical expert in conjugation technologies for targeting moieties such as monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), Fab fragments, and related ligand formats. The successful candidate will partner with mRNA and LNP process development teams to design and implement robust strategies for commercial process development and characterization, and facilitate right‑first‑time technology transfer into Abb Vie GMP manufacturing facilities.

• Serve as a technical expert in conjugation technologies for linking targeting moieties to lipid nanoparticles.
• Design, execute, and interpret laboratory experiments to understand LNP conjugation kinetics, process optimization, and scalability for commercial batches.
• Operate with autonomy in laboratory research and method development while initiating new scientific investigations applicable to development programs.
• Lead or contribute to the creation of robust process strategies supporting commercial readiness of targeted LNP programs.
• Collaborate with mRNA, LNP process development colleagues, and PDS&T to drive process characterization and enhance process understanding.
• Provide technical leadership for experiments aimed at optimizing process robustness, scalability, and manufacturability.
• Work cross‑functionally with internal and external partners to enable right‑first‑time technology transfer into Abb Vie GMP facilities.
• Identify technical risks and support mitigation strategies for targeted LNP, mRNA, and conjugation processes.
• Contribute to CMC planning, technical documentation, and cross‑functional communication for program advancement.
• Stay current on emerging technologies, platforms, and best practices relevant to targeted LNP delivery and conjugation science.

• BS or equivalent education with at least 14 years of experience; MS with at least 12 years;
  PhD with at least 6 years in relevant industry discipline.
• Proven ability to operate effectively in a cross‑functional, matrixed environment.
• Strong scientific judgment, problem‑solving skills, and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience supporting GMP manufacturing, process characterization, scale‑up, or technology transfer is preferred.
• Background in biologics, nanoparticle systems, conjugation chemistry, process development, or related CMC disciplines.
• Previous direct report management responsibilities are preferred.

• Hands‑on experience with conjugation strategies for biologics or targeting ligands.
• Familiarity with LNP formulation, mRNA modalities, or advanced drug delivery systems.
• Experience contributing to commercial process development and/or process characterization.
• Hands‑on experience with tangential flow filtration development in lab and scale‑up.
• Knowledge of GMP requirements and manufacturing technology transfer expectations.

• Establish deep technical credibility in targeted LNP conjugation and process development.
• Provide strong scientific and technical leadership across programs and stakeholders.
• Drive practical, scalable solutions that support manufacturability and commercialization.
• Build effective partnerships to enable seamless technology transfer into Abb Vie GMP facilities.

• 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 based on the job grade. Individual compensation will depend on many factors including geographic location, and may be modified in the future.
• We offer a comprehensive benefits package including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k) eligibility.
• This job is eligible to participate in our long‑term incentive programs.

Abb Vie 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 – please visit  for more information.

US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation can learn more at