Principal Research Scientist , Analytical R&D LNP and Molecule

Principal Research Scientist I

We are seeking a highly motivated, experienced analytical scientist to serve as an Analytical Project Leader in New Chemical Entities (NCEs) drug substance and drug product development, across both preclinical and clinical programs. The candidate will bring extensive expertise in an R&D environment with a fit‑for‑purpose mindset, including solid oral dosage forms and highly desired lipid nanoparticle experience.

The qualified candidate will conceive, execute, and communicate novel strategies that achieve project goals and support the multidisciplinary research and development organization. This includes managing CMC deliverables for early‑phase clinical development and discovery programs with pre‑clinical candidate compounds.

Fostering productive collaborations across the global Analytical R&D organization and cross‑functional R&D partners such as Discovery, Pre‑Clinical Safety, Process Chemistry, Process Engineering, Molecular Profiling, Drug Delivery, Drug Product Development, Quality Assurance, and CMC Regulatory will be essential.

Location:

Abb Vie Bioresearch Center in Worcester, MA. The role requires 50% on‑site support at the Worcester center and 50% at the Cambridge Crossing site in Cambridge, MA, as project needs dictate.

• Apply analytical separation and detection methods for complex impurity profiling of pharmaceutical products to advise on molecule selection suitable for development.
• Generate new scientific proposals and lead those efforts, anticipating and critically evaluating scientific or regulatory advances or competitive threats and responding with appropriate new strategies.
• Demonstrate scientific initiative and creativity in research or development activities while maintaining a high level of laboratory productivity.
• Embrace ideas from others, nurture innovation, and manage innovation from concept to reality.
• Continuously raise performance standards and remain unsatisfied with the status quo.
• Understand and comply with Abb Vie safety, quality, regulatory policies and relevant government regulations.

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry; minimum experience: 14 years (BS), 12 years (MS), or 6 years (Ph.D.) in related industry.
• Strong analytical chemistry background with excellent problem‑solving skills and the ability to independently develop and troubleshoot analytical methods.
• Demonstrated leadership in solving technical challenges across therapeutic modalities, specifically lipid nanoparticle (LNP) and small‑molecule spaces.
• Experience with diverse mass spectrometry (MS) instruments and applications for structure elucidation and trace quantitation.
• Fundamental knowledge of analytical techniques: HPLC, UPLC, GC, DSC, TGA, DVS, PXRD, NMR, dissolution.
• Understanding of physicochemical properties influencing drug delivery and formulation design.
• Familiarity with formulation approaches and routes of administration (IV, SC, IP, PO) across multiple species.
• Knowledge of preclinical and clinical formulation development principles for lipid nanoparticle formulations.
• Creative out‑of‑the‑box thinking for solving challenging problems.
• Self‑motivated, detail‑oriented, capable of working in a fast‑paced team environment.
• High‑quality written and oral communication skills and ability to interact effectively with interdisciplinary scientists and engineers.

• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience and location.
• Comprehensive benefits package: paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k) eligibility.
• Participation in 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.