Principal Research Scientist I, Lipid Design and Formulations Development

Company: Abbvie
Location: San Diego
Posted on: January 12, 2026

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 , LinkedIn and Tik Tok . Job Description Overview We are seeking a highly motivated and innovative Formulation Scientist to join our LNP development team. In this role, you will be responsible for leading projects focused on lipid design, formulation development, and characterization of targeted LNP drug products to support internal platform and pipeline programs. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of LNP formulation and lipid chemistry, analytical characterization and functional screening in vitro and in vivo. Responsibilities Independently lead research efforts through deep technical understanding and work collaboratively within a cross-functional product development team to drive design, functional screening, development and production of novel tLNP formulations for targeted, extra hepatic delivery of nucleic acid payloads. Discover and optimize novel lipid designs and applications from diverse structural families for LNP platform technology development Collaborate with various groups across the organization including mRNA, analytical, conjugation, antibody and CMC process development groups to advance pipeline programs Routinely act as a group leader on formulation projects and provide mentorship to a small group of research associates. Contribute to formulations/process development sections of regulatory filings (IND, NDA etc.) Review scientific literature, patents, scientific abstracts to stay up to date on latest in the field. Provide scientific expertise in the organization with special emphasis on lipid nanoparticle-based drug targeting delivery systems for nucleic acids Qualifications BS or equivalent education and extensive, typically 14 years of industry experience; MS or equivalent education with typically 12 years of industry experience; PhD with typically 6 years of industry experience in scientific area of discipline. Preferred: PhD in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, or Pharmaceutical Sciences with experience in the design and development of nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems or complex biologics. Deep technical prowess is required with respect to lipid chemistry and LNP formulation. Demonstrated ability to establish new capabilities and innovate strategies in pursuit of scientific excellence. Must possess in depth understanding of all aspects of formulation development as well as downstream characterization including physicochemical, stability and biological evaluation. Experience with process: lipid nanoparticle formulation and purification processes, and/or experience with process development, scale-up/out, engineering and GMP manufacturing of biologic drug product processes are highly desired. Experience with supervision, mentorship, or training of other team members. Good track record of scientific publications and patents in the field of lipid nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems is desired Must be an independent thinker with a passion for developing novel formulation technologies. Experience in contributing to formulation and pharmaceutical development sections of regulatory filings is highly desirable. Details oriented with good organization skills, great troubleshooting skills, team player, excellent oral and written communication skills are necessary for this position. Additional Information Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state orlocal law: The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Companybelieves ingood faith it will pay for this role at thetimeof this posting based on the job grade for this position.Individualcompensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location,andwemayultimatelypaymore or less than the posted range. This range may bemodifiedin thefuture. We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick),medical/dental/visioninsurance and 401(k) to eligibleemployees. This job is eligible toparticipatein our short-term incentiveprograms. Note: No amount of payis considered to bewages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, anddeterminable.The amount and availability of anybonus,commission, incentive, benefits, or any other form ofcompensation and benefitsthat are allocable to a particular employeeremainsin the Company's soleandabsolutediscretion unless and until paid andmay bemodifiedat the Companys sole and absolute discretion, consistent withapplicable 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

Keywords: Abbvie, Downey , Principal Research Scientist I, Lipid Design and Formulations Development, Science, Research & Development , San Diego, California