Jobs / United States / Abbvie US LLC

Abbvie US LLC

Principal Research Scientist I, Engineering

North Chicago, IL, US Posted today

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Skills this job asks for

ComplianceCommunicationLeadershipA/B testing

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Sponsorship verdict

Sponsorship possible

One solid signal, not two. Worth applying, and worth asking about sponsorship early.

  • Employer is on a government sponsor recordThe US Department of Labor certified 177 H-1B/E-3 labor condition applications for this employer between Oct 2025 and Jun 2026 (latest Jun 2026) — the step every H-1B hire needs first.
  • The posting doesn’t mention sponsorshipSilence isn’t a refusal — ask the recruiter before investing much time.
  • No salary bar for this routeH-1B has no fixed salary bar: the employer must pay at least the prevailing wage for the role and area.
  • What Abbvie US LLC paid sponsored hires in similar roles4 certified filings for “PRINCIPAL RESEARCH SCIENTIST I” (Molecular and Cellular Biologists) in IL: $105k–$155k, median $120k.
  • Confirmed live todayWhen a source last listed this job as open.
Details and sources
Employer is on a government sponsor record
The US Department of Labor certified 177 H-1B/E-3 labor condition applications for this employer between Oct 2025 and Jun 2026 (latest Jun 2026) — the step every H-1B hire needs first. Source: LCA disclosure data (US Department of Labor (OFLC)).
No salary bar for this route
H-1B has no fixed salary bar: the employer must pay at least the prevailing wage for the role and area. Cap-subject employers enter a lottery weighted by wage level. Source: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/12/29/2025-23853/weighted-selection-process-for-registrants-and-petitioners-seeking-to-file-cap-subject-h-1b, rules effective 2026-02-27.
What Abbvie US LLC paid sponsored hires in similar roles
4 certified filings for “PRINCIPAL RESEARCH SCIENTIST I” (Molecular and Cellular Biologists) in IL: $105k–$155k, median $120k. Most were filed at wage level III (50%) — 3 lottery entries, ≈46% projected selection odds for cap-subject employers. Source: US Department of Labor LCA disclosure data (Oct 2025 – Jun 2026).

US H-1B: cap-subject employers enter a lottery weighted by wage level — Level I gets 1 entry, Level IV gets 4 (DHS projected selection odds ≈15% at Level I to ≈61% at Level IV). Universities and non-profit research employers are cap-exempt. The $100,000 fee for new petitions from abroad is currently blocked by a court order (appeal pending).

A verdict summarises public evidence. It is not legal advice and never a guarantee: the employer and the immigration authority decide. Sign in to factor in where you can already work.

About the role

Process engineers support API and natural products projects through all phases of late-stage development, commercialization, and product life cycle. This position is responsible for assessing key unit operations (e.g., reactions, crystallizations) for process robustness, scientific understanding, and potential scale-up risks from the lab to a manufacturing environment. Effective cross-functional interactions with other functions (e.g., technical, quality, regulatory) and on-site manufacturing personnel are key for successful job performance.   Purpose Lead research and/or project activities with a group of scientists within the individual’s area of expertise by effectively mentoring, guiding and/or supervising scientific personnel. Oversee the design, implementation, and optimization of processes for key modalities (e.g., small molecule APIs, antibody drug conjugates, peptides, and natural products) from development to commercialization.  Independently conceive, execute and communicate novel multi-disciplinary research or development strategies that achieve project and area goals. Serve as a lead scientist on his/her own project and contribute scientific insights into multiple other projects.  Responsibilities • Leverage core chemical engineering principles (chemical kinetics, transport phenomena, thermodynamics, mathematical modeling) in experimental design, thought process in problem-solving, and data analysis.  • Understand and adhere to corporate standards regarding code of conduct, safety, appropriate handling of materials, controlled drug and radioactive compounds, and GxP compliance.  • Effectively function as a principal investigator, generating original technical ideas and research or development strategies.  • Demonstrate creative 'out of the box' thinking to solve difficult problems and champion new technologies to achieve project goals.  • Independently responsible for project science within his/her area of expertise on one or more project teams.  • Make significant contributions to project team through lab-based, or other work environments, activities.  • Generate new scientific proposals and lead those efforts. Anticipate and critically evaluate scientific or regulatory advances or competitive threats and respond with appropriate new strategies.  • Recognized and sought out as an expert in his/her discipline within the company and possibly externally.  • Primary author of publications, presentations, regulatory documents and/or primary inventor of patents. Present at leading scientific conferences.  • Mentor/supervise a team of one or more and evaluate the performance of those individuals; is accountable for the effective performance of the team/individuals.  • BS, MS, or PhD in chemical engineering or a related field and 14+ (BS), 12+ (MS), or 6+ (PhD) years of relevant industrial experience.  • Possess excellent written and oral communication skills.  • Possess thorough theoretical and practical understanding of own scientific discipline.  • Demonstrated ability to function as a principal investigator, generating original technical ideas and research or development strategies.  • Recognized and sought out as an expert in his/her discipline within the company and possibly externally.  • Experienced and demonstrated success as primary author of publications, presentations, regulatory documents and/or primary inventor of patents.  • Demonstrated scientific communication and presentation skills by presenting at leading scientific conferences.  Key Leadership Competencies:  • Builds strong relationships with peers and cross-functionally with partners outside of team.   • Learns fast, understands key objectives, and can change course quickly where indicated.   • Raises the bar and is never satisfie

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