2026 Biopharmaceutics and Drug Delivery Intern (PhD)

Internship Opportunity At AbbVie

Envision spending your summer working with energetic colleagues and inspirational leaders, all while gaining world-class experience in one of the most dynamic organizations in the pharmaceutical industry. This is a reality for AbbVie Interns.

The Molecular Profiling and Drug Delivery (MPDD) group within AbbVie R&D's Development Sciences organization, is accountable for a broad range of deliverables across various stages of drug discovery and development. During lead optimization and through candidate selection, MPDD scientists utilize state-of-the-art automation and computational tools supported by expertise in biopharmaceutics, drug delivery, and solid-state chemistry to collaboratively progress candidates with higher probability of success into development and advise clinical formulation strategy. From candidate selection through clinical proof of concept and product launch, MPDD scientists work in cross functional teams to identify the commercial dosing form of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and establish structure-property-performance correlations to help deliver robust commercial processes and align control strategies across drug substance and product. They also transition drug substance isolation processes and relevant physical characterization methods to commercial manufacturing sites and work within teams to ensure successful regulatory submissions.

Under the supervision of MPDD scientists, the intern will enhance our biopharmaceutics and drug delivery capabilities at the discovery-development interface, focusing on emerging modalities. The intern's responsibilities will include conducting experiments and assessments either in in-vitro, in silico, and/or ex-vivo settings. The goal is to establish formulation screening platforms that complement existing strategies, with a particular emphasis on emerging modalities.

This internship will be based in North Chicago, IL.

Key responsibilities include:

• Design and create innovative formulations for emerging modalities to overcome tissue barriers in vivo and improve therapeutic effectiveness.
• Perform physicochemical characterization and in vitro/ex vivo assessments of drug formulations using advanced techniques to evaluate essential properties.
• Interpret and convey results from characterization and formulation studies for subsequent in vivo evaluations.
• Assist in integrating cutting-edge in vitro, in silico, and in vivo activities to develop and optimize screening assays for emerging modalities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in university, pursuing a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Drug Delivery, Chemical/Biomedical Engineering, Analytical Chemistry, or other related fields.
• Must be enrolled in university for at least one semester following the internship.
• Prior experience working in areas related to physiochemical profiling, formulation development, drug delivery, and/or biopharmaceutics.

Preferred Qualifications

• Expected graduation date between December 2026 June 2027
• Understanding of physicochemical properties, biopharmaceutics, and pharmacokinetics as they pertain to drug delivery and formulation design.
• Skilled in fundamental laboratory techniques, including pipetting, solution preparation, and dilution.
• Experienced in operating HPLC/UPLC, in situ UV probes, and ex vivo systems.
• Understanding of oral absorption and knowledge about PBPK for modeling and simulation purposes.
• Capable of troubleshooting experiments and identifying/solving issues in experimental designs, including laboratory work.
• Able to apply research findings, interpret and analyze results, and develop and implement a logical, strategic plan of action.
• Proficient in required software, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with keen attention to detail.

Benefits and Amenities

• Competitive pay
• Relocation support for eligible students
• Select wellness benefits and paid holiday / sick time

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.