2026 Synthetic Chemistry Intern (PDS&T) (PhD)

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.

2026 Synthetic Chemistry Intern Overview  

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.  

We are seeking a motivated PhD intern with experience in synthetic organic chemistry and reaction development to develop next-generation chemical processes for late-stage and commercial small-molecule assets. This role will center on a collaborative effort between PDS&T and Process Chemistry in the development of process improvements to commercial processes. The intern will be responsible for planning, executing, and analyzing the results of experiments spanning reaction scales from microgram to decagram using a vast array of modern scientific reaction monitoring and analysis platforms.  

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in synthetic organic/organometallic catalysis, the development of enantioselective transformations, and modern analytical techniques and data analysis.  

Key responsibilities include: 

• High-throughput experimentation and reaction screening 

• High-throughput data collection and analysis 

• Mechanistic analysis of organic reactions 

• Collaborative experimentation between colleagues in PDS&T and Development Sciences 

• Reaction design, planning, and scale up 

Minimum Qualifications  

• Currently enrolled in university, pursuing a PhD in synthetic chemistry or another related field 

• Must be enrolled in university for at least one semester following the internship  

• Experience in organic synthesis and in the discovery and optimization of chemical reactions 

• Experience with transition metal catalysis and related reaction development 

• Experience with common analytical techniques such as NMR and HPLC 

• Strong collaboration skills and comfort working cross-functionally 

• Strong writing and communication skills 

• Problem solving skills 

Preferred Qualifications  

• Expected graduation date between December 2026 – July 2027 

• Experience with high-throughput experimentation and data analysis 

• Experience with air-free chemistry and glovebox handling 

• Experience with developing transition metal-mediated reactions 

• Experience with enantioselective catalysis 

Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law: ​

Benefits and Amenities:​

• Competitive pay​

• Relocation support for eligible students​

• Select wellness benefits and paid holiday / sick time ​

• 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 at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location, and we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future.​

Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, incentive, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole and absolute discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole and absolute discretion, consistent with applicable 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:

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