About this role
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:
https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html