Job Description

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

Qualifications

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