Senior Principal Polymer Scientist, R&D

We are looking for a strong candidate with a history of break-through innovations in polymeric biomaterials used for medical devices application and is passionate about solving customer and patient unmet needs.

Serve as an in-house expert for polymers and coatings supporting the development of new applications to enable product development teams to create innovative break-through therapies.

Develop and carry out hands-on polymer processing techniques such as extrusion, injection molding, lamination, coating, and surface modification.

Conduct material characterization using various analytical techniques, interpret results and develop novel solutions for product unmet needs.

Consult in polymer selection for design applications keeping in mind effect of sterilization techniques on material properties.

Maintain an ongoing search for new polymeric materials/ technologies which can be used for performance improvements and provide all necessary polymeric materials support for the development of new products starting with material identification/selection based on product requirements, material selection, developing processing parameters, test method development, troubleshooting for refinement of existing products, and partner with Global Supply Chain in vendor selection.

Build collaborative partnerships with R&D teams across Edwards and convert product unmet needs into viable, manufacturable solutions.

Initiate and lead external collaborations to develop novel materials and technologies.

Guide and mentor engineers/scientists on new and emerging technologies and participate on multi-disciplinary teams to analyze and solve complex technical challenges.

Prepare concise written reports of analysis and conclusions.

Present results of research and development activities to business unit leaders and senior management.

What you'll need (Required):

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Scientific field with a minimum of 8 years of experience, including either industry or industry/education -OR- Master's Degree or equivalent in Engineering or Scientific field with a minimum of 7 years of experience, including either industry or industry/education -OR- Doctorate Engineering or Scientific field with a minimum of 4 years of experience, including either industry or industry/education (Degrees in Polymer Science, Polymer Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biomedical engineering, or related field strongly preferred)

Deep fundamental knowledge of Polymer Science with strong expertise and hands-on experience in polymer processing, testing, and characterization (mechanical, topographical, chemical, thermal, and rheological properties).

Knowledge and experience of using of Polymer Structure-Property Relationship for problem solving

Experience in converting polymers and/or coatings from ideas to bench top prototypes to commercial applications

What else we look for (Preferred):

Experience in development of polymer-based technologies for medical devices or combination products (Class II and Class III products)

Knowledge of surface modification techniques and expertise in surface modification of polymers for medical device applications

Experience with bench-top extrusion or molding

Good understanding of effects of various sterilization modalities (gamma, e-beam, ETO, Steam etc.) on polymeric materials.

A good understanding of polymer biocompatibility and related international guidance and standards is highly desired in order select optimal materials for the given application.

Demonstrated ability to work under minimum supervision in a fast-paced team environment.

Requires strong organizational skills and ability to manage several projects simultaneously.

Proven expertise in usage of MS Office Suite

Excellent documentation and communication skills and interpersonal relationship skills including negotiating and relationship management skills

Ability to translate complex and technical information to all levels of the organizations

Recognized as an expert in own area within the organization while applying broad-based technical expertise and has full knowledge of other related disciplines

Expert knowledge and understanding of principles, theories, and concepts relevant to laboratory environment

Advanced problem-solving, organizational, analytical and critical thinking skills

Expert understanding of processes and equipment used in assigned work

Strong leadership skills and ability to influence change

Knowledge of and adherence to Edwards Environmental Health and Safety and Quality guidelines as they relate to department clean room medical device manufacturing

Strict attention to detail

Ability to interact professionally with all organizational levels

Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast paced environment

Represents organization as key technical contact on contracts and projects

Interacts with senior external representatives on significant technical matters often requiring coordination between organizations

Adhere to all company rules and requirements (e.g., pandemic…