Chemist

Aspen Surgical • Queens, NY

18h • Onsite

About The Position

Develop and optimize enzymatic detergents, high- and low-level disinfectants, and refurbishing chemistries for medical devices and healthcare surfaces. Design and execute laboratory studies to evaluate cleaning efficacy (protein, blood, biofilm removal), enzyme activity, antimicrobial efficacy, material compatibility, and stability. Select and evaluate raw materials including enzymes (protease, amylase, lipase), surfactants, oxidizers, quaternary ammonium compounds, peracetic acid systems, and corrosion inhibitors. Support disinfection validation testing (e.g., bactericidal, virucidal, fungicidal claims) in collaboration with internal teams or external labs. Partner with cross-functional teams (Regulatory, Quality, Clinical Affairs, Manufacturing) to ensure compliance with FDA, EPA, ISO 15883, AAMI, and other applicable standards. Assist in scale-up, technology transfer, and manufacturing troubleshooting for commercialization. Investigate and resolve product performance issues, including residue formation, material compatibility, and process variability. Maintain detailed documentation for formulations, validation data, technical reports, and regulatory submissions. Monitor industry trends in infection prevention, device reprocessing, and emerging antimicrobial technologies. Work in a laboratory and pilot-scale formulation development environment, interacting with manufacturing and sterile processing environments as needed. Handle bio-relevant soils, chemicals, and antimicrobial agents under strict safety protocols.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field
• 3–6 years of experience in formulation development, preferably in medical, healthcare, or regulated cleaning products
• Working knowledge of: Enzyme-based cleaning systems and stability considerations
• Working knowledge of: Surfactant systems and soil removal mechanisms (proteins, lipids, polysaccharides)
• Working knowledge of: Disinfectant chemistries (e.g., oxidizing agents, aldehydes, quats)
• Experience designing experiments and interpreting performance data
• Strong understanding of laboratory safety and chemical handling practices
• Technical depth in cleaning, enzymatic, and antimicrobial chemistry
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to translate laboratory results into practical application performance
• Cross-functional collaboration in regulated environments
• Attention to detail and documentation rigor
• Project management and time prioritization

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with antimicrobial efficacy standards (e.g., AOAC, ASTM, EN methods)
• Knowledge of regulatory frameworks (FDA 21 CFR, EPA FIFRA, EU MDR, REACH)
• Product performance testing using ultrasonic machines and automatic washers with TOSI plates and challenge substrates
• Accelerated shelf life and stability studies using an incubator

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize enzymatic detergents, high- and low-level disinfectants, and refurbishing chemistries for medical devices and healthcare surfaces
• Design and execute laboratory studies to evaluate cleaning efficacy (protein, blood, biofilm removal), enzyme activity, antimicrobial efficacy, material compatibility, and stability
• Select and evaluate raw materials including enzymes (protease, amylase, lipase), surfactants, oxidizers, quaternary ammonium compounds, peracetic acid systems, and corrosion inhibitors
• Support disinfection validation testing (e.g., bactericidal, virucidal, fungicidal claims) in collaboration with internal teams or external labs
• Partner with cross-functional teams (Regulatory, Quality, Clinical Affairs, Manufacturing) to ensure compliance with FDA, EPA, ISO 15883, AAMI, and other applicable standards
• Assist in scale-up, technology transfer, and manufacturing troubleshooting for commercialization
• Investigate and resolve product performance issues, including residue formation, material compatibility, and process variability
• Maintain detailed documentation for formulations, validation data, technical reports, and regulatory submissions
• Monitor industry trends in infection prevention, device reprocessing, and emerging antimicrobial technologies

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level