Distinguished Scientist – Materials, Chemistry and Insulin Infusion

MiniMed•Los Angeles, CA

3d•$204,000 - $306,000•Onsite

About The Position

MiniMed is seeking a highly experienced Distinguished Scientist with specialized expertise in biocompatibility, materials science, and chemistry to advance the development of next-generation medical devices. This leader will provide strategic direction for the biological safety, compatibility, and performance of patient-contacting materials and components, ensuring the delivery of safe, reliable, and innovative infusion technologies and devices. The Distinguished Scientist serves as a senior technical leader responsible for advancing biocompatibility strategy and materials science innovation for next-generation medical devices, specifically insulin infusion technologies. This role focuses on ensuring the biological safety, compatibility, and performance of materials, coatings, polymers, insulin compatibility and fluid-path chemistries used in infusion sets and related components to improve reliability, extended wear performance and patient comfort. This individual leads the evaluation and selection of materials with a primary emphasis on biocompatibility, including biological risk assessment, test strategy development, and material characterization for medical device applications. They apply deep expertise in biological evaluation, material-tissue interactions, chemical characterization, extractables/leachables, and device safety requirements to translate scientific research into scalable, regulatory-compliant product solutions. They shape the long-term materials strategy for diabetes infusion platforms while influencing technology roadmaps across the portfolio. The Distinguished Scientist identifies emerging scientific opportunities and shapes a long-term strategy for biocompatibility and materials integration across the medical device portfolio. This role influences technology roadmaps by ensuring that materials innovation aligns with biological safety expectations, product performance requirements, and global regulatory standards. As a recognized expert, this leader strengthens the innovation pipeline through scientific leadership, external engagement, and cross-functional influence. They mentor technical talent and foster collaboration across R&D, clinical, regulatory, quality, toxicology, and manufacturing teams to advance safe, effective, and innovative medical device solutions. Impact: This role serves as a senior technical leader in advancing biocompatibility and materials innovation for next-generation medical devices. The individual will define and lead scientific strategies for the biological safety, compatibility, and performance of materials, coatings, polymers, and component chemistries used in infusion sets and patient-contacting device applications. Leveraging deep expertise in biocompatibility and materials science, this leader will enable the development of safe, reliable, and scalable solutions that enhance extended wear performance, patient comfort, and overall device reliability. The role will have significant impact on long-term technology strategy, portfolio roadmaps, and product innovation by translating scientific insights into practical, regulatory-compliant medical device solutions that strengthen MiniMed’s competitive position. Subject Matter Expertise: Recognized technical expert in biocompatibility, materials science and chemistry for patient-contacting medical devices, with deep knowledge of biological safety evaluation for materials, coatings, polymers, and fluid-path chemistries used in infusion technologies. Brings strong expertise in ISO 10993-based biocompatibility strategy, material and chemical characterization, extractables/ leachables assessment, and evaluation of material interactions affecting extended wear performance, patient comfort, and insulin stability. Apply scientific leadership to translate emerging materials and chemistry innovations into scalable, regulatory-compliant device solutions, while influencing technology strategy, cross-functional decision-making, and portfolio innovation.

Requirements

Requires a bachelor’s degree and 15 years of experience or a master’s degree and 13 years of experience, or a PhD with at least 10 years of relevant experience.
Master’s degree in science or engineering with a minimum of 13 years of medical device or combination product development experience, or a PhD in Science or Engineering with at least 10 years of relevant experience focused on biomaterials, polymers, or drug–device interface science.
Strong communication, organizational, presentation, and project leadership skills, along with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a complex environment.
A scientific leader with deep expertise in biocompatibility and materials science for medical devices.
The individual brings significant experience in medical devices, combination products, or other regulated healthcare product development, including application of biological evaluation principles, ISO 10993 standards, material and chemical characterization, extractables/leachables, and biological safety assessment for patient-contacting devices.
Expertise in polymeric materials, coatings, elastomers, or surface chemistry used in fluid delivery or implantable/subcutaneous devices is highly valued.
Proven ability to translate scientific research into regulatory-compliant product solutions, lead complex cross-functional technical initiatives through influence, and operate effectively in a highly matrixed environment.
Scientific leadership through patents, publications, or technology commercialization, are essential.

Nice To Haves

Master or PhD in Materials Science, Polymer Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.
Experience with infusion technologies, wearable medical devices, or long-term subcutaneous device applications
Expertise in polymers, coatings, adhesives, and fluid-path materials used in patient-contacting medical devices
Experience assessing insulin compatibility or drug-material interactions
Knowledge of global regulatory expectations related to biocompatibility and materials for medical devices
Ensure materials and device components meet the highest standards of biological safety, technical performance, and patient-centered design
Track record of innovation demonstrated through patents, publications, and external scientific leadership
Experience mentoring senior technical staff and influencing portfolio-level technology strategy
Experience supporting regulatory submissions for medical devices or combination products.
Previous experience managing teams of scientists is a plus

Responsibilities

Lead biocompatibility strategy, including comprehensive biocompatibility assessments, for materials and components used in MiniMed insulin infusion and medical device technologies.
Lead materials innovation efforts to enable extended-wear infusion sets and improve long-duration performance in subcutaneous environments.
Provide technical leadership in material characterization, chemical characterization, and extractables/leachables assessments.
Evaluate the compatibility of materials, coatings, and fluid-path chemistry with insulin and extended-wear device requirements
Identify and advance innovative materials solutions that improve safety, reliability, comfort, and product performance.
Translate early-stage research and emerging scientific opportunities into scalable, manufacturable, and compliant product solutions.
Partner closely with cross-functional teams including R&D, clinical, regulatory, quality, toxicology, and manufacturing.
Build and engage in external partnerships with suppliers, universities, research institutes, and contract laboratories to evaluate emerging technologies and accelerate innovation.
Contribute to scientific leadership and innovation through patents, publications, technical forums, and external engagement.
Mentor and develop technical talent while strengthening scientific capabilities across the organization.
Provide oversight for biocompatibility test execution and documentation to ensure alignment with regulatory expectations and good documentation practices