Materials Scientist

PDI•Woodcliff Lake, NJ

1d•$110,000 - $125,000

About The Position

PDI’s Discovery & Innovation team builds the future pipeline of differentiated technologies, platforms, and solutions that drive long-term growth and market leadership. The team focuses on early-stage research, materials and formulation innovation, rapid feasibility, and external collaboration to turn what’s next into what’s real. The Materials Scientist, Discovery & Innovation is a hands-on creator and technical catalyst within this upstream innovation engine. Reporting to the Director, Discovery & Innovation, this role explores novel materials, formats, and surface-chemical interactions, and translates them into testable concepts, prototypes, and learning plans that can progress into the R&D pipeline. This role is ideal for someone who takes ownership, challenges conventional thinking, and brings both imagination and scientific rigor to early-stage work. Success is defined by clear, on-time deliverables that enable stage-gate decisions and downstream development.

Requirements

BS in Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or related scientific discipline from an accredited program
Materials science, processing, surface characterization and chemical compatibility
Early-stage research and feasibility assessments
Understanding of material considerations in EPA and/or FDA regulated environments
Familiarity with emerging materials and sustainability trends
3–6 years in materials engineering, materials development, or innovation-focused R&D
Experience supporting early-stage research or feasibility work
Exposure to regulated environments (FDA, EPA, medical device, pharma, or consumer healthcare)
Experience with prototyping, testing, or concept evaluation
Apply knowledge and critical thinking to solve ambiguous, early-stage problems
Translate insights into differentiated concepts and clear recommendations
Design and execute experiments to assess feasibility and risk
Synthesize technical findings into clear, decision-ready outputs
Communicate effectively with cross-functional stakeholders
Build strong partnerships internally and externally
Demonstrate ownership, accountability, and follow-through
Stay current on emerging technologies and innovation trends

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree preferred but not required

Responsibilities

Lead new materials compatibility and innovation by developing and advancing early-stage concepts that support PDI's future platforms and strategic priorities.
Combine technical expertise with consumer insights and market signals into actionable designs and solutions, using strong commercial and technical judgement.
Engage with suppliers, startups, and academic institutions to leverage external innovation, exploring novel materials and technologies that can enhance PDI’s current and future products.
Manage a balanced portfolio of opportunities across various time horizons, ensuring alignment with the Discovery & Innovation roadmap and maximizing long-term value.
Assume full ownership of assigned innovation workstreams, managing project scope, timelines, and execution with a commitment to high-quality standards and successful handoffs to Product Development.
Design, build, and test prototypes through rapid iteration, allowing for swift learning and informed go/no-go decisions to evaluate scalability and feasibility.
Collaborate closely with Discovery & Innovation scientists and engineers to seamlessly integrate packaging into early research, ensuring cohesive development workflows.
Identify and address technical, material, and regulatory risks early in the process, developing mitigation strategies to facilitate smooth downstream development.
Synthesize findings into comprehensive technical narratives that support portfolio decisions and effectively communicate insights and recommendations to stakeholders.