Principal Chemist

Medtronic • Minneapolis, MN

21h • Onsite

About The Position

At Medtronic you can begin a life-long career of exploration and innovation, while helping champion healthcare access and equity for all. You’ll lead with purpose, breaking down barriers to innovation in a more connected, compassionate world. A Day in the Life Act boldly. Compete to win. Move with speed and decisiveness. Foster belonging. Deliver results…the right way. That’s the Medtronic Mindset — our cultural norms. Our brand is rooted in action, not just words. The Medtronic Mindset defines the expectations of our culture. Every person here plays a role in bringing it to life. We recognize your extraordinary potential to ensure future generations live better, healthier lives. The Principal Analytical Chemist is a senior individual contributor within an analytical chemistry team operating under ISO 17025 and ISO 13485 quality systems in the medical device environment. This role provides hands‑on technical leadership in analytical testing, method development, and validation in support of Research, Development, and Manufacturing programs that enable safe, effective, and reliable products. As a principal‑level scientist, you will act as a technical opinion leader—partnering closely with internal clients, independently designing and executing analytical studies, and ensuring data quality and regulatory compliance. You will also help shape analytical practices, mentor other scientists, and influence how work is prioritized and delivered across the group. At Medtronic, we bring bold ideas forward with speed and decisiveness to put patients first in everything we do. In-person exchanges are invaluable to our work. We’re working a minimum of 4 days a week onsite as part of our commitment to fostering a culture of professional growth and cross-functional collaboration as we work together to engineer the extraordinary. Responsibilities may include the following and other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

• Requires a Bachelors degree in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline and minimum of 7 years of relevant experience OR Master's degree in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline with a minimum of 5 years relevant experience OR PhD in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline with 3 years relevant experience.

Nice To Haves

• Depth in one or more of the following analytical techniques: Surface area and particle size analysis Electrochemistry or battery‑related testing Wet chemistry (e.g., titrations, pH, conductivity, viscosity, density) Karl Fischer moisture analysis
• Demonstrated experience in analytical method development, validation, and authoring/reviewing analytical test reports and technical documentation.
• Proven ability to work independently, manage complex technical projects, and deliver results with minimal supervision.
• Strong data analysis, mathematical reasoning, and laboratory problem‑solving skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel for data analysis and reporting.
• Experience in analytical chemistry within a regulated environment (medical device, pharmaceutical, or similar), with strong working knowledge of cGMP, FDA, ICH, ISO 17025, and ISO 13485 requirements.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across disciplines.
• Experience supporting both R&D and manufacturing programs.
• Experience mentoring or providing technical direction to other scientists or analysts.
• For Baccalaureate degrees earned outside of the United States, a degree that satisfies the requirements of 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(h)(4)(iii)(A) is required.

Responsibilities

• Independently design, execute, and report analytical studies, including sample preparation, data interpretation, and clear communication of results.
• Develop, optimize, and validate analytical test methods in alignment with FDA, USP, ICH, and medical device validation expectations.
• Apply a strong understanding of scientific principles to ensure methods are robust, efficient, and fit for purpose across a variety of material types.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for assigned analytical techniques and problem domains.
• Partner with R&D and manufacturing stakeholders to understand technical questions, define appropriate studies, and establish realistic timelines.
• Triage and scope work requests, balancing technical rigor, business needs, and laboratory capacity.
• Lead complex projects, including delegating work, reviewing data and reports, and ensuring high‑quality deliverables.
• Perform analytical work within cGMP, ISO 17025, ISO 13485, and other regulated quality systems.
• Author and review technical documentation, including protocols, validation reports, and analytical summaries.
• Support inspections, audits, investigations, and continuous improvement activities as needed.
• Provide technical guidance, coaching, and informal mentorship to other chemists and analysts.
• Contribute to the development of new processes, standards, or best practices that improve laboratory effectiveness and reliability.
• Influence the technical direction of the group through expertise, collaboration, and example.

Benefits

• Medtronic offers a competitive Salary and flexible Benefits Package
• We offer a wide range of benefits, resources, and competitive compensation plans designed to support you at every career and life stage.
• Health, Dental and vision insurance, Health Savings Account, Healthcare Flexible Spending Account, Life insurance, Long-term disability leave, Dependent daycare spending account, Tuition assistance/reimbursement, and Simple Steps (global well-being program).
• Incentive plans, 401(k) plan plus employer contribution and match, Short-term disability, Paid time off, Paid holidays, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Employee Assistance Program, Non-qualified Retirement Plan Supplement (subject to IRS earning minimums), and Capital Accumulation Plan (available to Vice Presidents and above, or subject to IRS earning minimums).

What This Job Offers

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