Research Scientist I

Baxter International Inc.•Round Lake, IL

1d•$104,000 - $143,000•Hybrid

About The Position

This is where your work saves lives. At Baxter, every breakthrough starts with a question: How can we improve outcomes for patients worldwide? As a Research Scientist I - Chemical Characterization, you'll help answer that question by generating the scientific insights that support the safety, quality, and performance of life-saving medical products. In this role, you'll combine analytical expertise, scientific curiosity, and problem-solving skills to tackle complex challenges and drive innovation across product development. Working alongside multidisciplinary teams, you'll have the opportunity to influence critical decisions, uncover risks before they become obstacles, and contribute directly to solutions that improve patient care around the globe. If you're energized by solving difficult scientific problems, exploring new technologies, and turning data into meaningful action, we'd love to hear from you.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline with 5+ years of relevant experience, Master's degree with 3+ years, or PhD with applicable analytical chemistry experience.
Hands-on experience in analytical chemistry with expertise in wet chemistry techniques and instrumental analysis, including LC/MS/UV and GC/MS/FID.
Experience developing, validating, and transferring analytical methods in a regulated environment.
Working knowledge of ICH, USP, and cGxP requirements and their application within pharmaceutical or medical device development.
Experience using analytical software platforms such as Chromeleon, Compound Discoverer, UNIFI, MassHunter, or SCIEX Analyst.
Strong scientific problem-solving skills with the ability to quickly evaluate challenges and develop effective solutions.
Experience designing experiments, interpreting complex data, and drawing scientifically sound conclusions.
A collaborative mindset with a commitment to teamwork, inclusion, and continuous learning.
Excellent organizational, project management, and communication skills, with the ability to manage priorities across global teams.

Responsibilities

Lead and execute extractables and leachables studies, analytical method development, validation, and method transfer activities, authoring protocols and reports while collaborating with subject matter experts.
Conduct routine and complex impurity investigations using advanced analytical techniques, including LC-MS, GC-MS, UV, FID, and associated sample preparation methodologies.
Partner closely with Regulatory Affairs, Toxicology, Biocompatibility, Quality, Manufacturing, and Project Management teams to support product development objectives.
Drive scientific investigations related to atypical, out-of-specification, or out-of-trend results, leveraging analytical expertise and critical thinking to identify root causes and solutions.
Develop, optimize, and maintain analytical procedures, laboratory processes, and instrumentation.
Provide technical expertise in the interpretation and application of industry regulations, standards, and guidance documents.
Analyze and interpret complex analytical data, identify trends and potential risks, and communicate findings that inform business and technical decisions.
Mentor and support colleagues by sharing knowledge, best practices, and technical expertise.