Research Senior Principal Scientist, Chromatography

Waters Corporation•Milford, MA

16h

About The Position

Waters Corporation is seeking a Senior Principal Scientist within its Global Research Organization to shape the scientific direction of next-generation liquid chromatography systems. The role combines deep separation-science expertise with hands-on analytical instrument development and team leadership. The scientist will lead a multidisciplinary research team, define and prototype new separation platforms and software solutions, and collaborate across science, engineering, product, marketing, and commercial functions to bring innovative technologies to market. The position focuses on advancing chromatographic fundamentals and instrument performance through experimental and theoretical research, prototype development, customer and application insight, and scientific strategy. The role also contributes to the broader scientific community and Waters research programs through invention disclosures, patents, publications, and presentations at conferences and seminars. Waters describes its Global Research Organization as a multidisciplinary team developing novel analytical instrumentation, and the company serves life, materials, food, and environmental sciences.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, or a closely related discipline, with strong emphasis on separation science or chromatography instrumentation; alternatively, a bachelor's degree and at least 12 years of related experience at a recognized academic institution, national laboratory, or analytical instrument company.
Demonstrated ability to lead a research team, set direction, manage priorities, mentor scientists, and deliver results in a complex, multi-project research environment.
Deep expertise in liquid chromatography fundamentals, including retention mechanisms, band-broadening theory (van Deemter/Knox), stationary-phase design, mobile-phase chemistry, and gradient elution.
Hands-on experience developing or evaluating instrumentation, including pumps, injectors, detectors, fluidic flow paths, and system integration.
Fundamental knowledge of chromatographic instrumentation, including pumping technology, sample handling, column thermal management, and optical detection technology.
Strong record of innovation demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications, patents, and/or invited presentations in separation science or analytical instrumentation.
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills applied to complex, multivariable instrument-performance challenges.
Outstanding written and oral communication skills, including the ability to present complex scientific findings clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.

Nice To Haves

Experience with mass spectrometry, including LC-MS/MS or high-resolution MS, coupled to liquid chromatography systems.
Familiarity with Waters instrument platforms such as ACQUITY UPLC, Alliance iS, Arc, or Xevo MS systems, and Waters Empower or MassLynx software.
Background in column chemistry development, stationary-phase particle synthesis, or surface functionalization.
Experience developing methods for biopharmaceutical applications, including proteins, peptides, oligonucleotides, lipid nanoparticles, or cell and gene therapy modalities.
Expertise in micro- or nano-flow LC, two-dimensional LC (2D-LC), or preparative-scale chromatography.
Knowledge of data-systems integration, instrument-control software architecture, or automation of LC workflows.
Familiarity with mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and software development principles as applied to analytical instrument development.
Experience with rapid prototyping of analytical instrument hardware, fluidics, electronics, or integrated systems.
Familiarity with multi-angle light scattering (MALS), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and field-flow fractionation (FFF).
Experience collaborating with academic, industrial, or regulatory partners on analytical technology development.
Familiarity with agile project-management methodologies in a hardware or instrument R&D environment.

Responsibilities

Lead a cross-disciplinary research group within the Global Research Organization, planning, coordinating, and guiding work across chromatography instrument development, separation science, and column chemistry.
Mentor team members and foster scientific rigor, accountability, curiosity, and continuous improvement.
Serve as the primary scientific thought leader for chromatography research and advise on research and development activities in liquid chromatography, column chemistry, and fluidic system architectures.
Identify emerging areas of separation science and prioritize innovation opportunities based on market insights, strategic fit, and potential customer impact.
Lead the design, construction, and evaluation of advanced separations prototypes.
Collaborate with engineers to translate scientific concepts into hardware proofs of concept.
Apply expertise in fluidic dynamics, pressure management, detector integration, and gradient formation to improve system performance.
Conduct experimental and theoretical research into separation-science fundamentals, including stationary-phase selectivity, mobile-phase optimization, band broadening, extra-column effects, and column-packing technologies.
Generate actionable research insights that improve instrument performance and scientific differentiation.
Build relationships with scientific, engineering, software, product, marketing, and commercial stakeholders.
Engage pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and healthcare collaborators to identify unmet customer needs and translate them into technologies and solutions.
Develop application knowledge in biologics characterization, small-molecule pharmaceuticals, and environmental and food safety analysis.
Serve as a scientific resource for application scientists and customers addressing complex separation challenges.
Contribute to research programs and the scientific community through invention disclosures, patents, and peer-reviewed publications.
Present Waters technologies at scientific conferences and seminars worldwide.
Lead or participate in agile, cross-disciplinary project teams, establishing clear goals, timelines, and scientific accountability.