Research Senior Principal Scientist, Chromatography

Waters Corporation•Milford, MA

2d•$159,500 - $265,500

About The Position

Waters Corporation is hiring a Senior Principal Scientist in its Global Research Organization to shape the scientific direction of next-generation liquid chromatography systems and advance the fundamental understanding of separation science. The role combines deep separation-science expertise with hands-on analytical instrument development, including defining and prototyping new separation platforms and software solutions. The position serves as Team Lead for a multidisciplinary research group, coordinating research across chromatography instrument development, separation science, and column chemistry. The scientist will direct research strategy, lead prototype development, collaborate with engineering and other functions, and translate scientific concepts and customer needs into technologies and solutions. The role also contributes to the scientific community and Waters’ research programs through invention disclosures, patents, publications, and conference presentations.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, or a closely related discipline, with a strong emphasis on separation science or chromatography instrumentation; alternatively, a bachelor's degree with 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 by setting direction, managing priorities, mentoring scientists, and delivering 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 through peer-reviewed publications, patents, and/or invited conference 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 explain complex scientific findings 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 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, and 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, planning and coordinating work in chromatography instrument development, separation science, and column chemistry.
Mentor team members and foster scientific rigor, accountability, curiosity, and continuous improvement.
Set scientific direction for chromatography research and advise on R&D in liquid chromatography, column chemistry, and fluidic system architectures.
Identify and champion emerging areas of separation science, prioritizing opportunities based on market insights, strategic fit, and potential customer impact.
Lead the design, construction, and evaluation of advanced separations prototypes.
Work with engineers to translate scientific concepts into hardware proofs-of-concept.
Apply knowledge of 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.
Collaborate with scientific, engineering, software, product, marketing, and commercial stakeholders.
Engage pharmaceutical, biotech, and healthcare collaborators to identify unmet customer needs and translate insights into technologies and solutions.
Develop application knowledge in biologics characterization, small-molecule pharmaceuticals, and environmental and food safety analysis.
Support application scientists and customers with complex separation challenges.
Contribute invention disclosures, patents, and peer-reviewed publications, and present Waters technologies at scientific conferences and seminars.
Lead or participate in agile, cross-disciplinary project teams, establishing clear goals, timelines, and scientific accountability.