Sr. R&D Scientist

Evonik•Birmingham, AL

About The Position

This position performs biomaterial research and development activities for medical devices, including experimental trials and the organization and advancement of biomaterial process development and design. The role participates in and supports GMP manufacturing and processing activities and provides direct input into quality and regulatory compliance activities using databases such as TrackWise. The scientist conducts polymer characterization, testing, and data interpretation; evaluates results from biomaterial synthesis and processing experiments; and contributes to research programs to meet project objectives. Work may include synthetic and analytical method development and scale-up, quality and regulatory documentation, and equipment or process validation. The role serves as a polymer-processing expert supporting research teams developing biomaterials for medical-device applications, and it designs, executes, reviews, and reports research, development, operational, and technology-transfer activities. The position follows applicable SOP, GMP, and GLP procedures; maintains accurate documentation; and adheres to safety practices, including appropriate PPE use and active identification and resolution of safety issues. It collaborates with project managers and managers on technical and operational matters, authors and reviews project reports, and promotes occupational safety, health, and quality through process design, hazard analysis, and risk and impact assessments.

Requirements

A relevant scientific discipline degree: an MS with 10 or more years of relevant experience, or a PhD in a relevant scientific field with 5 years of relevant experience; the posting describes these qualifications as preferred.
Demonstrated performance and capability as determined by management.
Ability to lead projects from concept to commercialization with minimal supervision is preferred.
Ability to independently determine and propose scientific methods and approaches using experience, scientific knowledge, and technical creativity to meet project goals.
Demonstrated ability to resolve technical challenges.
Ability to manage multiple activities and multifaceted research in parallel with minimal supervision.
Experience managing research tasks of appropriate scope and complexity.
Ability to propose, develop, and implement new methods, assays, and processes of appropriate scope and complexity.
Thorough knowledge of relevant scientific principles and theories and ability to apply standard scientific procedures and techniques.

Nice To Haves

MS degree in a relevant scientific discipline plus 10 or more years of relevant experience.
PhD in a relevant scientific field plus 5 years of relevant experience.
Experience leading projects from concept to commercialization under minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

Conduct polymer characterization and testing, interpret data, and evaluate biomaterial synthesis and processing experiments and research programs against project goals.
Develop and scale up synthetic and analytical methods, prepare quality and regulatory documentation, and support equipment or process validation.
Serve as a polymer-processing expert and apply knowledge of polymer structure-property relationships and testing methods to support biomaterial research for medical-device applications.
Follow SOP, GMP, and GLP procedures and maintain thorough, accurate documentation for regulated activities.
Follow safety procedures, use hazard-appropriate personal protective equipment, and actively identify and resolve safety issues.
Communicate with project managers and managers about technical and operational aspects of project execution.
Author and review development, production, investigation, and quality reports and project summaries.
Promote occupational safety, health, and quality, including during process design, hazard analysis, and risk and impact assessments.
Design, execute, and review research, development, and operational activities for technology or manufacturing process transfers; prepare, monitor, and report on transfer projects.
Support GMP manufacturing and processing activities and contribute to quality and regulatory compliance activities, including use of databases such as TrackWise.