Staff Membrane Polymer Scientist

Dexcom • San Diego, CA

2d • $141,800 - $236,400

About The Position

As a key member of Dexcom’s material science group within its research and development organization, the Staff Membrane Polymer Scientist develops and demonstrates the feasibility of novel membrane material designs for next-generation biosensor products. The role requires understanding technical and business challenges in medical-device material component development and delivering technical solutions that meet project objectives. The scientist works cross-functionally to establish and maintain design requirements, select material chemistry, develop and validate designs and processes to final specifications, mitigate risks, work with external partners, and collaborate with internal stakeholders to complete projects.

The role develops functional molecules, membrane formulation chemistries, and polymer materials for new biosensing modalities. It includes independently characterizing organic molecules and polymers; planning and conducting experiments; screening and selecting materials; managing project strategy, requirements, deliverables, risks, and timelines; and communicating results to stakeholders. The scientist also supports pre-clinical and clinical evaluations, material procurement and qualification, vendor management, chemical and polymer synthesis, equipment and process development from prototype to pilot scale, documentation for product and regulatory requirements, intellectual property efforts, risk assessment, laboratory safety, and prototype development with partner teams.

The position typically requires a bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline and 8–12 years of related experience, a master’s degree and 5–7 years of equivalent industry experience, or a PhD and 2–4 years of experience. Travel required is 0–5%.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline and 8–12 years of related experience, or a master’s degree and 5–7 years of equivalent industry experience, or a PhD and 2–4 years of experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with material structure–property–performance relationships in developing products that meet safety, form/fit, functional, and regulatory requirements.
• Fundamental knowledge and technical expertise in chemistry, including organic synthesis, material chemistry, and polymer chemistry.
• Hands-on experience with organic chemical and polymer synthesis, purification, and characterization.
• Strong analytical and experimental skills for organic small-molecule and polymer characterization, including NMR, GPC, FTIR, GC/MS, and LC/MS.
• Experience with experimental design, assay development, statistics, and data-analysis methods and software.
• Very strong analytical and experimental skills involving small molecules, polymers, solution physics, and condensed states, including HPLC, LC/MS, viscometer/rheometer, mechanical characterization, DLS, zeta potential, SEM/EDX, XRF, confocal microscopy/interferometry, FT-IR, NMR, diffusion, and electrochemical characterization.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong work ethic, ability to deal with ambiguity and uncertainty, and willingness to learn.
• Proven ability to work hands-on in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to follow laboratory safety, chemical hygiene, and chemical-waste disposal requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with material formulation and membrane separation engineering.
• Experience in the medical-device or another regulated industry.
• Experience with formulation process development and validation.
• Familiarity with JMP is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop novel functional molecules, membrane formulation chemistries, and polymer materials for new biosensing modalities that meet system-level requirements.
• Independently characterize organic molecules and polymers.
• Plan and execute experiments; identify critical variables and design trade-offs; screen and down-select material candidates for form, fit, and function on targeted applications; and manage project strategy, requirements, deliverables, risks, and timelines.
• Document experimental details and analysis, author technical reports, and communicate results to stakeholders through progress reports, design reviews, and phase exits.
• Verify performance objectives through pre-clinical and clinical evaluations of novel designs.
• Identify, procure, and qualify critical raw materials and manage vendors to support development and scaling.
• Develop chemical and polymer synthesis protocols at lab scale.
• Identify, procure, install, and qualify new equipment and processes from prototype to pilot scale.
• Document procedures, plans, protocols, and reports to ensure designs and processes meet product specifications, regulatory requirements, and quality standards.
• Contribute to new intellectual property generation and assist with evaluation of technical, clinical, and commercial risks.
• Follow laboratory safety protocols and chemical hygiene practices, and dispose of chemical waste according to company and local EH&S regulations.
• Partner with development teams to develop and test new prototypes.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Full and comprehensive benefits program.
• Growth opportunities on a global scale.
• Career development through in-house learning programs and/or qualified tuition reimbursement.

What This Job Offers

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