Staff Membrane Polymer Scientist

DexCom • San Diego, CA

1d

About The Position

As a key member of the material science group within Dexcom’s 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 against final specifications, identify and mitigate risks, engage external partners, and collaborate with internal stakeholders to advance projects to completion.

The scientist develops functional molecules, membrane formulations, and polymer materials for new biosensing modalities; characterizes molecules and polymers; plans and conducts experiments; and evaluates material candidates against application requirements. The role also involves documenting results, supporting preclinical and clinical evaluations, qualifying materials and vendors, developing synthesis protocols and production processes, contributing to intellectual property efforts, and partnering with development teams on prototypes. Laboratory safety, chemical hygiene, regulatory requirements, and quality standards must be followed.

Dexcom describes itself as a global continuous glucose monitoring company focused on improving human health and developing biosensing technology. The position offers exposure to CGM technology, a comprehensive benefits program, global growth opportunities, and career development through in-house learning programs and/or qualified tuition reimbursement. Travel required is 0–5%.

Requirements

• Typically, a 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 Ph.D. 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 in characterization of organic small molecules and polymers, including NMR, GPC, FTIR, GC/MS, and LC/MS.
• Experience with experimental design, assay development, statistics, and data-analysis methods and software.
• Strong analytical and experimental skills with small molecules, polymers, solution physics, and condensed states; relevant methods and tools include 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.

Nice To Haves

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

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; and screen and down-select material candidates for form, fit, and function on targeted applications.
• 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 that performance objectives have been met through preclinical 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 laboratory 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 help evaluate technical, clinical, and commercial risks.
• Follow laboratory safety and chemical hygiene protocols 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

• A full and comprehensive benefits program.
• Growth opportunities on a global scale.
• Career development through in-house learning programs and/or qualified tuition reimbursement.
• Opportunity to work with life-changing CGM technology.

What This Job Offers

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