Research Scientist II – Extractables & Leachables (E&L) Team Lead

Baxter International Inc.; Eigenbrakel; On-site; EUR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Baxter International Inc. in Belgium is seeking an experienced Research Scientist II – E&L Team Lead to lead a global Extractables & Leachables program across medical devices, pharmaceuticals and combination products.

You will build and mentor a high‑performing team of Study Directors, drive strategic directions for E&L programs, and partner with regulatory affairs, toxicology, quality and manufacturing to enable regulatory submissions and product development.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience managing and developing technical or scientific teams.
• Strong experience in Extractables & Leachables (E&L) programs and how E&L data supports regulatory submissions.
• The ability to translate complex scientific findings into clear business and regulatory recommendations.
• Experience influencing stakeholders across multiple functions and organizational levels.
• Strong strategic thinking and decision‑making skills in complex, highly regulated environments.
• Experience managing multiple projects, priorities and resources simultaneously.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to proactively engage diverse stakeholder groups.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of E&L Study Directors, fostering technical excellence, engagement and professional growth.
• Drive the strategic direction of E&L programs supporting medical devices, pharmaceutical products and combination products.
• Partner with global cross‑functional teams to ensure E&L strategies support product development, lifecycle management and regulatory submissions.
• Serve as a recognized technical leader and trusted advisor on E&L topics across the organization.
• Guide complex scientific and regulatory decisions while balancing business objectives, risk management and compliance requirements.
• Review and approve study designs, technical assessments, protocols and reports to ensure scientific rigor and regulatory defensibility.
• Build organizational capabilities in E&L science, analytical characterization and toxicological risk assessment.
• Represent Baxter during regulatory interactions, audits, inspections and customer discussions related to E&L activities.
• Develop strong partnerships with external laboratories and ensure delivery of high‑quality scientific outcomes.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, strengthen capabilities and enhance operational efficiency across the E&L function.

Skills

Leadership experience

E&L program expertise

Regulatory submissions

Strategic thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Project management

Job description

This is whereyour work makes a difference.

At Baxter, we believe every person—regardless of who they are or where they are from—deserves a chance to live a healthy life. It was our founding belief in 1931 and continues to be our guiding principle. We are redefining healthcare delivery to make a greater impact today, tomorrow, and beyond.

Our Baxter colleagues are united by our Mission to Save and Sustain Lives. Together, our community is driven by a culture of courage, trust, and collaboration. Every individual is empowered to take ownership and make a meaningful impact. We strive for efficient and effective operations, and we hold each other accountable for delivering exceptional results.

Here, you will find more than just a job—you will find purpose and pride.

At Baxter, we are deeply connected by our mission to Save and Sustain Lives. Every day, our products and therapies help improve outcomes for millions of patients worldwide.

We are looking for an experienced scientific leader to join our Infusion Technologies & Platforms R&D organization as Research Scientist II – E&L Team Lead.

This is more than an E&L role. It is a unique opportunity to lead a team of subject matter experts, influence global regulatory strategies, and shape how Extractables & Leachables science supports one of the most diverse healthcare portfolios in the industry.

Based in Braine-l'Alleud, Belgium, this position offers significant global visibility and the opportunity to collaborate with experts across R&D, Toxicology, Regulatory Affairs, Quality, Manufacturing and external laboratory partners around the world.

• Lead and develop a team of E&L Study Directors, fostering technical excellence, engagement and professional growth.
• Drive the strategic direction of E&L programs supporting medical devices, pharmaceutical products and combination products.
• Partner with global cross‑functional teams to ensure E&L strategies support product development, lifecycle management and regulatory submissions.
• Serve as a recognized technical leader and trusted advisor on E&L topics across the organization.
• Guide complex scientific and regulatory decisions while balancing business objectives, risk management and compliance requirements.
• Review and approve study designs, technical assessments, protocols and reports to ensure scientific rigor and regulatory defensibility.
• Build organizational capabilities in E&L science, analytical characterization and toxicological risk assessment.
• Represent Baxter during regulatory interactions, audits, inspections and customer discussions related to E&L activities.
• Develop strong partnerships with external laboratories and ensure delivery of high‑quality scientific outcomes.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, strengthen capabilities and enhance operational efficiency across the E&L function.

What success looks like

Within your first year, you will:

• Become a trusted technical leader for E&L across the organization.
• Empower and develop a high‑performing team of Study Directors.
• Ensure critical E&L deliverables are executed on time and with high scientific quality.
• Strengthen collaboration across global stakeholder groups.
• Support successful regulatory submissions and regulatory interactions through strong E&L leadership.

We are looking for people who have

• Proven leadership experience managing and developing technical or scientific teams.
• Strong experience in Extractables & Leachables (E&L) programs and how E&L data supports regulatory submissions.
• The ability to translate complex scientific findings into clear business and regulatory recommendations.
• Experience influencing stakeholders across multiple functions and organizational levels.
• Strong strategic thinking and decision‑making skills in complex, highly regulated environments.
• Experience managing multiple projects, priorities and resources simultaneously.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to proactively engage diverse stakeholder groups.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with ISO 10993-18, USP <1663>, USP <1664> and related regulatory guidance.
• Experience in medical devices, pharmaceuticals or combination products.
• Knowledge of toxicology, biocompatibility, mass spectrometry or advanced data interpretation.

Why Baxter?

This is where you can work on one of the most diverse E&L portfolios in healthcare.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Influence global product development programs.
• Lead a highly visible scientific team.
• Work across medical devices, pharmaceuticals and combination products.
• Collaborate with world‑class experts worldwide.
• Develop your career within a global healthcare leader.
• Make a meaningful impact on products that help patients around the world.

If you are passionate about E&L science, enjoy developing people, and want to shape the future of product innovation and regulatory strategy in a global organization, we'd love to hear from you.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Baxter is an equal opportunity employer. Baxter evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, disability/handicap status or any other legally protected characteristic.

Reasonable Accommodations

Baxter is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities globally. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or interview process, please click on the link here and let us know the nature of your request along with your contact information.