Associate Research Scientist

301055 Fenwal, Inc.; Lake Zurich (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company contributions

Paid vacation

Paid holidays and personal days

Health benefits: medical, prescription

Dental and vision coverage

Job summary

Fenwal, Inc. is seeking a Research Scientist to advance chemical characterization for medical device materials. You will develop and validate analytical methods, conduct ICP/MS and GC/LC–MS analyses, and evaluate extractables and leachables to ensure biocompatibility.

The role requires 5+ years in analytical chemistry within FDA-regulated environments, with a PhD preferred or a Master’s with relevant experience. Salary ranges from $85,000 to $100,000.

Qualifications

• Requires working knowledge of laboratory analytical chemistry including classical techniques and advanced instrument systems.
• 5+ years experience with modern analytical tools and techniques for medical device/pharmaceutical development; ICP/MS, GC, LC–MS.
• Experience with method development and validation; instrument system validation desirable.
• Solid experience with analytical mass spectrometry and data processing.
• Strong study director with accountability for study design, execution and completion.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; English proficiency required.
• Experience in FDA-regulated laboratory environments (GMP/GLP/GDP).
• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry; PhD preferred; Master’s with relevant experience considered.
• Ability to interpret mass spectral data and apply structural chemistry knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Conduct extractable/leachable evaluations for drug containers and device materials.
• Analyze trace organics in medical device materials via chromatography with MS.
• Perform elemental analysis using ICP/MS for device materials.
• Develop study designs, protocols, and write final reports.
• Handle samples that may include human blood with proper controls.
• Support lab operations, calibrations, and supplies for testing.
• Provide technical input for analytical method development and reviews.
• Operate ICP/MS and chromatography systems with MS detection.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

Mass spectrometry

Chromatography

FDA GMP/GLP

Communication

English proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry

Advanced degree preferred (PhD)

Master’s degree with relevant experience

Tools

ICP/MS

Gas chromatography

Liquid chromatography with MS detectors

Job description

Job Summary

This Research Scientist performs studies supporting chemical characterization of materials to ensure safety and biocompatibility of materials for medical devices. Includes identification and quantitation of chemical compounds using advanced chemical instrumentation. Analytical method development and validation to support materials characterization of medical device components and solutions.

Salary Range: $85,000 - $100,000

• Position is eligible to participate in a bonus plan with a target of 6% of the base salary
• Final pay determinations will depend on various factors, including, but not limited to experience level, education, knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Our benefits and programs are comprehensive and thoughtfully crafted to ensure our colleagues live healthy lives and have support when it matters most. Benefits offered include a 401(k) plan with company contributions, paid vacation, holiday and personal days, employee assistance program, and health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the United States. Fresenius Kabi is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa either now or in the future.

Responsibilities

• Conduct drug container and medical device material evaluations studying the extractable/leachable compounds that can partition from device materials into fluids that are infused/transfused.
• Conduct analysis of trace organic compounds for medical device materials using chromatography/mass spectrometry.
• Conduct elemental analysis for medical device materials for using ICP/MS.
• Independently generate study designs/protocols, write and distribute final reports.
• Occasionally may work with samples that include human blood and blood components using procedural controls and personal protective equipment.
• Assist the lab team in managing a laboratory testing capability that provides comprehensive chemical evaluation of materials for use in medical devices.
• Assist the lab team supporting laboratory daily operations, calibrations and supplies.
• Provide technical input/content for analytical method development and review.
• Technical expert in the use and operation of ICP/MS and chromatography instrumentation with mass spectrometry detection.
• Review laboratory documentation and results produced by colleagues.
• Provide collegial support to fellow scientists.

This job position within the Business Unit – Transfusion and Cell Technologies (BU-TCT) of Fresenius Kabi USA hereby commits itself to protect any persons working under its control from work related hazards to health and safety as well as to protect the environment as the basis of life. This includes the prevention of diseases, incidents, and pollution as well as the responsible and sustainable use of resources. Our aim is to enhance our performance in the area of occupational and environmental safety, and to fulfill compliance obligations. To achieve this target, we implement and continuously improve the integrated management system according to ISO 14001 (Environmental Management System, or EMS) and ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems, or OHSMS).

Requirements

• Requires working knowledge of laboratory analytical chemistry including classical techniques and advanced instrument systems.
• Requires significant experience (5+ years) with the modern analytical tools and techniques of medical device and pharmaceutical product development. Must be experienced with with elemental analysis instrumentation including ICP/MS as well as gas chromatography (GC) and liquid chromatography (LC) equipped with mass spectrometry detectors.
• Significant experience with (5+ years) laboratory instrumental techniques, method development, method validation. Experience with and instrument system validation desirable.
• Must have solid experience with analytical mass spectrometry including use of advanced data processing systems.
• A solid study director with total accountability for scientific study design, study execution, issue resolution and completion through audit.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in prior roles.
• Must have experience with FDA regulated laboratory environment of drug and medical device industries including GMP/GLP/GDP operations.
• Must be able to routinely perform analytical laboratory testing while also demonstrating critical thinking including study design, interpretation of complex data sets, propose next steps for investigations based on newly acquired data. Must have adequate structural chemistry knowledge to facilitate interpretation of mass spectral data.
• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry is required. Advanced degree preferred. PhD in chemistry or a related discipline is preferred; alternatively, a Master’s degree in Chemistry with specific and relevant experience in the areas defined under responsibilities and qualifications will be considered.
• The Company’s primary business language is English. The successful candidate must be able to effectively speak, read, write, and understand English to perform the essential functions of the position, including independently understanding policies, procedures, training materials, and workplace communications written in English due to our heavily regulated work environment.

Additional Information

We offer an excellent salary and benefits package including medical, dental and vision coverage, as well as life insurance, disability, 401K with company contribution, and wellness program.

Please note that joining our team does not create a guaranteed or permanent employment arrangement. All employment is at‑will, meaning both the employee and Fresenius Kabi have the right to end the employment relationship at any time, in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.

Fresenius Kabi is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, immigration status, disabilities, or protected veteran status.

Fresenius Kabi is a global health care company that specializes in injectable medicines, biosimilars, and technologies for infusion, transfusion, and clinical nutrition. Our expansive portfolio of products and global network of science and manufacturing centers provide essential support for the care of critical and chronically ill patients. With more than 41,000 employees worldwide, our dedicated team is united by our shared purpose: to put lifesaving medicines and technologies in the hands of people who care for patients – and to find answers to the challenges they face. We call this purpose caring for life.

Our U.S. headquarters is in Lake Zurich, Illinois and the company’s global headquarters is in Bad Homburg, Germany.

Follow us on LinkedIn to learn more: http://bit.ly/3KdaGJr

We look forward to talking to you about joining our team.