Associate Scientist II

Baxter; Round Lake Beach (IL); On-site; USD 88,000 - 121,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

Job summary

Baxter is hiring an Associate Scientist II in R&D to solve complex technical challenges in particle identification, root cause analysis, and manufacturing process capability. You will work with multidisciplinary teams across R&D, Quality, and Manufacturing to drive scientific solutions and continuous improvement.

The role emphasizes advanced microscopy, spectroscopy, and data interpretation to influence product development and quality; strong communication and organizational skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Engineering, or a related discipline with 3+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Master's degree or higher in a related scientific field.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute laboratory investigations focused on particle identification, failure analysis, root cause investigations, and manufacturing process capability.
• Design and perform experiments independently, applying scientific principles and analytical techniques to solve routine and complex technical challenges.
• Utilize advanced microscopy and spectroscopy tools to characterize materials, identify particles, and support product and process development initiatives.
• Partner with cross‑functional teams across global R&D, Quality, and Manufacturing to drive scientific solutions and continuous improvement.
• Evaluate data, interpret results, and provide sound technical recommendations that influence project direction and business decisions.
• Identify opportunities to improve analytical approaches, methodologies, and processes through innovative thinking and emerging technologies.
• Contribute to feasibility assessments and technical evaluations for new research concepts, products, and process improvements.
• Ensure all research activities, documentation, and reporting meet quality, safety, and regulatory requirements including GxP.

Skills

Stereomicroscopy

Polarized Light Microscopy

Scanning Electron Microscopy

EDS

FTIR

Raman Spectroscopy

Analytical problem solving

Cross functional collaboration

Communication

Organizational skills

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Engineering, or related field

3+ years of relevant industry experience

Master's degree or higher in related field

Tools

None

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.

Your role at Baxter

At Baxter, your work helps drive innovation that improves and saves lives. As an Associate Scientist II within R&D, you’ll play a critical role in solving complex technical challenges that support product quality, manufacturing excellence, and new product development. Leveraging advanced microscopy and analytical techniques, you’ll investigate root causes, identify particles and materials, and generate insights that influence decisions across our global organization.

You’ll collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across R&D, Quality, and Manufacturing while building expertise in cutting-edge characterization methods and therapeutic product knowledge.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and execute laboratory investigations focused on particle identification, failure analysis, root cause investigations, and manufacturing process capability.

• Design and perform experiments independently, applying scientific principles and analytical techniques to solve both routine and complex technical challenges.

• Utilize advanced microscopy and spectroscopy tools to characterize materials, identify particles, and support product and process development initiatives.

• Partner with cross‑functional teams across global R&D, Quality, and Manufacturing organizations to drive scientific solutions and continuous improvement.

• Evaluate data, interpret results, and provide sound technical recommendations that influence project direction and business decisions.

• Identify opportunities to improve existing analytical approaches, methodologies, and processes through innovative thinking and emerging technologies.

• Contribute to feasibility assessments and technical evaluations for new research concepts, products, and process improvements.

• Ensure all research activities, documentation, and reporting meet applicable quality, safety, and regulatory requirements, including GxP standards.

What You’ll Bring

• Hands‑on experience with analytical and characterization techniques such as:

  • Stereomicroscopy

  • Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM)

  • Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)

  • Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS)

  • Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)

  • Raman Spectroscopy

• Strong scientific problem‑solving skills and the ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable recommendations.

• A collaborative mindset with the ability to contribute effectively within cross‑functional project teams.

• Intellectual curiosity and a passion for learning new technologies, methods, and scientific approaches.

• Excellent communication and technical writing skills.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Engineering, or a related scientific discipline with 3+ years of relevant industry experience; or

• Master's degree or higher in a related scientific field.

Why Baxter?

Join a team where your expertise in microscopy and particle science directly impacts product quality, patient safety, and innovation. You’ll have the opportunity to work with advanced analytical technologies, partner with experts across the organization, and contribute to solutions that make a meaningful difference for patients worldwide.

We understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career. At Baxter, we are committed to equitable pay for all employees, and we strive to be more transparent with our pay practices. The estimated base salary for this position is $88,000 to $121,000 annually. The estimated range is meant to reflect an anticipated salary range for the position. We may pay more or less than of the anticipated range based upon market data and other factors, all of which are subject to change. Individual pay is based upon location, skills and expertise, experience, and other relevant factors. This position may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

US Benefits at Baxter (except for Puerto Rico)

This is where your well-being matters. Baxter offers comprehensive compensation and benefits packages for eligible roles. Our health and well-being benefits include medical and dental coverage that start on day one, as well as insurance coverage for basic life, accident, short-term and long-term disability, and business travel accident insurance. Financial and retirement benefits include the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), with the ability to purchase company stock at a discount, and the 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan (RSP), with options for employee contributions and company matching. We also offer Flexible Spending Accounts, educational assistance programs, and time‑off benefits such as paid holidays, paid time off ranging from 20 to 35 days based on length of service, family and medical leaves of absence, and paid parental leave. Additional benefits include commuting benefits, the Employee Discount Program, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and childcare benefits. Join us and enjoy the competitive compensation and benefits we offer to our employees. For additional information regarding Baxter US Benefits, please speak with your recruiter or visit our Benefits site: Benefits | Baxter

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.

Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal

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.