Research Scientist I

Baxter International Inc.; Round Lake (IL); On-site; USD 104,000 - 143,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible onsite policy

Comprehensive benefits package

401(k) with employer matching

Job summary

Baxter International Inc. is seeking a Research Scientist I - Extractables and Leachables in Round Lake, Illinois. You will lead studies, develop methods, and support product development across regulatory, quality, and manufacturing teams.

The role requires strong analytical judgment, data interpretation, and collaboration in a dynamic environment to deliver compliant outcomes that improve patient care.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related field with 5+ years, Master's with 3+ years, or PhD with relevant experience.
• Hands-on expertise in analytical chemistry techniques, including wet chemistry, GC/MS, GC/FID, LC/MS, mass spectrometry.
• Experience with method development, validation, and transfer in regulated environments.
• Knowledge of ICH, USP, and cGxP requirements and applying them to lab activities.

Responsibilities

• Lead extractables & leachables studies, including method development, validation, transfer, and lifecycle support.
• Perform advanced chemical analyses using LC, GC, ICP, MS and related techniques.
• Collaborate with Regulatory, Toxicology, Quality, Manufacturing, PM and R&D teams to support product development and compliance.
• Investigate OOS/OOT results with root-cause analysis and scientific judgment.
• Communicate complex analytical data with clear recommendations to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Author and maintain analytical protocols, validation reports, SOPs, and documentation per cGxP.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

Data interpretation

Regulatory understanding

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry

Master's degree in analytical chemistry

PhD in analytical chemistry

Tools

MassHunter

Empower

Chromeleon

e-Noval

Job description

This is where your 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

This is where your work saves lives

The research we conduct and the products we develop help improve outcomes for patients around the world. As a Research Scientist I - Extractables and Leachables at Baxter, your work will contribute directly to advancing meaningful healthcare solutions. You will collaborate cross-functionally, lead through influence, and help drive scientific work that supports products designed to make a significant difference in patients' lives.

When you join Baxter as a Research Scientist I - Extractables and Leachables, you will apply strong analytical judgment to identify scientific risks, recognize opportunities for innovation, and support timely, data-driven decisions. You will be agile, action-oriented, and able to remain focused and effective in a dynamic environment.

Your Team

We currently have an opening for a versatile Analytical Chemist to serve as an analytical lead, plan and execute laboratory experiments, and support Operational Excellence within the R&D chemistry laboratory in Round Lake, Illinois.

What you'll be doing

• Lead extractables & leachables studies, including analytical method development, validation, transfer, and lifecycle support.
• Perform advanced chemical and impurity analyses using LC, GC, ICP, MS, and related sample preparation and wet chemistry techniques.
• Partner with Regulatory, Toxicology, Quality, Manufacturing, Project Management, and R&D teams to support product development and compliance objectives.
• Investigate out-of-specification (OOS), out-of-trend (OOT), and atypical results, applying strong scientific judgment and root cause analysis skills.
• Analyze, interpret, and communicate complex analytical data, translating findings into clear recommendations for both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Author and maintain analytical protocols, validation reports, SOPs, and technical documentation in compliance with cGxP and Quality System requirements.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on regulatory expectations, including USP, ICH, cGxP, and method validation requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives while mentoring colleagues and sharing technical expertise across the laboratory team.

What you'll bring

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline with 5+ years of relevant experience, Master's degree with 3+ years, or PhD with applicable analytical chemistry experience.
• Hands-on expertise in analytical chemistry techniques, including wet chemistry, GC/MS, GC/FID, LC/MS, mass spectrometry, and related instrumental analysis.
• Proven experience with analytical method development, validation, and transfer in a regulated environment.
• Strong understanding of ICH, USP, and cGxP requirements, with the ability to apply regulatory expectations to laboratory activities.
• Proficiency with analytical software platforms such as MassHunter, Empower, Chromeleon, e-Noval, or similar data systems.
• Demonstrated ability to design experiments, troubleshoot technical challenges, analyze complex data, and draw scientifically sound conclusions.
• Strong attention to detail with a track record of delivering high-quality, accurate, and compliant results.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and collaboration skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, work effectively across teams, and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and inclusion.

Baxter is committed to meeting the need for flexibility at work. We accomplish this by implementing a flexible workplace policy that requires a set minimum number of onsite days weekly. This policy provides the benefits of face-to-face interaction and teamwork to support our Mission. The flexible workplace policy follows local laws and legal requirements. Baxter holds the authority to change, suspend, or discontinue this policy as business demands shift.

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 $104,000-$143,000 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 on upon location, skills and expertise, experience, and other relevant factors. This position may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses. For questions about this, our pay philosophy, and available benefits, please speak to the recruiter if you decide to apply and are selected for an interview.

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.

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.

Recruitment Fraud Notice

Baxter has discovered incidents of employment scams, where fraudulent parties pose as Baxter employees, recruiters, or other agents, and engage with online job seekers in an attempt to steal personal and/or financial information. To learn how you can protect yourself, review our Recruitment Fraud Notice.