Research Scientist I,

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental coverage

401(k) with company match

Stock purchase plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Baxter International Inc. is seeking a Research Scientist I - Chemical Characterization to generate scientific insights ensuring safety, quality, and performance of life-saving medical products.

You will apply analytical expertise and problem-solving across product development while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to influence critical decisions globally. Ideal candidates have strong experience in LC-MS/GC-MS and method development in a regulated environment, with a track record of

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry with 5+ years of relevant experience or advanced degrees with applicable analytical chemistry experience.
• Hands-on analytical chemistry with wet chemistry techniques and instrumental analysis (LC/MS/UV, GC/MS/FID).
• Experience developing, validating, and transferring analytical methods in a regulated environment (ICH, USP, cGxP).
• Knowledge of industry regulations and guidance documents for pharma/medical device development.
• Experience using analytical software platforms (Chromeleon, Compound Discoverer, UNIFI, MassHunter, SCIEX Analyst).
• Ability to design experiments, interpret complex data, and draw scientifically sound conclusions.
• Collaborative mindset with excellent organizational, project management, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute extractables and leachables studies, method development, validation, and transfer with protocol/report authoring.
• Perform impurity investigations using LC-MS, GC-MS, UV, FID and related sample prep techniques.
• Collaborate with Regulatory Affairs, Toxicology, Biocompatibility, Quality, Manufacturing, and Project Management to support development.
• Investigate atypical/out-of-spec results, identify root causes, and propose solutions.
• Develop and maintain analytical procedures, lab processes, and instrumentation.
• Provide technical expertise on regulatory standards and guidance documents.
• Analyze complex data, identify trends and communicate findings to stakeholders.
• Mentor colleagues and share knowledge and best practices.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

LC/MS/UV

GC/MS/FID

Method development/validation

ICH USP cGxP knowledge

MassHunter/Chromeleon/UNIFI

Collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry

Master's degree in Chemistry or related

PhD in Analytical Chemistry

Tools

Chromeleon

Compound Discoverer

UNIFI

MassHunter

SCIEX Analyst

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.

At Baxter, every breakthrough starts with a question: How can we improve outcomes for patients worldwide? As a Research Scientist I - Chemical Characterization, you'll help answer that question by generating the scientific insights that support the safety, quality, and performance of life-saving medical products.

In this role, you'll combine analytical expertise, scientific curiosity, and problem-solving skills to tackle complex challenges and drive innovation across product development. Working alongside multidisciplinary teams, you'll have the opportunity to influence critical decisions, uncover risks before they become obstacles, and contribute directly to solutions that improve patient care around the globe.

If you're energized by solving difficult scientific problems, exploring new technologies, and turning data into meaningful action, we'd love to hear from you.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead and execute extractables and leachables studies, analytical method development, validation, and method transfer activities, authoring protocols and reports while collaborating with subject matter experts.
• Conduct routine and complex impurity investigations using advanced analytical techniques, including LC-MS, GC-MS, UV, FID, and associated sample preparation methodologies.
• Partner closely with Regulatory Affairs, Toxicology, Biocompatibility, Quality, Manufacturing, and Project Management teams to support product development objectives.
• Drive scientific investigations related to atypical, out-of-specification, or out-of-trend results, leveraging analytical expertise and critical thinking to identify root causes and solutions.
• Develop, optimize, and maintain analytical procedures, laboratory processes, and instrumentation.
• Provide technical expertise in the interpretation and application of industry regulations, standards, and guidance documents.
• Analyze and interpret complex analytical data, identify trends and potential risks, and communicate findings that inform business and technical decisions.
• Mentor and support colleagues by sharing knowledge, best practices, and technical expertise.

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 experience in analytical chemistry with expertise in wet chemistry techniques and instrumental analysis, including LC/MS/UV and GC/MS/FID.
• Experience developing, validating, and transferring analytical methods in a regulated environment.
• Working knowledge of ICH, USP, and cGxP requirements and their application within pharmaceutical or medical device development.
• Experience using analytical software platforms such as Chromeleon, Compound Discoverer, UNIFI, MassHunter, or SCIEX Analyst.
• Structure elucidation using MS preferred.
• Experience designing experiments, interpreting complex data, and drawing scientifically sound conclusions.
• A collaborative mindset with a commitment to teamwork, inclusion, and continuous learning. Excellent organizational, project management, and communication skills, with the ability to manage priorities across global teams.

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 location, skills and expertise, experience, and other relevant factors. This position may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.

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.

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.