Senior Biocompatibility Scientist II

Abbott; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career development

Tuition assistance

401(k)

Paid time off

Health care benefits

Job summary

Abbott in Santa Clara seeks a Senior Biocompatibility Scientist II to lead biocompatibility evaluations for medical devices and materials, ensuring patient safety across the product lifecycle and regulatory compliance (ISO 10993, ISO 14971, FDA guidance).

This senior individual contributor role collaborates with cross-functional teams, reviews data, prepares reports, supports regulatory submissions, and maintains up-to-date knowledge of standards while adhering to Abbott policies and quality

Qualifications

• Bachelor level in biological/physical sciences or math; advanced degree may substitute for years of experience.
• 7+ years in a research/development environment, or PhD with 2 years.
• Knowledge of ISO 10993, ISO 14971, FDA guidance, and related regulations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and document biocompatibility assessments and reports.
• Evaluate design, manufacturing and site changes for regulatory impact.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support multiple projects.
• Analyze test results and troubleshoot data gaps.
• Assist with regulatory submissions and responses to authorities.
• Participate in design and risk review meetings for safety concerns.
• Keep up-to-date with ISO 10993, regulatory changes, and Abbott policies.
• Perform gap assessments when standards update to ensure compliance.

Skills

MS Office proficiency

Verbal and written communication

Technical writing

Team collaboration

Prioritization and organization

Cross-functional communication

Education

Bachelor's in Biological/Physical Sciences or Math

Master's/PhD with 2 years experience

Job description

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 115,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

Working at Abbott

• Career development with an international company where you can grow the career you dream of
• Employees can qualify for free medical coverage in our Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO medical plan in the next calendar year.
• An excellent retirement savings plan with high employer contribution
• Tuition reimbursement, the Freedom 2 Save student debt program and FreeU education benefit - an affordable and convenient path to getting a bachelor’s degree
• A company recognized as a great place to work in dozens of countries around the world and named one of the most admired companies in the world by Fortune
• A company that is recognized as one of the best big companies to work for as well as a best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists

For years, Abbott’s medical device businesses have offered technologies that are faster, more effective, and less invasive. Whether it’s glucose monitoring system, innovative therapies for treating heart disease, or products that help people with chronic pain or movement disorders, our medical device technologies are designed to help people live their lives better and healthier. Every day, our technologies help more than 10,000 people have healthier hearts, improve quality of life for thousands of people living with chronic pain and movement disorders, and liberate more than 500,000 people with diabetes from routine fingersticks.

Job Description

As a Senior Biocompatibility Scientist II, you will play a crucial role in ensuring patient safety by supporting projects and programs related to the biocompatibility of medical devices and materials, including the impact of manufacturing processes.

You will represent the Global Biocompatibility Group within Shared Services as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in biocompatibility.

This role involves close collaboration with cross-functional teams to provide biocompatibility deliverables in compliance with global regulatory requirements, including but not limited to the ISO 10993 series of standards, ISO 14971, FDA Biocompatibility Guidance, and Regulation (EU) 2017/745.

You will leverage your specialized knowledge of medical device biocompatibility throughout the product lifecycle and interpret regulatory requirements and guidance governing Class II and Class III devices.

You will apply biocompatibility requirements and develop evaluation strategies across product development and change management activities.

Additionally, you will critically review detailed scientific information, identify gaps, and assess project risks, recommending contingency plans and strategies to mitigate these risks.

This role is a senior individual contributor position and does not include direct people management responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and document biocompatibility assessments, develop evaluation plans, and prepare reports in compliance with biological evaluation standards and FDA/ISO guidance documents within a risk-based framework.
• Evaluate design, manufacturing, and site changes, including evaluation of process equivalency and material equivalence, as well as regulatory impact.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support multiple projects requiring biocompatibility evaluation, ensuring timely completion of tasks to meet project schedules.
• Analyze biocompatibility test results to determine data adequacy for biological effects; troubleshoot unexpected results using problem-solving skills and technical knowledge.
• Assist with regulatory submissions and prepare responses to questions, nonconformances, and deficiencies from global authorities.
• Participate in design and risk review meetings to address device biological safety concerns.
• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of all applicable standards and industry requirements for biological safety, including monitoring updates, ongoing revisions, and upcoming changes to the ISO 10993 series, ISO 14971, FDA guidance, and other relevant regulations.
• Perform and assist with gap assessments when standards, regulations, or guidance are updated to identify potential deficiencies in previous evaluations relative to new requirements; recommend actions to ensure continued compliance and minimize business impact.
• Participate in the development and implementation of overall biological evaluation strategies in collaboration with colleagues in analytical chemistry, toxicology, and preclinical safety, as applicable.
• In addition to global regulations pertinent to biocompatibility, comply with Abbott policies, procedures, and quality system requirements.
• Prepare, edit, and finalize biological evaluation safety plans, test protocols, lab reports, evaluation reports, synopses, regulatory submission content, and related biocompatibility documents.
• Maintain positive and cooperative communications and collaboration with all levels of employees, customers, contractors, and vendors.

Skills and Abilities Required

Proficient with MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint, OneDrive).

Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate at multiple levels within the organization.

Strong technical writing skills, with experience in writing biological risk assessments for FDA and Notified Bodies preferred.

Ability to work within a team and as an individual contributor in a fast-paced, changing environment.

Ability to prioritize, complete deliverables in a timely manner, and meet deadlines.

Strong organizational and follow-up skills, with attention to detail.

Experience working in a broader enterprise/cross-division business unit model preferred.

Ability to work in a highly matrixed and geographically diverse business environment.

Education and Experience Required

• Bachelors Degree (± 16 years) biological or physical sciences, or mathematics OR Masters Degree (± 18 years) with 2 years of experience OR Doctorate Degree (± 19 years) with 2 years of experience.
• 7 + years of progressively responsible positions in a research development environment or PhD with 2 years of experience.
• Execution of practical lab skills with increasing complexity of knowledge with experience. Demonstrates knowledge of science and the ability to apply more complex and advanced principles and techniques with experience. Expert level (able to explain and teach) experimental approaches/protocols and scientific methods such as designing experiments and interpreting data. Knowledge/use of regulations and standards affecting IVDs and Biologics.
• Basic computer skills - able to learn new computer programs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering, Molecular/Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Materials Science, Chemistry, Toxicology, or related discipline. Advanced degree (MS or PhD) preferred.
• 5+ years of industrial experience in Medical Device, Pharmaceutical, or Biotechnology fields with expertise in biocompatibility, toxicology, and/or special process validation.
• A master’s degree or PhD in a relevant engineering or scientific discipline may substitute for years of industry experience.
• Fundamental understanding or direct experience with ISO 10993 standards, biomaterials, toxicological risk assessment, extractable and leachable analysis, medical device manufacturing processes, and biocompatibility assessment methodology.
• Role level may be adjusted to Senior Biocompatibility Scientist II based on candidate qualifications.

What We Offer

A fast-paced work environment where your safety is our priority

Production areas that are clean, well-lit and temperature-controlled

Training and career development, with onboarding programs for new employees and tuition assistance.

Financial security through competitive compensation, incentives and retirement plans.

Health care and well-being programs including medical, dental, vision, wellness and occupational health programs.

Paid time off.

401(k) retirement savings with a generous company match.

The stability of a company with a record of strong financial performance and history of being actively involved in local communities.

Learn more about our benefits that add real value to your life to help you live fully : www.abbottbenefits.com

Follow your career aspirations to Abbott for diverse opportunities with a company that provides the growth and strength to build your future.

Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to employee diversity.

The base pay for this position is $100,000.00 – $200,000.00. In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.