Senior Scientist

Waters Corporation; Milford (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Waters Corporation in the United States seeks an innovative Senior Scientist to shape affinity-based technologies and biomaterial-enabled separations. The role sits at the interface of bioengineering, biomaterials, and analytical science to develop next‑generation affinity solutions and support manufacturing and commercialization.

You will lead research on surface chemistries, separation strategies, and device architectures, including immobilized enzymes and affinity surfaces for chromatography

Qualifications

• PhD with 0–3 years experience, MS with 3–5 years, or BS with 5–8 years in chemistry/biology/chemical/bio-engineering or related field.
• Familiar with biomolecule characterization and assay platforms (e.g., ELISA, SPR, BLI, magnetic beads, field‑flow fractionation).
• Understanding of LC/LC‑MS workflows (IEX, SEC, RP, affinity).
• Strong track record of scientific communication (presentations, publications, or patents).

Responsibilities

• Lead research in the design and evaluation of biological materials for selective capture, including aptamers, peptides, engineered proteins, and hybrid materials.
• Investigate fundamental interactions between biomolecules and surfaces, including non-specific binding and affinity-driven selectivity.
• Design and develop functionalized materials and surfaces for separation assays.
• Document and communicate findings through internal reports and presentations, peer‑reviewed articles, application notes, and intellectual property.

Skills

Biomaterials

Affinity science

Aptamers

Protein engineering

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Scientific communication

Education

PhD or MS or BS in chemistry/biology/chemical/bio-engineering or related field

Tools

ELISA

SPR

BLI

LC-MS

Job description

Overview

Waters Corporation is seeking an innovative Senior Scientist to help define the future of affinity-based technologies and biomaterial-enabled separations. This role is designed for an interdisciplinary scientist who acts at the interface of bioengineering, biomaterials, and analytical science to develop next-generation affinity solutions.

In this highly collaborative environment, the Senior Scientist will focus on fundamental biomaterial interactions and applied affinity technologies, including emerging modalities such as aptamers, engineered binding surfaces, and biologically derived reagents. This dynamic role will provide technical leadership from early concept ideation through evaluation, and ultimately support manufacturing and commercialization.

The successful candidate will lead research on advanced surface chemistries, separation strategies, and device architectures, such as immobilized enzyme or affinity surfaces and column‑based technologies. They will play a pivotal role in creating the next generation of chromatography consumables, separation devices, and bioengineered affinity systems, developing the next‑generation biological and hybrid solutions to advance the mission of Waters Bioseparations.

Responsibilities

• Lead research in the design and evaluation of biological materials for selective capture, including aptamers, peptides, engineered proteins, and hybrid materials.
• Investigate fundamental interactions between biomolecules and surfaces, including non‑specific binding and affinity‑driven selectivity.
• Design and develop functionalized materials and surfaces for separation assays.
• Document and communicate findings through internal reports and presentations, peer‑reviewed articles, application notes, and intellectual property.

Qualifications

Required:

• PhD with 0‑3 years experience, MS with 3‑5 years experience, or BS with 5‑8 years work experience with a major in chemistry, biology, chemical/bio‑engineering, or related field.
• Familiar with biomolecule characterization and assay platforms (e.g., ELISA, SPR, BLI, magnetic beads, field‑flow fractionation, or related techniques).
• Understanding of LC/LC‑MS workflows (IEX, SEC, RP, affinity).
• Strong track record of scientific communication (presentations, publications, or patents).

Preferred:

• Experience with biological materials and ligands including aptamers, antibodies, engineered proteins, or alternative affinity reagents.
• Understanding surface chemistry and characterization, biofunctionalization techniques, immunoprecipitation, and Fc‑mediated interactions.
• Familiarity with automation/liquid handling and early‑stage prototyping (3D printing, COMSOL/Ansys, CAD).
• Ability to collaborate across disciplines to build effective working relationships.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Company Description

Waters Corporation is a global leader in life sciences and diagnostics, dedicated to accelerating the benefits of pioneering science through analytical technologies, informatics, and service. With a focus on regulated, high‑volume testing environments, our innovative portfolio harnesses deep scientific expertise across chemistry, physics, and biology. We collaborate with customers around the world to advance the release of effective, high‑quality medicines, ensure the safety of food and water, and drive better patient outcomes by detecting diseases earlier, managing routine infections, and combating antibiotic resistance. Through a shared culture of relentless innovation, our passionate team of ~16,000 colleagues turn scientific challenges into breakthroughs that improve lives worldwide.

Diversity and inclusion are fundamental to our core values at Waters Corporation. It benefits our employees, our products, our customers, and our community. Waters complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. Qualified applicants are considered without regard to sex, race, color, ancestry, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, marital status (including civil unions), military service, veteran status, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions), genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, legally recognized disability, domestic violence victim status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Waters is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. All hiring decisions are based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.