Staff Membrane Polymer Scientist

Meet the team

As a key member of the material science group within Dexcom's research and development organization, the staff membrane and formulation scientist is responsible for developing and demonstrating feasibility of novel membrane material designs to support next generation biosensor products. The individual is expected to have clear understanding of the technical and business challenges associated with medical device material component product development and will deliver technical solutions that meet objectives. In this capacity, the scientist will work cross functionally to drive the creation and maintenance of design requirements, down select material chemistry, develop and validate design/process to final specification, identify and mitigate risks, interface with external partners and collaborate with internal stake holders to drive the project to completion.

Where you come in

• Develop novel functional molecules, membrane formulation chemistries, and novel polymer materials for new biosensing modalities that meet system level requirements
• Independently characterize organic molecules and polymers
• Plan and execute experiments, identify critical variables and design trade-offs, screen and down-select material candidates for form-fit-function on targeted applications while managing project strategy, requirements, deliverables, risks, and timelines
• Document experimental details and analysis, author technical reports, and communicate results to a wide audience of stakeholders including progress reports, design reviews and phase exits
• Verify that performance objectives have been met via pre-clinical and clinical evaluations of novel designs
• Identify, procure, and qualify critical raw materials and manage vendors to support development and scaling
• Develop chemical and polymer synthesis protocols on lab scale
• Identify, procure, install, and qualify new equipment and processes from prototype to pilot scale
• Document procedures, plans, protocols and reports to ensure designs and processes meet product specifications, regulatory requirements and quality standards
• Contribute to new IP generation efforts and assist with evaluation of technical, clinical, and commercial risks
• Understand and adhere to all relevant laboratory safety protocols, chemical hygiene, and dispose of chemical waste according to company and local EH&S regulations
• Partner with development teams to develop and test new prototypes
• Other duties as assigned

What makes you successful

• Demonstrated knowledge of, and experience with, material structure-property-performance relationships in the development of new products that meet all safety, form/fit, functional, and regulatory requirements
• Fundamental knowledge and technical expertise in chemistry, including but not limited to organic synthesis, material chemistry and polymer chemistry
• Hands-on experience with organic chemical and polymer synthesis, purification, and characterization
• Strong analytical and experimental skills for organic small molecules and polymer characterization (NMR, GPC, FTIR, GC/MS, LC/MS)
• Experience with material formulation and membrane separation engineering is desirable
• Experience with experimental design, assay development, statistics, data analysis methods and software (JMP preferred)
• Very strong analytical and experimental skills for small molecules, polymers, solution physics, and condensed states (HPLC, LC/MS, viscometer/rheometer, mechanical, DLS, Zeta potential, SEM/EDX, XRF, confocal microscopy/interferometry, FT-IR, NMR, diffusion, and electrochemical characterization)
• Highly organized and detailed oriented
• Excellent communication (written and verbal), collaboration, and interpersonal skills
• Excellent work ethics, ability to deal with ambiguity/uncertainty, and willingness to learn
• Proven ability to work hands-on in a fast-paced environment
• Nice to have experience in medical device or other regulated industry
• Nice to have experience with formulation process development and validation

Education and Experience

Typically requires a Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline, and a minimum of 8-12 years related experience or Master's degree and 5-7 years equivalent industry experience or a PhD and 2-4 years experience.