Principal Scientist, Biointerfaces and Regenerative Engineering - Rhian_Convatec : Job Details

Pioneering trusted medical solutions to improve the lives we touch: Convatec is a global medical products and technologies company, focused on solutions for the management of chronic conditions, with leading positions in Advanced Wound Care, Ostomy Care, Continence Care, and Infusion Care. With more than 10,000 colleagues, we provide our products and services in around 90 countries, united by a promise to be forever caring. Our solutions provide a range of benefits, from infection prevention and protection of at-risk skin, to improved patient outcomes and reduced care costs. Convatec's revenues in 2024 were over $2 billion. The company is a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index (LSE:CTEC). To learn more please visit

Position Overview:

As part of Convatec's Applied Research organization within the Biomedical Sciences team, the Principle Scientist – Biointerfaces and Regenerative Engineering is responsible for leading a portfolio of projects in tissue culture and materials science where it interfaces with biological systems to support business needs. Positioned at the leading edge of front end innovation as well as supporting our four business units with their new product development and life cycle management work this team are subject matter experts in studying how ConvaTec's medical devices interact with the body. Excellent mentoring skille, team work and stakeholder management are critical to success within this role.

The principal scientist will apply subject matter expertise in cell culture, tissue engineering, biochemistry and interactions between biological systems and natural and synthetic materials to plan and execute assigned projects. The ideal candidate will have ability to thrive in ambiguity, implement pragmatic systems where necessary and pivot as new information becomes available. In addition, the principal scientist will be key contributor to the biological research capability roadmap at CTEC-Boston, advising on the methods, capabilities, and equipment that we will build over the next 1-5 years.

The principle scientist works cross-functionally with internal teams, including Applied Research, New Product Development, Marketing, Medical and Clinical Affairs, Market Access, and External Innovation, to develop technologies that can be transitioned into product development.

Measures of success include (a) the development and operation of large cross-functional research programs including strong relationships with colleagues and stakeholders as well as (b) completion of technical reports that have either actionable findings or advanced mechanistic understanding of scientific phenomena that support business goals.

Key Responsibilities:

Technical Lead on Biointerfaces and Regenerative Engineering Programs:

• Develop the technical approach to research programs related to biointerfaces and tissue engineering.
• Design and conduct the hands-on research for projects in these programs, including preparing samples, executing experiments, troubleshooting, recording all data, and conducting data analysis.
• Utilize expertise and available literature in biology, cell culture and materials science, as well as scientific creativity to identify new techniques for ConvaTec.
• Specify, install and troubleshoot key equipment.
• Write, edit, and/or approve technical documentation
• Communicate results externally in scientific papers, posters, and other materials.

Cross-Functional Program Development:

• Manage research programs related to biointerfaces which consist of multiple technical projects. Design research approach and coordinate deliverables and timelines with business needs.
• Communicate approach and results to a non-expert audience in the form of technical presentations & reports.
• Collaborate with project management, regulatory, clinical, etc. teams to stay aligned on key goals, deliverables, resource needs, timelines, etc.
• Coach, review and support work of other team members, delegating where appropriate.

Authority (if applicable):

The Principal Scientist will be independent, developing their own research programs and communicating cross-functionally on (a) goal setting or clarification, (b) technical approach brainstorming, (c) delivery and interpretation of scientific results, (d) team progress updates, etc.

With regard to the Quality Management System, the Principal Scientist can approve technical reports as the “Technical Reviewer” as well as standard operating procedures without manager approval.

Skills & Experience:

4-8 years of experience in R&D post-graduation, including the following:

Technical:

• Experience investigating the interactions between biological systems and natural and synthetic interfaces with an emphasis on materials science
• Human and mammalian cell culture (BSL1 & 2)
• Regenerative medicine/tissue engineering (e.g. 3D culture, organoid development, or tissue models).
• Imaging techniques such as direct and indirect fluorescence, phase contrast, brightfield, SEM
• Biochemical assays (e.g. Elisa, DNA, total protein)
• Histology experience is a plus
• Advanced molecular methods in biology and imaging are a plus
• Materials characterization techniques such as FTIR, DSC, or mechanical testing are a plus
• Technical writing and presentation, demonstrated in the form of research reports, academic thesis, peer-reviewed publications, conference posters or presentations or similar

Leadership:

• Demonstrated experience leading a technical program that includes unique individual projects
• Experience in mentoring and coaching less experienced colleagues and ability to transfer skills effectively to other team members
• Experience managing competing business priorities
• Work effectively in global, cross-functional teams
• A strong and reliable safety mindset

Qualifications/Education:

PhD in biology, bioengineering, materials science, or a related field where the PhD research topic focused on biomaterials as medical devices.

Team:

No direct reports, but the principal scientist will coach and delegate work to lower level professionals in the group

Principal Contacts

Internal

• New Product Development & Life Cycle Management Teams as teammates on project work
• Scientific & Technical Labs to execute testing, as required.
• Regulatory Affairs to collaborate on requirements as well as gain early understanding of potential constraints or implications of technology choices.
• Project Management to estimate resource requirements, identify key milestones, manage project governance, and develop timelines.
• Applied Research to leverage other scientific and engineering capabilities outside of Adhesives.

External

• Collaborators such as universities, start-ups, or other companies who have relevant technologies and capabilities to bring to bear.
• Suppliers of laboratory materials & equipment
• Laboratory Testing Services to contract necessary testing.

Travel Requirements

Position may involve travel up to 10% of the time. Most trips will include overnight travel

Languages

• Speaking: Yes English*
• Writing/Reading: Yes English*

Working Conditions

Laboratory, with Hybrid working potential depending on experimental requirements.

Ready to join us?

At Convatec, we're pioneering trusted medical solutions to improve the lives we touch. If you're ready to make a real impact, apply today and help us bring our Forever Caring promise to life.

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