Principal Scientist (Biotech)

CooperVision, a division of CooperCompanies (NYSE:COO), is one of the world's leading manufacturers of soft contact lenses. The Company produces a full array of daily disposable, two-week and monthly contact lenses, all featuring advanced materials and optics. CooperVision has a strong heritage of solving the toughest vision challenges such as astigmatism, presbyopia and childhood myopia; and offers the most complete collection of spherical, toric and multifocal products available. Through a combination of innovative products and focused practitioner support, the company brings a refreshing perspective to the marketplace, creating real advantages for customers and wearers. For more information, visit www.coopervision.com

Job Summary:

The primary focus of this role is to carry out research, design, development, synthesis, fabrication, and testing of novel materials and/or processes for contact lens products, and generate and develop new innovations, including improvements to existing contact lens materials and processes.  The role will involve overseeing the designing, planning and the completion of experiments and supervising junior team members.  The job holder will also be expected to support the Chemistry team with activities such as equipment qualifications and dealing with hazardous waste (as per regulatory requirements and current policies and procedures) in their assigned work area.

Essential Functions & Accountabilities:

Works effectively in a team environment including the supervision of junior team members and the ability to interface effectively with cross-functional teams.  Performs hiring, staff development, performance management, and other personnel activities.

• Ability to manage and drive forward multiple assignments simultaneously.
• Industry expert who works independently to design, develop and implement effective research and experimental strategies. Supervises junior level scientists to execute experiments and assigned project activities, while managing project requirements such as milestones and timelines.
• Highly effective at communicating, both orally and in writing, with internal personnel throughout the business as well as with external partners.
• Ensures that the team analyzes data using appropriate statistical techniques, creates and ensures technical reports and presentations are of a high standard.  Makes sure that data is interpreted correctly so that good quality decisions are made.
• Works with project managers and technical team to assist with keeping cross-functional teams informed on project progress and issues.  Prepares contingency plans for issues that may arise. Works with others (e.g., project manager) to define work to reduce risk on assigned targets.
• Actively contributes to published patents, scientific publications, and product launch.
• Contributes to continuous improvement of materials, methods of analysis, and in-house project management processes.  Proactive in improving processes in the department.
• Ensure that Health and Safety requirements are always met and never compromised.
• May be responsible for collecting, handling, labelling and overseeing the hazardous and universal wastes in their designated areas per regulatory requirements and site procedures.
• Contributes to activities that ensure that the best staff are hired and retained.  Staff development, performance management, and other personnel activities also required.
• Coaches and supervises junior team members and proactively gets involved in career development activities for individuals in the team.
• Extensive experience identifying problems and leads the team to resolve issues and develops creative strategies to solve problems related to materials and processing.
• Highly innovative and capable of developing new technologies to meet the business needs.
• Capable of developing and managing technology projects with external partners.
• Minimal travel required.

CooperVision's management team is committed to the development of and implementation of the quality management system and maintaining its effectiveness by communicating to the organization the importance of meeting customer as well as statutory and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Expert in materials, ideally polymeric materials preferred.
• Knowledge of hydrogel polymer chemistry highly desirable.
• Experience in controlled delivery formulations, use of Design of Experiments in formulation, and polymeric materials, excipients, and microparticle fabrication technologies required.
• Experience with analytical techniques such as HPLC, GC, LC-MS, particle sizing, zeta potential, required.
• Understanding and experience with Design Controls process is highly desirable.
• Experience with the use of project management tools and techniques including project planning, risk assessment, and budgeting required.
• Ability to read and understand highly technical material.
• Advanced Technical Report writing experience.
• Expert in materials, ideally polymeric materials preferred.
• Data analysis and presenting.
• Knowledge of advanced statistical techniques.
• Effective teamwork and supervisory skills.  Experiencing leading staff as a team or project lead.
• Highly organized: Proven ability to manage workload effectively and plan accordingly.
• Self-directed: Ability to work independently on multiple, often conflicting, priorities.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to meet strict deadlines and work under pressure.
• Flexibility in accepting work assignments as required by the needs of the business.
• Advanced skill in the use of Excel, Word and PowerPoint. Advanced preferred.

Work Environment:

• The individual will be required to work in offices, clean rooms, manufacturing areas and laboratories.  The job holder may also be required to work at other Coopervision sites, and travel abroad if required.
• Flexibility in working hours is required e.g., to meet deadlines i.e., working early/late/outside of normal hours.  The role is an exempt salaried position and does not pay overtime.
• The role will require the individual to come into contact with hazardous materials or working environments. The individual will be required to wear/use the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for the task in hand outlined in SOP's including items such as lab coat, eye protection and gloves. The job requires the handling of materials that come under COSHH guidelines.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3-8 years' experience depending on degree level

Education:

• Bachelor of Science degree with minimum 8 years' experience in Chemistry, Biological Sciences or related field
• Master of Science degree with minimum 6 years' experience in Chemistry, Biological Sciences or related field
• Ph.D. with minimum 3 years' experience in Chemistry, Biological Sciences or related field

For U.S. locations that require disclosure of compensation, the starting base pay for this role is between $114,302 and $152,402 and may include cost of living adjustments.  The actual base pay includes many factors and is subject to change and modification in the future.  This position may also be eligible for other types of compensation and benefits.

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran

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