Overview
We are seeking a highly creative and scientifically driven Principal Scientist to lead research in separation materials, particle technologies, and surface chemistry. This role will focus on inventing and developing next-generation chromatographic and sample preparation materials that enable improved analytical performance for small molecules, biologics, oligonucleotides, emerging modalities, and food & environmental.
The successful candidate will serve as a technical leader within Global Research, translating fundamental materials science into commercially relevant technologies and intellectual property.
Responsibilities
Lead Material Science Innovation
• Conceive, design, and develop novel materials for chromatographic separations and sample preparation.
• Advance research in porous polymeric particles, Hybrid organic-inorganic materials, silica, magnetic particles, functionalized surfaces, and affinity media
• Develop innovative approaches to particle synthesis and surface modification using different particle synthesis approaches, polymerizations, and surface derivatizations
• Design materials with optimized specific applications in reversed-phase, Ion-exchange, HILIC, affinity, mixed-mode, and sample preparation workflows for separations of proteins, monoclonal antibodies, oligonucleotides, peptides, PFAS, and small molecules.
Scientific Leadership
• Serve as a recognized technical expert in materials science and separation technologies, driving rigorous experimental design and data interpretation.
• Provide scientific direction to project teams and mentor junior scientists and researchers.
• Generate and support innovation & intellectual property with invention disclosures and support patent filings, evaluate emerging technologies, literature, and competitive innovations
• Identify external collaborations with academia, suppliers, and strategic partners.
• Communicate findings through technical reports, publications, presentations, and patents.
• Collaborate with different groups within global research, development, commercial, and strategy teams, as well as managing external collaborations with industry and academia
Qualifications
Required
• Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related scientific discipline with 8+ years research experience in academia or industry.
• Demonstrated expertise in particle synthesis, polymer chemistry, or chromatographic materials.
• Proven record of innovation through patents, publications, or commercialized technologies.
Preferred
• Experience developing chromatographic stationary phases, magnetic bead technologies, surface functionalization strategies, and or bioseparation materials
• Experience supporting biologics and oligonucleotide workflows.
• Knowledge of modern materials characterization techniques.
Success Profile
The ideal candidate will be:
• A recognized inventor and materials scientist.
• Equally comfortable at the bench and leading scientific strategy.
• Passionate about solving customer problems through materials innovation.
• Able to identify breakthrough opportunities and translate them into practical technologies.
• Focused on creating the next generation of separation materials that expand Waters' scientific leadership.
Key Words
#LI-Hybrid
