Principal Clinical Research Scientist

Fueled by innovation at the intersection of biology and technology, we’re developing the next generation of smarter, less invasive, more personalized treatments. Are you passionate about improving and expanding the possibilities of vision treatments? Ready to join a team that’s reimagining how vision is improved? Our Vision team solves the toughest health challenges. Help combine cutting-edge insights, science, technology, and people to encourage eye care professionals and patients to proactively protect, correct and enhance healthy sight for life. Our products and services address these needs – from the pediatric to aging eye – in a patient’s lifetime.

About the role

The Principal Clinical Research Scientist for Vision is an expert in ophthalmic and medical device research who serves as a core team member on key projects and leads a team of Staff Clinical Scientists. This role provides strategic and scientific leadership for the development and execution of clinical programs that generate robust evidence to support innovative vision care products and technologies. Leveraging deep expertise in clinical research, product development, and ophthalmic regulations, the Principal Clinical Research Scientist influences development strategies, aligns cross-functional stakeholders, and drives successful execution of complex initiatives that improve outcomes for eye care professionals and their patients.

Responsibilities

• Represent Clinical Science as a core team member on critical projects, liaising between project and functional teams, and coordinating with Clinical Operations and Project Management partners to deliver on time, within budget, and in compliance with regulations and SOPs.
• Activate and build collaborative relationships across business platforms as well as key cross-functional partners (e.g., Global Strategic Marketing, Medical Affairs, Regulatory Affairs, R&D, etc.) to ensure consistent alignment in new product development and through the product life cycle.
• Lead initiatives for appropriate interpretation and dissemination of all evidence generated, including Clinical Study Reports, abstracts, manuscripts, and MDR-related documents (CER, PMCF, Clinical Plans, etc.).
• Contribute to clinical scientific discussions with regulatory agencies that support the clinical and regulatory strategy, including proposed investigations, review process of evidence to support marketing authorization, and support of regulatory inspections.
• Engage and collaborate with industry's key opinion leaders, including KOLs and regulatory agencies, and build on relationships established through professional/technical societies.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by management.

Requirements

• Advanced degree in a scientific discipline (required); OD, MD/Ophthalmologist, or PhD in Vision Science/related field strongly preferred.
• Post-graduate training, residency, or fellowship preferred.
• 5+ years of ophthalmic clinical research experience.
• Deep understanding of eye care, ophthalmic devices, vision science, or related therapeutic areas.
• Experience supporting product development and lifecycle management.
• Led clinical studies or clinical programs, not just participated in them.
• Experience designing studies and selecting endpoints.
• Demonstrated leadership on complex, cross-functional projects.
• Personally authored or substantially contributed to:
  • Clinical study protocols
  • Clinical Study Reports (CSRs)
  • Scientific abstracts
  • Manuscripts/publications
• Can interpret study results independently.
• Comfortable working with biostatisticians on:
  • Sample size assumptions
  • Endpoint strategy
  • Statistical analysis plans
  • Interpretation of results
• Demonstrated ability to influence without direct authority.
• Experience partnering with R&D, Regulatory Affairs, Marketing, Medical Affairs, and Clinical Operations.
• Strong technical writing ability, such as clinical study protocols, reports, and abstracts.
• Understanding of biostatistics as applied to study data.
• Proficient with computers and software programs.

Skills

• Clinical Evaluations
• Coaching
• Critical Thinking
• Drug Discovery Development
• Entrepreneurship
• Good Clinical Practice (GCP)
• Leadership
• Medicines and Device Development and Regulation
• Organizing
• Regulatory Affairs Management
• Relationship Building
• Research Documents
• Safety-Oriented
• Scientific Research
• Standard Scientific Processes and Procedures
• Strategic Change
• Study Management

Pay

The anticipated base pay range for this position is $117,000.00 - $201,250.00. For Bay Area: $134,000.00 - $231,150.00.

Benefits

• Eligible to participate in the Company’s consolidated retirement plan (pension) and savings plan (401(k)).
• Eligible to participate in the Company’s long-term incentive program.
• Vacation – 120 hours per calendar year.
• Sick time – 40 hours per calendar year; for employees who reside in the State of Colorado – 48 hours per calendar year; for employees who reside in the State of Washington – 56 hours per calendar year.
• Holiday pay, including Floating Holidays – 13 days per calendar year.
• Work, Personal and Family Time – up to 40 hours per calendar year.
• Parental Leave – 480 hours within one year of the birth/adoption/foster care of a child.
• Bereavement Leave – 240 hours for an immediate family member; 40 hours for an extended family member per calendar year.
• Caregiver Leave – 80 hours in a 52-week rolling period.
• 10 days Volunteer Leave – 32 hours per calendar year.
• Military Spouse Time-Off – 80 hours per calendar year.

Schedule

Up to 10% of domestic or international travel is required.