Principal Scientist

Job Requirements Education: PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field with 10+ years of relevant experience in R&D, preferably in dental, medical device, or consumer goods industries. Experience: Demonstrated track record of leading high-impact R&D projects, including successful product launches and lifecycle management initiatives. Expertise in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific problem-solving. Proficiency in design control, risk management, and quality standards (e.g., ISO 13485, FDA 21 CFR Part 820). Strong leadership and mentoring skills, with the ability to drive innovation and foster collaboration across functions. Preferred Qualifications Experience with dental chemical consumables, adhesives, composites, or related technologies. Familiarity with regulatory requirements for dental products. Knowledge of statistical analysis software (e.g., Minitab, JMP) and laboratory information management systems (LIMS). Certifications in project management (e.g., PMP) or quality systems (e.g., CQE) are a plus. Skills Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to influence stakeholders at all levels. Benefits Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, and paid time off. Opportunities for professional development and career growth. Collaborative and innovative work environment. Location: Carlsbad, CA (Hybrid schedule: 3 days in office, 2 days remote) Requisition Number: 2024-12345 Department: Research & Development Employment Type: Full-time Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Pay: $140,000 - $160,000 per year

About the role

The Principal Scientist serves as a subject matter expert and technical leader, driving innovation and high-impact research and development initiatives across dental chemical consumables. This role identifies and evaluates emerging technologies, translates them into commercially viable products, and leads complex experimental design and execution to validate product performance, reliability, and shelf life. Operating with a high degree of independence, the Principal Scientist leads new product development and lifecycle management efforts, contributes to strategic roadmap planning, and ensures adherence to design control, risk management, and quality standards. Additionally, the role mentors junior scientists, fosters continuous improvement in laboratory practices, and represents R&D in cross-functional activities to support successful product launches and sustained product excellence.

Responsibilities

• Actively seeks new technologies and product features as part of innovation activities for the assigned product category and other dental chemical consumables products that could translate into new product offerings.
• Creates research activities outline (design of experiments) and schedules according to the company’s timetable and establishes daily or weekly routines necessary to meet project timetable.
• Exhibits deep knowledge and understanding (Subject Matter Expert/SME) of the assigned category and at least two adjacent categories.
• Provides input and support in planning the strategic roadmap across all product categories.
• Independently leads R&D activities as part of design control/design change projects within assigned or adjacent product categories.
• Leads and/or executes experiments that scientifically confirm product performance, reliability, and shelf life.
• Leads new product development (NPD) feasibility work and provides support on sustaining projects at high complexity.
• Expected to participate with significant contribution in at least a combination of four product launches and/or life-cycle management (sustaining) projects with high impact/complexity level or applied innovation of at least one new technology platform in commercial product.
• Maintains proficiency in NPD tollgate and design change to independently prepare and execute activities (e.g., test methods, design verification protocol and report, ECR memo).
• Represents R&D in product risk management activities (documentation of risk identification, mitigation verification, etc.).
• Applies good laboratory practices, identifies deficiencies, and modifies/improves existing procedures.
• Applies scientific theory to reach conclusions based on data analysis.
• Provides mentoring/coaching to research associates, research chemists, and junior scientists.
• Complies with all company policies and procedures including quality, complaint handling, and safety.
• Performs additional responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

• PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field with 10+ years of relevant experience in R&D, preferably in dental, medical device, or consumer goods industries.
• Demonstrated track record of leading high-impact R&D projects, including successful product launches and lifecycle management initiatives.
• Expertise in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific problem-solving.
• Proficiency in design control, risk management, and quality standards (e.g., ISO 13485, FDA 21 CFR Part 820).
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills, with the ability to drive innovation and foster collaboration across functions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with dental chemical consumables, adhesives, composites, or related technologies.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements for dental products.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis software (e.g., Minitab, JMP) and laboratory information management systems (LIMS).
• Certifications in project management (e.g., PMP) or quality systems (e.g., CQE) are a plus.

Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, and paid time off.
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth.
• Collaborative and innovative work environment.

Pay

$140,000 - $160,000 per year

Schedule

• Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Hybrid schedule: 3 days in office, 2 days remote