Senior Scientist, R&D Chemistry

Fortive's Advanced Sterilization Products (ASP) is a leading global provider of innovative sterilization and disinfection solutions, protecting patients during critical moments in healthcare. ASP pioneered low-temperature hydrogen peroxide sterilization technology and supports healthcare facilities in combating hospital-acquired infections.

About the role

The Senior Scientist, R&D Chemistry works under limited supervision, applying scientific techniques to design and develop new cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization products in compliance with new product development procedures. This role supports complex projects requiring cross-functional collaboration and drives innovation in medical instrument reprocessing.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute research projects supporting new technologies for cleaning, disinfection, or sterilization of medical instruments.
• Demonstrate detailed knowledge of own technical area and moderate knowledge of related functional areas.
• Prepare and execute protocols and studies from initial feasibility through final product verification and validation.
• Manage laboratory studies, projects, processes, and initiatives; initiate and complete technical reports.
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemistry analysis, organize and analyze data, and prepare technical presentations and reports.
• Analyze experimental results, document findings, and prepare technical summaries meeting scientific, quality, and regulatory expectations.
• Support development, optimization, and validation of laboratory methods, equipment, and processes to ensure reliability, compliance, and continuous improvement.
• Provide technical support to other programs and project teams requiring chemistry expertise.
• Assist in investigations related to nonconformances, test method issues, or quality events by performing data analysis, root cause assessments, and contributing to corrective actions.
• Provide training to lower-level scientists and manage routine processes and tasks.
• Perform and/or coordinate equipment qualifications, maintain laboratory instruments, and troubleshoot instrumentation issues.
• Develop solutions to problems of moderate scope and complexity through judgment within defined practices and policies.
• Work independently to plan, conduct, and manage multiple research projects to meet department and company objectives.
• Seek new ideas and applications through journals, patents, scientific reviews, and technical meetings.
• Communicate business-related issues or opportunities to management.
• Travel domestically or internationally 10%–20% of the time.
• Coordinate and review the work of others, support process-level efficiencies, and contribute to a high-performing team environment.
• Support design changes for marketed products, including manufacturing steps, process or design validations, product testing, and marketing analysis to ensure robust supplier processes.
• Support awareness of advances and needs in sterilization, disinfection, material compatibility, and biocompatibility.

Requirements

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry or related field with 5+ years of applicable experience, or Master’s Degree in Chemistry or related field with 3+ years of applicable experience, or Ph.D. in Chemistry or related field with 0–2 years of applicable experience.
• Experience in the Medical Device or other GxP-regulated industry.
• Hands-on experience in a laboratory environment, analytical chemistry, and/or formulation chemistry.
• Experience leading R&D Chemistry projects, with the ability to independently execute and improve scientific work.

Skills

• Strong understanding of compliance with applicable laboratory and safety procedures.
• Knowledge of organic chemistry and formulation development, or surfactants, detergents, disinfectants, and sterilants is preferred.
• Knowledge of sterilization, disinfection, and cleaning technologies for reprocessing medical devices is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of analytical chemistry techniques; experience with analytical method development, validation, and transfer is preferred.
• Track record of scientific publications and/or patents is preferred.
• Professional experience in a GxP-regulated industry and understanding of QSR, FDA, and ISO guidelines is preferred.
• Effective oral and written communication skills, with the ability to function in a cross-functional team environment.
• Experience providing instruction to professional and technical employees on projects and initiatives is preferred.
• Self-driven with strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills; capable of working independently or in a team.

Internal & External Interactions

• Work effectively with cross-functional teams and provide instruction or supervision to lower-level scientists.
• Coordinate and review the work of others and assist colleagues in solving complex problems.
• Elevate inquiries from customers, government agencies, or auditors per standard operating procedures.
• Support Voice of Customer (VOC) collection and translate VOC into product concept generation.
• Communicate with external suppliers, service providers, and manufacturers.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $101,200 – $169,050 (local currency). This position is also eligible for a bonus as part of the total compensation package.