ABOUT US

Abiomed, an innovative medical device company, is focused on recovering hearts and saving lives.   We have a single guiding mission:  “Patients First.”   With corporate headquarters in Danvers, Massachusetts, offices in Aachen & Berlin, Germany and Tokyo, Japan, Abiomed’s 1,000 employees form one of the fastest growing medical technology companies in the world.  Abiomed attracts and retains exceptional talent with our collaborative culture, passion for our work, and a strong commitment to employee professional development. 

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Principal Chemist will be a cross-functional subject matter expert and a consulting resource across departmental lines (e.g., research, engineering development, and manufacturing). The position requires the ability to understand complex problems on the intersection of day-to-day manufacturing, engineering, and academic disciplines, and deliver the most efficient path to proceed in all stages of medical device development and production.

A demonstrated proficiency in analysis and interpretation of properties of polymer and bio- materials is required. The work is fast-paced, with both the need for both quick results / turn-around and consistent performance to meet long-term objectives.

The ideal candidate brings solid experience in formulating and conducting, complex, multi-disciplinary efforts, and experience with product design or process changes in FDA-regulated environments with successful results. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Identify areas of product/process improvement, define approaches, present to the key stakeholders and obtain their approval, and conduct implementation
• Serve as the subject matter expert and consulting resource to support group, department, and company efforts in the areas where input and/or guidance is required in Life Sciences –Organic Chemistry
• Perform key experimentations with and analysis of a wide variety of synthetic and biological materials
• Write high quality proposals and reports conveying the approaches and analytical results and conclusions clearly and accurately.
• Explain complex and abstract ideas in simple terms.
• Develop new methods as needed and improve existing methods.
• Keep abreast of leading edge technology and integrate into the development process.
• Present results at internal and external meetings.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology, Chemistry or Engineering
• 15+ years of related experience in development & manufacturing, (12 years with Masters, 8 years with PhD)
• Advanced understanding of the implementation of fundamental scientific & technical principles, and hands-on experience with multiple laboratory and analytical techniques
• Demonstrated knowledge of / significant experience with characterization and analysis of synthetic polymers, biomaterials and complex biological fluid (human & animal blood and plasma)
• Experience using such methods as Tensile testing, FTIR, DSC, TGA, UV-Vis, ELISA, HPLC of low molecular compounds and complex biomolecules (including ion exchange, size exclusion, reverse phase, affinity, mixed chromatography, and hydrophobic interactions), TLC, and GC for characterization and analysis
• Significant hands-on experience in current biochemical methods such as gene arrays, cell and microbial culture, bioseparations, quantification and visualization of proteins and nucleic acids on medical devices, PCR, and assessment of protein folding and stability as a function of environment
• Experience of working with relatively large amounts of human blood products (1 to 10 L) is required. The latter activity needs to be supported by solid knowledge and adherence to BioSafety regulations (BSL1 and BSL2)
• Chemical surface modifications and chemical synthesis of hydrogels
• Experience in selecting adhesives for implantable medical devices strongly preferred
• Experience in analysis and optimization of material and thermal transfer
• Familiarity with fluid dynamics and flow models of stirred media
• Experience applying scientific knowledge and critical thinking to determine root cause of complex problems, identifying potential for improvements, and implementing formulated approaches
• An expert, who employs creative and innovative approaches to team progress
• Excellent writing and communication skills
• Proven problem-solving skills using critical thinking
• The ability to integrate and effectively operate as a member of a cross-functional team
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools
• Experience working with miniature components of medical devices in a clean room environment preferred

ABIOMED is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.  We are committed to the policy of providing equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability or national origin.