Sr. Principal Scientist/Engineer

At Alcon, we are driven by the meaningful work we do to help people see brilliantly. We innovate boldly, champion progress, and act with speed as the global leader in eye care. Here, you’ll be recognized for your commitment and contributions and see your career like never before. Together, we go above and beyond to make an impact in the lives of our patients and customers.

The Sr. Principal Scientist/Engineer, IDDS provides and analytical technical expertise, quality data and analysis of small molecules / drug candidates and polymer matricies to support departmental objectives and Alcon’s research and development projects, preclinical development programs and Clinical Program phases from proof-of-concept to technology transfer to support product approval / registration.  The Principal Scientist will   design and execute material characterization strategy to support the discovery, optimization and development of drug candidates for extended release applications. through applied research, validation / qualification of analytical test methods, data generation and interpretation in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements, such as ICH guidelines, and if applicable, cGMP guidance. 

We foster an inclusive culture and are looking for diverse, talented people to join Alcon. As a Sr. Principal Scientist Engineer supporting U.S. Implantable Drug Delivery Sciences team in Durham, NC, a typical day will include:

• Conducts process research, process development and process upscaling for new Pharmaceutical/medical device combination products.

• Investigates and evaluates existing technology and designs new methodology, materials, machines or processes as needed for pharmaceutical/medical device development including polymer characterization and processing for extended release products.

• Plans, conducts and directs research and/or development of major significance that is highly difficult and complex in nature, necessitating the expert application of advanced knowledge in a particular field of specialization.

• Supports engineering decision making by providing advice and recommendations to global project teams.

• Focuses on implementing and executing strategies in own area of expertise and provides thought leadership in own area.

• Utilizes in depth scientific/technical knowledge within clear framework. Provides expert input to complex assignments.

• Act as contributory member of the Implantable Drug Delivery Sciences leadership team

• Provides authoritative technical or professional advice and recommendations to influence internal and/or external contacts. Internal and external audience is diverse and interaction mainly requires interpretation of complex information.

• Develops and applies complex concepts and proposes new and unique approaches, methods, procedures and designs with regular use of ingenuity, creativity and originality to research and/or development that addresses identified ophthalmic medical device / pharmaceutical science / technology needs.

• Applies advanced level engineering principles to the research and development of medical device/pharmaceutical science/technology and/or provide engineering expertise to support development.

• Assures continuity of products and processes through feasibility assessment, research, design, development, compliance to customer and non-customer requirements and transfer to production.

• Directs outputs of team, project or business activity, often across locations.

• Provides leadership direction, determining and developing approach to solutions by coordinating multiple resources to solve complex problems.

• Understands how the needs of other parts of the business and aspects of the external environment may impact their area of responsibility.

• Leads design reviews, assigns and reviews action items or delegates these tasks.

• Ensures regulatory / statutory / legislative compliance for all project work.

• Acts as a mentor in the engineering organization.

• Accountable for success of a project or activity.

• Makes decisions independently, within a clear program of action.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING TO ALCON:

• Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent years of directly related experience (or high school +15 yrs; Assoc.+11 yrs; M.S.+4 yrs; PhD+3 yrs)

• The ability to fluently read, write, understand and communicate in English

• 7 Years of Relevant Experience

• 5 Years of Demonstrated Leadership

• Work hours: 40 hours

• Travel: up to 10%

• Relocation: Yes

• Sponsorship Assistance: Yes

Preferred Experience:

• BS in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Material Science) or Physical Science (Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmacology)

• MS in (Chemical, Mechanical, Material Science) or Physical Science (Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmacology)

• PhD in (Chemical, Mechanical, Material Science) or Physical Science (Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmacology)

HOW YOU CAN THRIVE:

• Collaborate with teammates to share standard processes and findings as work evolves

• See your career like never before with focused growth and development opportunities

• Join Alcon’s mission to provide outstanding, innovative products and solutions to improve sight, improve lives, and grow your career!

• Alcon provides robust benefits package including health, life, retirement, flexible time off for exempt associates, FTO and much more!

ATTENTION: Current Alcon Employee/Contingent Worker

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Alcon is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify. Alcon takes pride in maintaining a diverse environment and our policies are not to discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. Alcon is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an email to alcon.recruitment@alcon.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.