What are the responsibilities and job description for the Ocular Health Principal Scientist (Polymer Chemistry & Colloid Chemistry) position at Alcon?
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.
We foster an inclusive culture and are looking for diverse, talented people to join Alcon and we are seeking a dedicated and innovative Ocular Health Principal Formulation Scientist to join our dynamic R&D team in Fort Worth, TX to drive innovation in the development of advanced ocular health formulations. This role emphasizes expertise in colloid chemistry, antimicrobial chemistry, controlled release systems to address critical challenges in topical ophthalmic product development.
The Principal Scientist will lead the design and execution of research plans focused on formulating cutting-edge ocular health products. Emphasizing colloid interactions, polymer systems, and material science, their work will center on developing solutions, emulsions, and/or stimuli-responsive hydrogels that incorporate advanced antimicrobial properties and controlled-release technologies to enhance ocular health products.
In this role, a typical day will include:
- Serve as a technical leader in colloid chemistry, focusing on polymer solutions, emulsions, and/or stimuli-responsive hydrogels for ocular application.
- Create formulations with antimicrobial properties, interactive surfaces, and sustained-release mechanisms. Develop strategies for controlled and sustained release of active ingredients in ophthalmic products.
- Conduct hands-on laboratory experiments to develop responsive delivery systems and engineer colloidal and polymeric systems, optimizing material interactions, rheology, and release profiles for targeted therapeutic benefits.
- Initiate and develop screening tools and characterization methods to accelerate chemistry and formulation development cycles
- Perform comprehensive literature and patent reviews to identify new opportunities and materials for next-generation ocular health products.
- Prepare technical documentation, data analyses, and presentations in compliance with GDP and GxP standards to guide product development and ensure alignment with FDA and international regulatory requirements.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams and external partners while mentoring junior scientists to foster expertise and innovation.
Experience:
- PhD in colloid chemistry, polymer science, material science, surface chemistry or related fields with 8 years in formulation development.
- Expertise in lipid-based emulsions, antimicrobial chemistry, and stimuli-responsive hydrogels.
- Skilled in controlled/sustained release systems for pharmaceutical or medical formulations.
- Familiarity with over-the-counter ophthalmic formulations (e.g., artificial tears, lens care solutions) desired.
- Experiences in material and surface characterization methodology development preferred
- Strong problem-solving, communication, and leadership abilities.
- Experience managing external collaborations (CROs, CMOs, or academic institutions).
What You'll Bring to Alcon:
- Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent years of directly related experience (or high school 13 yrs; Assoc. 9 yrs; M.S. 2 yrs; PhD 0 yrs)
- The ability to fluently read, write, understand, and communicate in English
- 5 Years of Relevant Experience
How You Can Thrive at Alcon:
- 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, and much more!
- Travel Requirements: 0-5%
- Relocation assistance: Yes
- Sponsorship available: Yes
Alcon Careers
See your impact at alcon.com/careers
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