Demo

Scientist Lead (Research and Development)

CooperSurgical
Houston, TX Full Time
POSTED ON 6/25/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 7/23/2026
Job Description

The Staff R&D Scientist provides advanced scientific leadership in the development, optimization, and lifecycle management of IVF media products. This role serves as a subject matter expert (SME) in culture media and solution chemistry, driving innovation, resolving complex technical challenges, and influencing product and process strategies.

The individual collaborates cross-functionally to translate scientific insights into scalable, manufacturable, and compliant solutions, while contributing to the long-term technical roadmap and competitive positioning of the IVF portfolio.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as a technical lead and SME in IVF media formulation, performance, and stability
  • Lead the design and development of new media products and platform improvements
  • Provide ownership and technical oversight of Design History Files (DHFs), ensuring alignment with product lifecycle activities, regulatory expectations, and design control requirements; lead updates, gap assessments, and audit readiness
  • Drive root cause investigations and complex troubleshooting for sustaining issues
  • Define experimental strategies and ensure application of robust scientific and statistical methodologies
  • Lead advanced data analysis and interpretation to guide decision-making
  • Provide technical oversight during scale-up and technology transfer to manufacturing
  • Influence product and process strategy, including formulation, raw material selection, and specifications
  • Collaborate cross-functionally (Quality, Regulatory, Manufacturing, Commercial) to support product lifecycle and compliance
  • Identify and lead innovation initiatives and continuous improvement efforts
  • Mentor junior scientists and engineers, fostering technical development within the team
  • Ensure high-quality documentation in compliance with GMP and design control requirements
  • Contribute to intellectual property, publications, or technical differentiation strategies (where applicable)


Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, or related field required.
  • Master’s or Ph.D. preferred.
  • Deep expertise in cell culture, IVF/ART media, or related life sciences
  • Knowledge of IVF/ART media development is highly desirable
  • Strong knowledge of solution chemistry (pH, buffers, molarity, osmolality)
  • Familiarity with GMP, ISO, and regulatory requirements
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Advanced experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation skills
  • Well organized with attention to detail and ability to carry out tasks independently
  • Good project management, organizational and follow-through skill set
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including ability to translate technical concepts to diverse audiences
  • High level of independence, accountability, and scientific judgment


As an employee of CooperSurgical, you'll receive an outstanding total compensation plan. As we believe your compensation goes beyond your paycheck, we offer a great compensation package, medical coverage, 401(k), parental leave, fertility benefits, paid time off for vacation, personal, sick and holidays, and multiple other perks and benefits. Please visit us at www.coopersurgical.com to learn more about CooperSurgical and the benefits of becoming a member of our team.

To all agencies: Please, no phone calls or emails to any employee of CooperSurgical about this opening. All resumes submitted by search firms/employment agencies to any employee at CooperSurgical via-email, the internet or in any form and/or method will be deemed the sole property of CooperSurgical, unless such search firms/employment agencies were engaged by CooperSurgical for this position and a valid agreement with CooperSurgical is in place. In the event a candidate who was submitted outside of the CooperSurgical agency engagement process is hired, no fee or payment of any kind will be paid.

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, or veteran status. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. If you are interested in applying and require special assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please contact us at talent.acquisition@coopersurgical.com.

As an employee of CooperSurgical/CooperVision, you'll receive a competitive total compensation plan. Your recruitment team will be able to share more information about any variable pay opportunity and benefit package that accompanies this role. The good faith estimate of the salary range for this role is $158,570 to $211,426. The actual amount offered is determined by a number of factors including but not limited to location, skills and experience.

Salary : $158,570 - $211,426

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Scientist Lead (Research and Development)?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Scientist Lead (Research and Development) career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$72,001 - $91,803
Income Estimation: 
$88,975 - $120,741
Income Estimation: 
$68,121 - $81,836
Income Estimation: 
$71,928 - $87,026
Income Estimation: 
$125,958 - $157,570
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at CooperSurgical

  • CooperSurgical Trumbull, CT
  • About CooperSurgical JOB DESCRIPTION CooperSurgical is a leading fertility and women’s healthcare company dedicated to putting time on the side of women, b... more
  • Just Posted

  • CooperSurgical Trumbull, CT
  • Job Description Scope : The CSI R&D SaaS team within CooperSurgical is dedicated to developing and maintaining cutting-edge SaaS software solutions for cry... more
  • Just Posted

  • CooperSurgical Trumbull, CT
  • Job Description The Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) serves as a strategic finance business partner to the Surgical Business Unit (SBU) and In... more
  • 1 Day Ago

  • CooperSurgical Trumbull, CT
  • About CooperSurgical JOB DESCRIPTION CooperSurgical is a leading fertility and women’s healthcare company dedicated to putting time on the side of women, b... more
  • 1 Day Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Scientist Lead (Research and Development) jobs in the Houston, TX area that may be a better fit.

  • Level Environmental Scientist/Biologist - Tetra Tech Careers Houston, TX
  • The Opportunity: Tetra Tech is adding a Mid-Level Environmental Scientist/Biologist to our Environmental team based in Houston, TX. Why Tetra Tech: At Tetr... more
  • 18 Days Ago

  • Level Environmental Scientist/Biologist/Ecologist - Tetra Tech Careers Houston, TX
  • The Opportunity: Tetra Tech is adding a Entry-Level Environmental Scientist/Biologist/Ecologist to our Environmental team based in Houston, TX. Why Tetra T... more
  • 18 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!