Scientist Ii

Description:

Planet Pharma, a leading global staffing and recruitment firm specializing in life sciences and healthcare, is seeking an experienced Scientist II – Chemistry to support R&D operations for one of its major clients based in Franklin Lakes, NJ. This role offers an opportunity to work hands-on in a laboratory environment, contributing to the development of innovative blood collection devices and materials that advance healthcare technology.

The position requires a motivated professional with a background in materials science, chemistry, or related engineering disciplines, possessing strong lab experience and an understanding of polymers and materials used in medical device applications. The candidate will play a key role in product research, materials testing, and process optimization while ensuring strict adherence to laboratory standards and safety regulations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support R&D initiatives related to blood collection devices, including plastic tubing, vials, and related components.

• Represent the R&D function as an active member of project teams, collaborating across departments to support large-scale technology and product development programs.

• Design, execute, and analyze experiments to support product feasibility studies, verification, and validation activities.

• Interact with material suppliers and conduct applied research in materials chemistry and polymers.

• Document experimental findings, maintain detailed technical records, and contribute to knowledge building within the organization.

• Assist in design transfer to manufacturing, ensuring products meet performance, quality, and regulatory standards.

• Participate in intellectual property initiatives, including submitting patent applications and invention disclosures.

• Adhere to Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), maintaining the cleanliness, functionality, and calibration of laboratory equipment.

• Provide mentorship and training to junior team members, fostering collaboration and professional growth.

• Work with cross-functional teams including R&D, Engineering, Manufacturing, Marketing, Quality, and Regulatory Affairs.

• Travel occasionally for conferences, customer visits, and manufacturing site collaborations.

Required Qualifications:

• MS degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related engineering discipline.

• 2+ years of industry experience in materials or polymer science, preferably within medical device R&D.

• 3+ years of direct laboratory experience.

• Must be comfortable handling human blood samples (safety training provided).

• Strong understanding of polymer formulation, processing, and structure–property relationships.

• Proficiency with MS Office; experience with statistical analysis tools preferred.

• Excellent analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills.

• Self-driven, detail-oriented, and capable of thriving in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with medical device materials and R&D documentation.

• Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and regulatory requirements.

• Previous experience in mentoring junior staff and working in matrix team structures.

Additional Information:

• No PhD candidates will be considered for this position.

• Contract duration: 12 months, with the potential for extension or conversion to a permanent role.

• Must be willing to work on-site at the Franklin Lakes, NJ facility.