Principle Scientist or Engineer - Plastics and Polymer

Alcon

Grosswallstadt, Germany

For our multidisciplinary, highly motivated R&D team we are currently searching a Principal (Scientist or Engineer) with a strong background in plastics and polymers to develop new and improve existing injection molding and polymer casting processes, which are part of contact lens production.

The ideal candidate should have extensive experience and knowledge in the development and optimization of production processes in the field of polymer injection molding and silicon casting, with a strong understanding of material characteristics.

In this role, a typical day will include:

Demonstrating scientific and technical excellence in material science and/or plastic engineering to resolve complex material and process issues, ensuring the quality and integrity of the development results;
Scale-up and technology transfer of lab processes up to full-scale production processes, in close collaboration with production;
Planning and execution of material and process studies, including the evaluation of results and creation of documentation;
Being part of interdisciplinary global project teams to establish new production processes with corresponding equipment, ranging from lab processes to fully automated manufacturing lines;
Establish analytical methods for quality assurance and define material and process specifications;
Being an interface to both internal departments like quality and production as well as to external partners like suppliers or expert groups;
Work with project and technical leads to support their project needs, support your team as well as peers of other teams, foster a collaborative and innovative culture;
Providing answers to ad hoc questions and demonstrating an in-depth understanding of polymer and plastic materials;
Participating in sub-teams, use good technical/scientific knowledge to advise and contribute to function strategies and goals.

Requirements:

Master in material science with a focus on polymers or master in plastic engineering with a focus on materials;
PhD or minimum 5 years of meaningful professional experience, preferable in industry R&D;
Experience in project management and in collaboration with cross functional, interdisciplinary and international teams preferred;
Well-founded knowledge about interactions of material, component and surface properties and polymer injection molding processes;
Experience in the field of polymer material analytics and evaluation of the results in regard to process optimization and quality assurance;
Knowledge in regard to polymer synthesis and polymer-analog reactions;
Proven ability in problem solving using advanced scientific methods;
Very good communication skills, self-contained and responsible operation and high quality awareness paired with empathy and the ability to work in a team;
Prior working experience within the medical industry (GxP), lean six sigma and statistical data evaluation is preferred;
The ability to fluently read, write, understand and communicate in English is required;
At least basic skills in German language are preferred.