Lead Scientist, Films Technology Development

We Make Life More Rewarding and Dignified Location: Libertyville Department: Research & Development Hollister's Ostomy Research and Development division is seeking a skilled Lead Scientist with deep expertise in polymer engineering, extruded films, composite materials, and process development to join our R&D team.. This position will be a member of the Technology Development team within Ostomy Research and Development, and it will be a visible, cross-functional role requiring solid interpersonal and communication skills as well as a desire to coach and mentor. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in polymer science, processing tools such as extrusion and injection molding, materials characterization and hands-on experience with developing and optimizing extruded films. The role will focus on the design, development, and commercialization of innovative products with a focus on polymeric technologies that deliver advanced performance and customer benefits. The Lead R&D Scientist will lead multiple research projects focused on the development of new products and materials in the areas of extruded films, nonwoven materials, and advanced manufacturing processes. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in driving innovation, enabling compatibility assessments, ensuring in depth scientific understanding and root cause analysis of interfacial compatibility challenges between films and other materials. This position requires an MS or a PhD in Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field, with 8+ years of experience in an industry setting, demonstrating leadership on technical projects. Responsibilities: * Lead and manage multiple R&D projects related to extruded films, ensuring film compatibility and surface assessments to maintain bond integrity. * Develop and optimize compatibilizing blend platforms to enable the utilization of new raw materials for various product applications.. * Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including engineering, clinical sciences, quality, and manufacturing, to ensure smooth product development and commercialization. * Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior scientists and technicians, fostering a culture of innovation and scientific rigor. * Provide recommendations for technology, equipment, processes and materials. * Develop a deep understanding of product insights related to ostomy care and integrate user needs with formulation development objectives. * Stay abreast of emerging trends and technologies in polymer science, films and compatibilization technologies to drive innovation in our product pipeline. * Develop and execute experimental plans, including formulation testing, stability studies, and material performance evaluations. * Generate technical reports, patents, and peer-reviewed publications to communicate research outcomes and protect intellectual property. * Engage with suppliers and external partners to source materials and collaborate on technical projects. * Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal quality standards in all product development efforts. Essential Functions of the Role: * On-site, laboratory-based role requiring ability perform experiments / run relevant tests. * Requires the ability to stand for up to one hour. * Requires the ability to lift 25 lbs. * Requires the ability to travel. Work Experience Requirements: * 8+ years in research and manufacturing settings. Education Requirements: * MS or PhD in Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field. Specialized Skills/Technical Knowledge: * Designs and executes complex experiments to study research objectives. * Fully competent in the principles and practices of polymer formulations, adhesives and associated chemistry. * Recommends new scientific methods and tools to study product properties. * Mentors on subject matters related to principles and practices on formulations and testing. * Develops detailed reports documenting experimental or clinical studies. * Demonstrates advanced analytic problem-solving abilities. * Demonstrates an ability to apply new approaches to problems. * Demonstrates an interest in and understanding of industry developments and trends (i.e. is a member of professional organizations, attending several meetings and/or workshops per year). * Demonstrates understanding of the capital budgeting process. * Demonstrates a strong knowledge of market and customer needs. About Hollister Incorporated Hollister Incorporated is an independent, employee-owned company that develops, manufactures and markets healthcare products worldwide. The company spearheads the advancement of innovative products for ostomy care, continence care and critical care, and also creates educational support materials for patients and healthcare professionals. Headquartered in Libertyville, Illinois, Hollister has manufacturing and distribution centers on three continents and sells in nearly 80 countries. Hollister is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Firm of John Dickinson Schneider, Inc., and is guided both by its Mission to make life more rewarding and dignified for people who use our products and services, as well as its Vision to grow and prosper as an independent, employee-owned company, and in the process, to become better human beings. Hollister is an EO employer - M/F/Veteran/Disability Job Req ID: 33728 Job Segment: R&D, Product Development, Compliance, Law, Research, Legal