Associate Staff Scientist

The Associate Staff Scientist, Sensor Chemistry is an experienced technical contributor responsible for designing, executing, and analyzing complex experiments that support colorimetric sensor chemistry development and optimization. This role provides hands-on chemistry expertise in formulation development, including sol-gel, polymer, indicator, and reagent systems, while partnering closely with microbiology, engineering, data science, industrialization, manufacturing, and quality teams. The individual supports new product development, process improvement, verification, validation, manufacturing transfer, and technical investigations in a regulated environment. The role is expected to work independently, communicate technical findings clearly, maintain high-quality documentation, and mentor or guide junior team members as needed.

Primary Duties

1. Troubleshoot technical issues specific to the sensor chemistry/AST systems, record and report these issues cross-functionally, and provide suggestions and resolutions for investigations.

2. Brainstorm and test novel product development ideas based on high-level objectives and latest research findings.

3. Contribute to the development of tools for analyzing large performance data sets generated from AST experiments.

4. Anticipate and mitigate technical risks or hazards associated with experiments, materials, and project plans.

5. Support chemistry-related process improvements and help define tests or critical quality attributes needed to monitor sensor performance and quality control.

6. Operate following product development process guidance: write detailed documentation, set requirements for new products, run verification on those requirements, participate in validation as required.

7. Ensure compliance with regulatory standards (e.g., FDA, ISO) and comply with biohazard safety standards.

8. Read, analyze, and interpret scientific literature, technical procedures, and regulatory guidance relevant to sensor chemistry and diagnostic product development.

9. Participate in technical design reviews, product risk assessments, data reviews, and cross-functional investigation meetings.

10. Mentor and train new and existing team members and be a technical advisor for data analysis problems.

11. Collaborate with other scientists and managers to optimize testing protocols and workflows within the lab.

12. Perform all work in compliance with company quality procedures and standards.

13. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Education, Training, and Experience

• Bachelor degree required — Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related scientific or engineering field.

• 5+ years of professional related experience including hands-on laboratory work in chemical formulation, analytical chemistry, sol-gel chemistry, or substantially related work.

Preferred Education, Training, and Experience

• Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related scientific or engineering field.

• 2+ years of iterative product development work. May consist of experimental design, troubleshooting, optimization, documentation, and/or technical decision-making. Industry or academic product development work is acceptable.

• Experience with sol-gel chemistry, colorimetric sensor chemistry, or related reagent/formulation development.

• Experience in medical device, diagnostics, in vitro diagnostic (IVD), biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or other regulated product development environments.

• Demonstrated technical proficiency, such as publications, patents, technical reports, or presentations.

• Demonstrated ability to guide junior scientists.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Consistently upholds and reflects the core ethical principles and values that bioMérieux promotes.

• Comfortable giving clear, direct, and actionable feedback.

• Demonstrates assertiveness and confidence in the face of a challenge.

• Written communications — including the ability to communicate technical data in written form.

• Informing others by sharing clear, timely information to ensure alignment.

• Manage and meet competing deadlines, requiring careful prioritization and time management to ensure all tasks are completed on time.

• Skilled in MS Office tools to include but not limited to Outlook, Teams, Word, and Excel — Intermediate: applies skills independently in most situations; handles moderately complex tasks with occasional guidance.

Supervisory Responsibilities (Summary)

This position has no direct or indirect supervisory responsibilities. Short‑term decisions are made with little‑to‑no supervisory review. Long‑term strategic decisions require supervisory review and approval.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements (Summary)

This is a lab-based position requiring adherence to work practices for laboratory biohazards and chemical hazards. The role requires:

• Ability to remain in a stationary position for prolonged periods.

• Ability to ascend/descend stairs, ladders, ramps, and similar structures.

• Ability to wear PPE correctly most of the day.

• No operation of heavy machinery.

• No requirement to adjust or move objects up to 50 pounds.

• Domestic travel: 5%

• International travel: 0%