Principal Formulation Scientist, Ocular Health

At Alcon, we are driven by the meaningful work we do to help people see brilliantly. We innovate boldly, champion progress, and act with speed as the global leader in eye care. Here, you'll be recognized for your commitment and contributions and see your career like never before. Together, we go above and beyond to make an impact in the lives of our patients and customers.

• Lead in designing, formulating, and optimizing ophthalmic products, including polymer solutions, emulsions, and antimicrobial materials.

• Drive preformulation studies to evaluate physicochemical properties, solubility, stability, and other critical attributes to guide and inform formulation design for ophthalmic applications.

• Conduct advanced research on material interactions, surface chemistry, preservatives, and antimicrobial agents to improve product efficacy and compatibility with biological surfaces, including ocular tissues and contact lens materials.

• Design, develop and implement formulation screening tools to efficiently identify and optimize high-performing candidates, leveraging analytical techniques and advanced characterization methods, such as rheology, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), and surface property evaluation, material dissolution assessment, to ensure formulation efficacy, performance, and stability.

• Develop scalable processes for innovative ophthalmic formulations that enhance drug delivery, stability, and patient comfort, meeting both regulatory and clinical standards.

• Lead and manage collaborative efforts with internal cross-functional teams and external partners, such as contract research organizations (CROs) and manufacturing organizations (CMOs), to accelerate product development timelines.

• Monitor emerging technologies, scientific literature, and patent landscapes to identify opportunities for innovation in ophthalmic materials and formulations.

• Prepare technical documentation, data analyses, and presentations to support regulatory submissions and ensure alignment with FDA and international regulatory guidelines.

• Mentor and provide technical leadership to junior scientists and research associates, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the R&D team.

Experience

• A Ph.D. in Polymer Science, Material Science, Chemistry, Biomaterials, or a related field, with a strong foundation in colloid science, physical chemistry, material interaction with biological systems.

• At least 8 years of experience in developing ophthalmic formulations, with demonstrated expertise in polymers, emulsions, biopolymers, and antimicrobial systems.

• Extensive knowledge of preservatives, antimicrobial agents development.

• Proven ability to navigate and comply with regulatory requirements, including FDA and international guidelines, for ophthalmic products.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills, with experience managing complex R&D projects and leading cross-functional teams.

• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences.

What You'll Bring to Alcon:

• Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent years of directly related experience (or high school +13 yrs; Assoc.+9 yrs; M.S.+2 yrs; PhD+0 yrs)

• The ability to fluently read, write, understand, and communicate in English

• 5 Years of Relevant Experience

How You Can Thrive at Alcon:

• Join Alcon's mission to provide outstanding, innovative products and solutions to improve sight, improve lives, and grow your career!

• Alcon provides robust benefits package including health, life, retirement, flexible time off, and much more!

• Travel Requirements: 0-5%

• Relocation assistance: Yes

• Sponsorship available: No

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Alcon takes pride in maintaining an inclusive environment that values different perspectives and our policies are non-discriminatory in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. Alcon is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an email to alcon.recruitment@alcon.comand let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.