Senior Scientist, Ophthalmic Biomaterials and Formulations

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.

We foster an inclusive culture and are looking for diverse, talented people to join Alcon. The Senior Scientist will support the R&D team in Fort Worth, TX and contribute to the research and development of novel ophthalmic biomaterials and formulations, driving innovation in extraocular and intraocular applications. This role encompasses material science advancements, formulation optimization, surface interactions, antimicrobial solutions, and preservative strategies, ensuring clinical performance, biocompatibility and efficacy in ophthalmic products. This person will work with different combinations of stable chemicals and use a formula to support the development of medical devices or pharmaceutical products. Create mixtures or compositions of various drugs, elements, substances or materials to produce or improve medical devices or pharmaceutical products.

In this role, a typical day will include:

• Lead or assist with ophthalmic formulation and material development, designing and optimizing polymer-based systems, emulsions, and biopolymer-based solutions for artificial tears, contact lens care, and drug delivery applications.

• Develop surface-active agents, surfactants, and emulsifiers, ensuring stability, performance, and compatibility with ophthalmic materials.

• Apply colloid and polymer chemistry expertise to formulate lipid-based micro/nano emulsions, hydrogels, and stimuli-responsive biomaterials that enhance ocular comfort and retention.

• Develop and/or perform advanced material characterization using techniques such as DLS, electron microscopy, rheology, surface tension analysis, and other analytical methodologies.

• Identify solutions to complex formulation and material challenges, ensuring scalability and manufacturability.

• Support research in preservative and antimicrobial agents, optimizing ophthalmic formulations for safety and efficacy.

• Lead and/or participate literature and patent research, informing R&D strategies and presenting findings to stakeholders.

• Manage external collaborations with CROs/CMOs to accelerate material and formulation development.

• Provide mentorship and technical leadership, fostering innovation in ophthalmic biomaterials and formulations.

• Ensure regulatory compliance (FDA, EMA) across ophthalmic product development.

Experience

• Ph.D. in Polymer Science, Colloid Chemistry, Biomaterials, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field.

• 3-7 years of experience in ophthalmic formulation and materials development, including emulsions, biopolymers, and surface interactions.

• Strong expertise in polymer chemistry, colloid science, and biopolymers applied to ophthalmic products.

• Proficiency in formulation characterization techniques, including DLS, electron microscopy, and rheology.

• Advanced analytical expertise in evaluating material interactions, physicochemical properties, and formulation stability.

• Experience in scaling formulations and optimizing production processes for ophthalmic applications.

• Strong data analysis and interpretation skills, with experience using software for material characterization and process optimization.

• Familiarity with preservative and antimicrobial strategies in ophthalmic formulations.

• Knowledge of regulatory guidelines (FDA, EMA) governing ophthalmic materials and formulations.

• Strong problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills in interdisciplinary environments.

What You'll Bring to Alcon:

• Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent year of directly related experience (or high school +13 yrs; Assoc. +9 yrs; B.S. +5yrs; M.S. +2yrs; PhD +0yrs)

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

• 2+ yrs 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: Yes

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ALCON IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND PARTICIPATES IN E-VERIFY

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.