Scientist I, R&D (Polymers, Coatings & Biomaterials)

Innovation starts from the heart. Our Advanced Innovation & Technology (AI&T) teams harness the imagination, courage, and resourcefulness to think beyond what’s currently possible, and create solutions for patients many years into the future. If you’re an early-stage innovator, then Edwards AI&T team is the place for you to take the next steps in your career. We’ll give you the tools and resources you need to create groundbreaking innovations that shape the future of structural heart technology.

How you will make an impact:

Edwards Lifesciences Polymers & Textiles Center of Excellence (CoE) is seeking a Scientist I to support polymers, coatings, and biomaterials research and development activities for medical device products and processes. This role contributes to laboratory-based investigations, data analysis, and technical documentation under general supervision. The Scientist I applies foundational scientific knowledge to execute experiments, solve routine technical problems, and support cross-functional project teams.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support a wide range of chemistry, materials, and coating activities such as testing, formulation, coating, and prototyping; may formulate and propose technical solutions.

• Build complex prototypes, sub-assemblies, and prepare feasibility test units, samples, and/or chemical solutions.

• Perform operational tests and identify failure modes on systems and equipment and propose technical solutions.

• Build prototypes for physician demonstration.

• Perform complex work using drawings, diagrams, written and verbal instructions, layouts or defined plans to perform testing, and trouble-shooting functions.

• Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data; generate technical reports and summaries.

• Maintain accurate laboratory records.

• Support evaluation of new and existing materials, products, and processes.

• Perform routine and non-routine testing; troubleshoot basic technical issues.

• Contribute to process improvements and lab efficiency.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and external vendors.

• Train, coach, and guide lower-level employees on new procedures, assess work techniques and provide feedback to engineers on procedures.

• Manage chemical waste by following EHS procedures.

• Maintain a clean work area.

• Order, log, store chemicals/equipment, and maintain chemical inventory.   

• Complete requests from project teams and manager as needed. Be flexible to work on other tasks required by scientists, engineers, and leadership.

• Other incidental duties assigned by Leadership

Technical Expertise & Analytical Methods:

• Polymer processing, formulation development, and coatings (dip/spray/spin)

• Analytical chemistry techniques: FTIR, GPC, titrations.

• Thermal analysis: DSC, TGA, DMA.

• Mechanical testing: tensile strength, stress/strain, fatigue.

• Material characterization: SEM, contact angle, thickness measurements.

• Polymer processing characterization methods: Rheometer and Melt Flow Index (MFI).

• Use of digital microscopy and imaging systems.

• Data analysis and interpretation using standard statistical approaches.

• Operate a wide range of lab equipment including set-up, clean-up, break-down, and re-assembly

• Ensure continuous operation of the lab equipment. Create and update procedures and protocols.

• Perform test method development and validation for equipment and product designs

• May create and modify drawings and procedures for fixtures, equipment, products, or processes

• Support synthesis of novel polymers and coatings through preparation of raw materials and solvent, equipment setup, reaction monitoring, polymer isolation, and equipment clean-up.

This role offers potential for growth and professional advancement for the right candidate. It’s a great opportunity for someone looking to make a significant impact in the field of medical devices and cardiovascular diseases.

What you'll need (Required):

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Scientific field

• Hands-on laboratory experience (academic or industry)

• Understanding scientific methods, data analysis and root cause analysis

What else we look for (Preferred):

• Degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Engineering, Materials Science or related field very strongly preferred

• Experience working in a medical device, pharmaceutical industry and/or lab environment

• Familiarity with FDA, ISO, and GDP

• Experience with polymers, coatings, and materials characterization techniques

• Good computer skills in usage of MS Office Suite, Copilot and AI

• Good documentation, communication (e.g., written and verbal) and interpersonal relationship skills

• Good understanding and knowledge of principles, theories, and concepts relevant to a laboratory environment

• Good problem-solving, organizational, analytical and critical thinking skills

• Good understanding of processes and equipment used in assigned work

• Knowledge of and adherence to Edwards Environmental Health and Safety and Quality guidelines as they relate to medical device manufacturing

• Strict attention to detail

• Ability to interact professionally with all organizational levels

• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast paced environment

• Flexibly shifts priorities to meet changing demands

• Must be able to work in a team environment, including immediate supervisor and other team members in the section or group; and may interact with vendors

• Adhere to all company rules and requirements (e.g., pandemic protocols, Environmental Health & Safety rules) and take adequate control measures in preventing injuries to themselves and others as well as to the protection of environment and prevention of pollution under their span of influence/control

Aligning our overall business objectives with performance, we offer competitive salaries, performance-based incentives, and a wide variety of benefits programs to address the diverse individual needs of our employees and their families.

For California, the base pay range for this position is $59,000 - $83,000 (highly experienced).

The pay for the successful candidate will depend on various factors (e.g., qualifications, education, prior experience).  Applications will be accepted while this position is posted on our Careers website.  

Edwards is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer including protected Veterans and individuals with disabilities.

COVID Vaccination Requirement

Edwards is committed to protecting our vulnerable patients and the healthcare providers who are treating them. As such, all patient-facing and in-hospital positions require COVID-19 vaccination. If hired into a covered role, as a condition of employment, you will be required to submit proof that you have been vaccinated for COVID-19, unless you request and are granted a medical or religious accommodation for exemption from the vaccination requirement. This vaccination requirement does not apply in locations where it is prohibited by law to impose vaccination.