Senior Scientist - Ocular Health (Formulation Development)

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 and we are looking for a Senior Scientist - Ocular Health (Formulation Development) in Fort Worth, TX. The Senior Scientist will lead and contribute to the research and development of new formulations and biomaterials, focusing on novel ophthalmic materials development. This role supports the advancement of extraocular and intraocular materials. The Senior Scientist will play a key role in developing innovative solutions for topical ophthalmic products such as artificial tear and contact lens care solution. This position involves formulating and optimizing products with an emphasis on surface interaction, material-cellular interaction, structure-property relationship. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in formulation development.

In this role, a typical day will include:

• Serve as a hands-on scientist to the design, development, and optimization of ophthalmic formulations, focusing on lipid-based microemulsions, nanoemulsions, and stimuli-responsive hydrogels for enhanced sustain release, targeted ingredient delivery, and ocular comfort.

• Design and optimize surfactants, emulsifiers, and lipid-based systems to enhance performance in ophthalmic applications.

• Design and optimize stimuli-responsive polymers and hydrogels (e.g., thermoresponsive, pH-responsive) to be integrated into formulations for controlled release and targeted ingredient delivery.

• Develop and conduct comprehensive characterization of formulations using techniques such as dynamic light scattering (DLS), rheology, surface tension, dissolution and release studies.

• Independently conduct bench-scale experiments, develop protocols, and analyze data to optimize formulations and process.

• Support the scale-up of lab formulations to pilot and manufacturing stages, working closely with cross-functional teams to ensure efficient formulation processing and regulatory compliance.

• Work closely with other R&D teams (e.g., formulation, manufacturing, quality control) and external partners (CROs/CMOs) to ensure successful development, testing, and commercialization of ophthalmic products.

• Apply scientific and technical expertise to identify and propose effective solutions for intricate development challenges in processes and chemistry.

• Ensure formulations meet relevant regulatory standards (e.g., FDA, EMA) for ophthalmic products and maintain high standards of quality control throughout development.

• Mentor junior scientists and provide technical guidance to foster a collaborative and innovative R&D environment.

Experience

• PhD in colloid science polymer chemistry, surface chemistry, organic chemistry, biomaterials, or related field.

• Minimum 3+ years of hands-on experience in formulation and process development, preferably with experiences in ophthalmic, personal care, pharmaceutical, or food industry.

• Proficiency in formulation and process design, incorporating Design of Experiments (DoE) and/or Quality by Design (QbD) principles to meet regulatory requirements.

• Experience collaborating with and managing CROs, industrial partners, and academic institutions is advantageous.

• Strong technical troubleshooting skills, along with exceptional oral and written communication abilities, including effective presentation skills.

• Data-driven approach with a proven ability to excel in collaborative team environments.

What You'll Bring to Alcon:

• Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent years of directly related experience (or high school +10 yrs; Assoc.+6 yrs; M.S.+0 yrs)

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

• 2 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: Yes

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Alcon is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify. Alcon takes pride in maintaining a diverse environment and our policies are not to discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, 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.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.