Research Scientist I
Baxter· enterprise· Medical Devices· Oct 13, 2026 · 15d ago
Round Lake, Illinois
In office
Full-time
Senior
$104K–$143K
5+ years exp
Job description
This is where your work makes a difference.
At Baxter, we believe every person—regardless of who they are or where they are from—deserves a chance to live a healthy life. It was our founding belief in 1931 and continues to be our guiding principle. We are redefining healthcare delivery to make a greater impact today, tomorrow, and beyond.
Our Baxter colleagues are united by our Mission to Save and Sustain Lives. Together, our community is driven by a culture of courage, trust, and collaboration. Every individual is empowered to take ownership and make a meaningful impact. We strive for efficient and effective operations, and we hold each other accountable for delivering exceptional results.
Here, you will find more than just a job—you will find purpose and pride.
Your Role at Baxter
This is where your work saves lives.
At Baxter, every breakthrough starts with a question: How can we improve outcomes for patients worldwide? As a Research Scientist I - Chemical Characterization , you ll help answer that question by generating the scientific insights that support the safety, quality, and performance of life-saving medical products.
In this role, you ll combine analytical expertise, scientific curiosity, and problem-solving skills to tackle complex challenges and drive innovation across product development. Working alongside multidisciplinary teams, you ll have the opportunity to influence critical decisions, uncover risks before they become obstacles, and contribute directly to solutions that improve patient care around the globe.
If you re energized by solving difficult scientific problems, exploring new technologies, and turning data into meaningful action, we d love to hear from you.
What you ll be doing
Lead and execute extractables and leachables studies, analytical method development, validation, and method transfer activities, authoring protocols and reports while collaborating with subject matter experts.
Conduct routine and complex impurity investigations using advanced analytical techniques, including LC-MS, GC-MS, UV, FID, and associated sample preparation methodologies.
Partner closely with Regulatory Affairs, Toxicology, Biocompatibility, Quality, Manufacturing, and Project Management teams to support product development objectives.
Drive scientific investigations related to atypical, out-of-specification, or out-of-trend results, leveraging analytical expertise and critical thinking to identify root causes and solutions.
Develop, optimize, and maintain analytical procedures, laboratory processes, and instrumentation.
Provide technical expertise in the interpretation and application of industry regulations, standards, and guidance documents.
Analyze and interpret complex analytical data, identify trends and potential risks, and communicate findings that inform business and technical decisions.
Mentor and support colleagues by sharing knowledge, best practices, and technical expertise.
What you ll bring
Bachelor s degree in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline with 5 years of relevant experience, Master s degree with 3 years, or PhD with applicable analytical chemistry experience.
Hands-on experience in analytical chemistry with expertise in wet chemistry techniques and instrumental analysis, including LC/MS/UV and GC/MS/FID.
Experience developing, validating, and transferring analytical methods in a regulated environment.
Working knowledge of ICH, USP, and cGxP requirements and their application within pharmaceutical or medical device development.
Experience using analytical software platforms such as Chromeleon, Compound Discoverer, UNIFI, MassHunter, or SCIEX Analyst.
Strong scientific problem-solving skills with the ability to quickly evaluate challenges and develop effective solutions.
Experience designing experiments, interpreting complex data, and drawing scientifically sound conclusions.
A collaborative mindset with a commitment to teamwork, inclusion, and continuous learning. Excellent organizational, project management, and communication skills, with the ability to manage priorities across global teams.
Baxter is committed to meeting the need for flexibility at work. We accomplish this by implementing a flexible workplace policy that requires a set minimum number of onsite days weekly. This policy provides the benefits of face-to-face interaction and teamwork to support our Mission. The flexible workplace policy follows local laws and legal requirements. Baxter holds the authority to change, suspend, or discontinue this policy as business demands shift.
We understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career. At Baxter, we are committed to equitable pay for all employees, and we strive to be more transparent with our pay practices. The estimated base salary for this position is $104,000-$143,000 annually. The estimated range is meant to reflect an anticipated salary range for the position. We may pay more or less than of the anticipated range based upon market data and other factors, all of which are subject to change. Individual pay is based on upon location, skills and expertise, experience, and other relevant factors. This position may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses. For questions about this, our pay philosophy, and available benefits, please speak to the recruiter if you decide to apply and are selected for an interview.
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US Benefits at Baxter (except for Puerto Rico)
This is where your well-being matters. Baxter offers comprehensive compensation and benefits packages for eligible roles. Our health and well-being benefits include medical and dental coverage that start on day one, as well as insurance coverage for basic life, accident, short-term and long-term disability, and business travel accident insurance. Financial and retirement benefits include the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), with the ability to purchase company stock at a discount, and the 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan (RSP), with options for employee contributions and company matching. We also offer Flexible Spending Accounts, educational assistance programs, and time-off benefits such as paid holidays, paid time off ranging from 20 to 35 days based on length of service, family and medical leaves of absence, and paid parental leave. Additional benefits include commuting benefits, the Employee Discount Program, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and childcare benefits. Join us and enjoy the competitive compensation and benefits we offer to our employees. For additional information regarding Baxter US Benefits, please speak with your recruiter or visit our Benefits site: Benefits | Baxter
Equal Employment Opportunity
Baxter is an equal opportunity employer. Baxter evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, disability/handicap status or any other legally protected characteristic.
Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal
Reasonable Accommodations
Baxter is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities globally. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or interview process, please click on the link here and let us know the nature of your request along with your contact information.
Recruitment Fraud Notice
Baxter has discovered incidents of employment scams, where fraudulent parties pose as Baxter employees, recruiters, or other agents, and engage with online job seekers in an attempt to steal personal and/or financial information. To learn how you can protect yourself, review our Recruitment Fraud Notice .
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Benefits
Benefits detected in the listing.
Dental
401(K)
Paid Time Off
Parental Leave