Senior Director, Research and Innovation, Advanced Surgery

• Define and execute the long-range research and innovation strategy for Advanced Surgery, with a focus on drug/device combination technologies, local drug delivery, biologics, and biomaterials
• Identify and prioritize emerging science and technology opportunities in areas such as anti-adhesion, infection prevention, wound healing, hemostasis, tissue regeneration, and controlled drug release
• Build and manage a multi-year innovation portfolio that balances internal R&D programs with external partnerships and exploratory research
• Provide scientific leadership in the design and development of local and regional drug delivery solutions, including formulation, stability, and release kinetics
• Guide preclinical strategy and translational science to enable robust development pathways for drug-device combination products
• Partner closely with Regulatory, Clinical, Quality, and CMC functions to ensure alignment with drug development requirements and regulatory frameworks
• Lead multidisciplinary teams of scientists and engineers across biomaterials, drug delivery, pharmaceutical sciences, and surgical technologies
• Foster a culture of scientific excellence, creativity, and executional rigor
• Ensure effective transition of early concepts to product development programs through disciplined stage-gate processes
• Establish strategic collaborations with academic centers, startups, and industry partners to accelerate access to emerging technologies and novel drug delivery approaches
• Lead technical assessments and due diligence for external opportunities (licensing, acquisition, co-development)
• Represent Baxter as a scientific and innovation thought leader at key conferences, consortiums, and industry forums
• Drive measurable impact on Baxter Advanced Surgery’s innovation pipeline through new IP generation, platform extensions, and early-stage development programs
• Manage budgets and resources effectively to maximize portfolio value and strategic alignment
• Partner with commercial, medical, and clinical functions to ensure innovation aligns with unmet surgical needs and market opportunities

• Ph.D. or equivalent in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Bioengineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or related discipline
• 15+ years of progressive R&D leadership experience in medical devices, drug delivery, or combination product development
• Demonstrated expertise in biomaterial implants, drug formulation, delivery technologies, and translational science
• Proven track record advancing programs from concept through IND-enabling or equivalent preclinical/early development stages
• Experience with regulatory strategy and clinical pathways for drug-device combination products
• Strong communication, strategic thinking, and organizational leadership skills
• Must possess strong knowledge of scientific disciplines and solid knowledge of related disciplines
• Specific knowledge of Oxidized Cellulose, PEG Hydrogels (for tissue sealing and drug delivery), Fibrin Sealants, Gelatin, Collagen, Recombinant drug development, and Synthetic implantable biomaterials is required
• Knowledge of quality and general business systems
• Must possess strong ability to negotiate for resources and influence others internally and externally
• Must be able to set strategic direction for the organization and broadly communicate the vision
• Ability to operate on a much broader scope

Advanced business degree a plus

• Support for Parents
• Continuing Education/ Professional Development
• Employee Heath & Well-Being Benefits
• Paid Time Off
• 2 Days a Year to Volunteer
• Medical and dental coverage that start on day one
• Insurance coverage for basic life, accident, short-term and long-term disability, and business travel accident insurance
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan (RSP)
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Educational assistance programs
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off ranging from 20 to 35 days based on length of service
• Family and medical leaves of absence
• Paid parental leave
• Commuting benefits
• Employee Discount Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Childcare benefits