Senior R&D Scientist – Polymer Science, Biomaterials Full-time

Senior R&D Scientist – Polymer Science, Biomaterials

A position for a scientist at an early stage of an independent career, with significant international experience, a strong scientific vision, and the ability to develop new research and development directions within Contipro.

Contipro Scientific Environment

Contipro has been advancing the research and application of hyaluronan, its derivatives, and other biocompatible materials for many years. Our projects connect extracellular matrix biology, regenerative medicine, inflammation, wound healing, tissue processes, biomaterials, medical devices, pharmaceutical and application concepts, as well as translational development.

We are looking for an individual who can combine a deep understanding of biological mechanisms with real application potential and bring forward new directions with long-term impact. Someone who can think about biology as a system, understands the relationships between molecular mechanisms, cellular behaviour, tissue responses, and clinical relevance, and is able to distinguish what is scientifically interesting from what is truly important from a development and medical perspective.

Purpose of the Role

Your mission will be to create, develop, or significantly strengthen a research and development line building on Contipro’s scientific and technological foundation. We expect you to formulate an ambitious yet realistic research plan based on Contipro’s product portfolio, build it upon original hypotheses, and translate it into concrete experimental, application-oriented, and strategic actions.

This role requires a combination of scientific excellence, intellectual independence, and the ability to deliver practical outcomes. The successful candidate should be capable not only of assessing whether a concept is technically feasible, but more importantly whether it can open a new direction, advance thinking within the field, and create unique value for Contipro.

We are looking for someone who thinks independently and can define a direction rather than simply contribute to an existing topic. An ambition to build a sustainable long-term research direction, rather than merely generating short-term outputs, is essential. We expect creativity, strategic thinking, decision-making ability, discipline in execution, and a willingness to take responsibility for both the scientific quality and overall direction of projects.

What You Will Do

• formulate new hypotheses in polymer science, biomaterials, pharmaceutical technologies, or application-oriented development;
• develop research topics related to hyaluronan, polymeric biomaterials, hydrogels, advanced materials, drug delivery systems, tissue-engineering materials, medical devices, or related areas;
• design and critically evaluate experimental approaches describing structure–property–function relationships in biomaterials and polymer systems;
• • connect fundamental principles of polymer science and material engineering with manufacturability, stability, safety, regulatory requirements, and future clinical or product applications;
• lead a small research team or the foundation of a future group, mentor junior colleagues, and create a scientifically demanding yet supportive environment;
• introduce new methods, technologies, international collaborations, and strategic impulses into Contipro R&D;
• develop collaborations with academic, clinical, and industrial partners in the Czech Republic and abroad;
• contribute to scientific publications, patents, grant applications, project proposals, and professional presentations;
• represent Contipro in the international scientific and technological community.

Profile of the Ideal Candidate

• Ph.D. or equivalent qualification in polymer science, polymer chemistry, materials science, biomaterials, pharmaceutical sciences, chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, nanotechnology, drug delivery, or a related field;
• ideally within 12 years of obtaining a Ph.D.; parental leave, caregiving responsibilities, industrial experience, and other relevant career breaks will naturally be taken into account during evaluation;
• substantial postdoctoral or equivalent research experience, ideally gained in an international laboratory or a globally recognised research environment;
• clear evidence of scientific independence, including leading a significant research project, securing research funding, patents, technology transfer activities, or supervising students and junior colleagues;
• ability to formulate a research vision aligned with Contipro’s product portfolio and explain its originality, strategic significance, and connection to Contipro’s scientific strengths;
• experience in people leadership, team coordination, mentoring, or scientific project management;
• excellent scientific English and the ability to communicate effectively with chemists, materials scientists, biologists, pharmacists, analytical specialists, regulatory experts (SÚKL, EMA), and development teams;
• experience with biomaterials, polymeric systems, formulation development, drug delivery, medical devices, regulatory affairs, intellectual property protection, or technology transfer is considered an advantage;
• ability to formulate original research hypotheses, propose new concepts, and translate cutting-edge scientific knowledge into concrete experimental, application-oriented, and product development directions.

What We Offer

• the opportunity to create or significantly develop research and development directions within a strong industrial R&D environment;
• the ability to influence Contipro’s long-term scientific direction and bring forward new development concepts with real application and medical potential;
• an interdisciplinary environment connecting biology, chemistry, materials science, pharmacy, analytics, regulatory affairs, medical devices, and translational development;
• access to research topics based on hyaluronan, biocompatible materials, regenerative medicine, wound healing, ECM, and novel application strategies;
• support for international collaborations, scientific publishing, intellectual property protection, grant initiatives, and long-term strategic projects;
• the opportunity to lead and professionally develop junior colleagues while gradually building your own research team.

What We Would Like to Receive with Your Application

• a structured CV, including an overview of your most significant publications, patents, projects, or applied outcomes;
• a brief motivation statement explaining why Contipro is the right environment for your further professional development;
• a short research and development vision (approximately 2–4 pages) describing the proposed direction, its originality, its connection to Contipro, and its expected impact;
• optionally, contact details for professional references.

Please send your application here: Link for application. If you require any additional information about the position or the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Contact person: Mgr. Tereza Kučerová, HR Director, Contipro a.s., +420 728822228.

Tagged as: Chemistry, Life Sciences