Vice President, Chemistry

COMPANY OVERVIEW:

We are an innovative medical device company behind a novel intraocular lens called Light Adjustable Lens™ - the only intraocular lens that allows lens power adjustments within the eye after cataract surgery. The Light Adjustable Lens™ has disrupted and transformed cataract surgery by offering patients a truly customized visual experience. We are advancing product development and scaling up manufacturing and commercial operations. We are looking for an innovative and hands-on Vice President of Chemistry to lead and grow our materials science function.

POSITION SUMMARY:

As the Vice President of Chemistry, you will be a key member of the senior management team and play a critical leadership role in guiding the scientific and technical strategy and execution for materials development, characterization, process development, validation, and transfer to manufacturing. You will lead a multidisciplinary chemistry and materials science team

focused on advancing product performance through polymer chemistry and materials science to ensure product performance including stability and biocompatibility, and manufacturing process robustness.

In this position you will have frequent interactions with other functions including Manufacturing Operations, Regulatory Affairs, Quality, and Product Development / Engineering to define and execute the product development strategy. Key areas of focus

include providing expert knowledge in the day-to-day and strategic function of LAL materials to advance the Light Adjustable Lens technology and to continuously improve efficiency, cost, and quality of the LAL.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Leadership and Strategy:

• Lead the Chemistry function with a balance of executive-level strategic oversight and targeted hands-on involvement in key technical challenges R&D and manufacturing.
• Build and manage a high-performance, collaborative team with expertise in polymer science, analytical chemistry, and materials engineering.
• Serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, contributing to overall product strategy, innovation roadmap, and long-term growth.
• Establish departmental goals, budgets, and KPIs.

Materials Development:

• Drive the design and development of advanced biocompatible polymeric materials for intraocular lenses with optimized optical and mechanical properties.
• Investigate structure-property relationships to enhance product performance, biocompatibility, and long-term stability.
• Lead formulation chemistry efforts to support product refinement and innovation.
• Ensure supply chain continuity of LAL materials and lead materials qualification activities.

Process and Product Development

• Lead process development and optimization activities and oversee transfer to manufacturing. 
• Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing Operations, Quality Engineering teams to scale and validate robust, reproducible production processes.
• Identify and implement high throughput formulation processing aids to enhance the yield and scale of the LAL.
• Provide technical oversight on design of experiments, root cause analysis, and troubleshooting of complex materials and process challenges.

Characterization & Compliance:

• Ensure robust characterization and evaluation of raw and processed materials and finished intraocular lenses with a focus on optical and mechanical performance, biocompatibility, and stability (ISO 10993, ISO 11979).
• Partner with Quality Assurance for risk management and design control activities.
• Interface with Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs to support filings and audits.
• Keep up to date with relevant industry guidance. Ensure compliance with ISO/GMP and corporate quality systems.

Key Collaborations:

• Collaborate frequently and cross-functionally with all functions involved in the product development, manufacturing, and compliance including R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, and Regulatory teams to align technical execution with business objectives. 
• Manage relationships and collaborations with external chemistry and materials partners.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES:

• Proven track record in soft materials innovation and   productization from a bench top to scaled process.
• Deep knowledge of synthetic polymer chemistry including photo-reactive and UV curable systems, soft materials  characterization techniques and data analytics tools for implantable devices.
• Experience with technology transfer, scale-up, and GMP manufacturing. 
• Strong understanding of medical device standards, including ISO 10993, ISO 11979 and ISO 14971.
• Effective analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to apply creative solutions to challenges.
• Experience with development of IP strategy and IP portfolio growth.
• Strategic thinking and excellent communication skills.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Build,  mentor, and retain a high-caliber team of chemists, materials scientists, and process engineers.
• Foster a high-performance culture emphasizing innovation, accountability, and sense of urgency.
• Manage R&D chemistry personnel daily activities.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, and TRAINING:

• Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry or Materials Science with a focus on soft materials.
• 10+ years of relevant experience in chemical R&D with 3 – 5 years in biomedical field. 
• At least 5 years of direct managerial experience.
• Strong preference for a minimum of 5 years in the ophthalmic or implantable medical devices industry where polymer chemistry is a critical element essential in the product.
• Proven track record in leading multidisciplinary teams and delivering commercial-ready medical devices (highly preferred).
• Training to be completed per the training plan for this position as maintained in the document control system
• The training requirements on TRN-10007 Insider Trading Policy, TRN-10008 Global Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption Policy and   TRN-10009 Code of Business Conducts and Ethics must be diligently completed within 30 days from the hiring date and on an annual basis

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• None

COMPUTER SKILLS: 

• Word Processing
• Spreadsheet Software
• ERP Software
• Laboratory Information Management System
• Project Management System

Notice to Staffing Agencies and Search Firms:

RxSight does not accept unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions from staffing agencies or search firms for any employment opportunities. All agency engagements must be authorized in writing for a specific position by RxSight’s Talent Acquisition department. Any resumes or candidate information submitted without such specific engagement will be considered unsolicited and the property of RxSight. No fees will be paid in the event a candidate is hired under these circumstances.