Senior Scientist

AT LIFENET HEALTH, YOU ARE THE ADVANTAGE

Every day, YOU help us to save lives, restore health, and bring hope to patients and families around the world. At LifeNet Health, we cultivate growth, innovation, and collaboration, where your contributions drive solutions that benefit humanity.

Together, we are united by a mission greater than ourselves, a purpose rooted in healing.

ABOUT THIS JOB
Location:Virginia Beach, VA (on-site)

Department: Research & Development

Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:15 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (ET)

Clinical Status: Clinical
 

HOW YOU’LL MAKE AN IMPACT
The Senior Scientist provides focal, technical, and scientific assistance in line with departmental core competencies in support of the department's overall corporate objectives. Leads the planning and execution of project activities in support of divisional laboratory efforts with respect to goals, budgets, and timelines. Ensures the highest level of technical and intellectual understanding within the respective competency. Effectively communicates and trains individuals with varying levels of experience. Contributes to the development of intellectual property in support of the divisional project portfolio. Writes, submits, and presents results of research initiatives and research procedures both internally and externally.

Your work will have purpose every single day, contributing directly to life-changing outcomes.

Scientists with hands‑on experience developing, processing, and evaluating tissue‑based medical devices, allografts, xenografts, or implantable biomaterials with integrated antimicrobial or antibiotic technologies are encouraged to apply. Ideal candidates will have direct involvement in medical device or biologics R&D and manufacturing, including tissue decellularization, preservation, scaffold preparation, and antimicrobial incorporation into biomaterials rather than pharmaceutical drug‑discovery work.

The successful candidate will apply deep knowledge of medical device microbiology to support development and validation of microbial‑control features for tissue-derived implants, wound‑care devices, and regenerative medicine products. Familiarity with ISO/USP compendial methods, ASTM microbial adhesion assays, ISO 10993 biocompatibility, sterilization compatibility (EO, gamma, eBeam), and in vitro/in vivo device‑related microbial performance is essential.

The Senior Scientist will be responsible for hands‑on process development, prototyping, and characterization of tissue- and biomaterial-based devices with antimicrobial features. This includes establishing in‑house test methods for microbial adhesion, penetration, and kill performance, executing studies on antimicrobial‑treated allografts and scaffolds, managing external preclinical/microbiology test labs, and ensuring regulatory‑compliant documentation that aligns with medical device and tissue‑banking standards. The role partners closely with process engineering, tissue processing, quality, and product development teams across multiple product lines.

This person will be required to occasionally sit, stand, and walk.  They will be required to occasionally lift (average 50 lbs) and carry items (5-10 feet).  Additionally, this person will be required to pass a pre-employment health screening. 

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Research Development: Develops, implements, and tracks the progress of research or product development projects based on corporate priorities. Develops and executes experimental plans. Produces workflows and prototypes. Leads on troubleshooting of critical science-related issues encountered during prototype or product development. Makes major contribution in the development of intellectual property in support of the divisional project portfolio.
• Strategy: Conceptualizes strategies, develops techniques and technologies needed to develop clinical or research products and investigate the feasibility of the potential inventions and products.
• Documentation and Reporting: Accumulates, interprets, and reports data in verbal and writtenforms. Generates documents, including scientific journal articles, technical reports and regulatorysubmissions. Prepares summaries of work for internal and external presentations. Proposes possible patent applications.
• Support: Provides scientific support and mentorship for technical staff, including guidance and critical review on experimental planning, execution, data analysis, troubleshooting, and project review.
• Continuous Improvement: Becomes knowledgeable of and assesses external technology for inhouse application, potential licensing, or partner opportunities.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING
Minimum Requirements:

• Master’s Degree or PhD – Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Engineering, Chemistry, Biotechnology or Life Sciences, or related
• FIVE (5) Years with PhD or EIGHT (8) Years with Masters – Clinical/Medical Laboratory Sciences, Basic Life Sciences, or related work experience.

Preferred Experience/Skills/Certifications:

• Proficiency in data analysis and statistical software: SAD, GraphPad, SigmaPlot.
• Proficiency in research design, execution, presentation, and teamwork.
   

Key Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Communication Skills: Written, verbal, and presentation; ability to engage, inspire, and influence people.
• Relationship Management: Builds and sustains mentorship within the R&D team, and partnerships across organizational boundaries and functions as well as outside the organization to achieve common goals and outcomes.
• Time Management: Ability to use time in an effective and productive manner with ability to work under pressure with tight timelines, make critical decisions, and maintain a sense of focus and urgency.
• Organizational Skills: Ability to plan, implement, and monitor assignments effectively to meet the needs of the business.
• Computer Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Experimental Design: Demonstrated knowledge of research experimental design, execution, presentation, and teamwork.
• Analytical Thinking, Troubleshooting, & Resolution Skills: Demonstrated ability to successfully gather and evaluate pertinent information to draw conclusions and identify potential trends.  Ability to assess and resolve problems.
• Design & Data Analysis: Ability to perform proper study design and statistical analysis.

WHY JOIN LIFENET HEALTH

When you join LifeNet Health, you're not just taking a job, you’re joining a mission-driven community dedicated to making a global impact through regenerative medicine.  You’ll be part of a workplace that values authenticity, collaboration, and the drive to make a difference.

We recognize that great work happens when people feel supported. That’s why our total rewards package is designed to help you thrive both professionally and personally.

Here’s how we support YOU:

• Affordable Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage- Comprehensive care that won’t break the bank.
• Profit Sharing Plan- Share in the success you help create.
• 403(b) Retirement Plan- Invest in your future with confidence.
• Paid Parental Leave- 6 weeks to bond with your newest family member.
• Corporate Sponsored Events- Celebrate milestones and build connections.
• Generous Paid Time Off- Because balance matters:
  • 18 vacation days (based on position, tenure, and state laws)
  • 9 sick days (subject to local and state regulations)
  • 9 holidays (7 standard + 2 floating)
• Flexible Work Program- For approved roles, how and where you perform best.
• Tuition reimbursement- We invest in your growth and education.
• Career & Leadership Development- Expand your impact and potential.
• Wellness Program- Prioritize your health with holistic resources.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)- Support for you and your household.
• Incredible teammates- Collaborate with passionate, dedicated professionals.
   

Note: All benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and may be modified at any time, with or without notice, unless otherwise required by law. This job posting does not constitute an employment contract and does not alter the “at-will” nature of employment at LifeNet Health.

COMPENSATION

Salary Range: $115,352 - $153,803 annually

Final compensation will be based on factors such as geographic location, qualifications, and prior relevant experience.  The pay range for this position is $115,352 annually (entry level qualifications) to $153,803 annually (experienced in this role). Actual compensation may be higher based on the successful candidate’s knowledge and relevant experience.
 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

LifeNet Health is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

As part of our commitment to safety, we maintain a drug-free workplace and conduct pre-employment substance abuse screening.