Lead Scientist, R&D

Are you looking for an opportunity to make a difference? At Mesa Labs we're passionate about protecting the vulnerable by enabling scientific breakthroughs, ensuring product integrity, increasing patient and worker safety, and improving quality of life around the world.

At Mesa Labs we offer competitive wages, including potential bonus opportunities, equity awards, commission, and a comprehensive benefits package based on the position.

Base Compensation Range: $116,750 - $146,000
*In addition, you qualify for:

• Annual bonus opportunity of 17% based on company performance
• Annual equity award of $17,500

Outstanding Benefits and Perks
We are proud to offer a variety of benefits that meet the diverse needs of our employees:

• Eligible for benefits the first day of the month after you start
• Tiered Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance options, Health savings (HSA), healthcare & dependent care flexible spending (FSA) accounts
• Company paid short term and long-term disability (unless covered by a state disability plan)
• Company paid life insurance and AD&D

• Flexible Time Off Policy

• Paid sick leave of 48 hours per calendar year
• Eligible employees may receive four (4) weeks paid Care Giver leave after 1 year of service or in accordance with state leave laws
• 401(k) plan that provides a 4% Safe Harbor company match on a 4% employee contribution that begins on Day 1
• Employee Wellness and Financial Assistance Resources through Cigna and NY Life
• Nine (9) paid company holidays per year

This position supports Mesa's SDC business. Our Sterilization and Disinfection Control division manufactures and sells biological and chemical indicators that assess the effectiveness of sterilization and disinfection processes for pharmaceutical, healthcare, and dental industries.

Job Summary

The Lead Scientist, R&D - Sterilization & Disinfection Control Division at Mesa Labs is a player/coach technical leadership role responsible for driving innovation, product development, and scientific advancement within the cleaning and sterilization products portfolio. This individual leads a team of scientists focused on developing and optimizing biological (spores) and chemical indicator technologies used in healthcare and life sciences applications. The role helps to guide upstream R&D activities including research & feasibility studies, formulation development, method validation, design of experiments (DOE), and design transfer to manufacturing, while ensuring compliance with global regulatory standards. Collaborating closely with Product Management, Quality, Regulatory, and Operations, the R&D Lead plays a critical role in helping develop and sustain key products supporting customers maintain infection control and patient safety.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Scientific Leadership: Serve as the technical and scientific lead for biological and chemical indicator development, guiding research direction and ensuring scientific integrity across projects.
• Method Development & Validation: Lead the design and validation of microbiological and chemical test methods used in sterilization monitoring, ensuring accuracy, reproducibility, and regulatory compliance.
• Formulation Expertise: Oversee the development and optimization of indicator formulations, including microbial strain selection, carrier materials, and chemical reactants.
• Technical Problem Solving: Provide expert-level support in troubleshooting complex technical challenges related to product performance, stability, and manufacturing processes, including statistical analysis to drive decision making.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Product Management, Quality, Regulatory, and Manufacturing teams to translate scientific findings into manufacturable and commercially viable products.
• Documentation & Reporting: Author and review technical documentation including protocols, validation reports, and scientific publications to support product development and compliance.
• Innovation & Technology Scouting: Stay current with emerging technologies, scientific literature, and industry trends to inform future product innovation and maintain Mesa's leadership in sterilization monitoring. Also provides technical expertise for key customer and standards setting bodies.
• Mentorship & Development: Mentor junior scientists and technical staff, fostering a culture of scientific excellence, curiosity, and continuous learning.

Experience/Education

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Microbiology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline.
• 10+ years (with Master's degree); or 6+ years (with Ph.D.) relevant experience; with 3+ years hands-on experience in biological or chemical indicator development, sterilization science, or related microbiological/chemical research.
• Proven track record of successfully developing multiple regulated products from concept through tech transfer and commercialization handoff
• Proficiency in designing and executing laboratory experiments, method development, and data analysis, including the use of statistical methods to drive experiments and conclusions.
• Strong documentation skills, including technical writing for protocols, validation reports, and supporting regulatory submissions.
• Outstanding communication skills with ability to translate technical concepts for diverse audiences, including mentorship of scientific peers
• Fluent in English
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed (Approx. 10-15% of time)

Preferred Qualifications

• Cleaning and/or sterilization product development experience
• Understanding of microbiology and/or sterilization applications in biotech, pharmaceutical, medical device, and/or healthcare settings
• Materials science experience
• Experience in GMP/GLP-regulated environments with knowledge of quality systems (ISO 13485, ISO 9001, FDA QSR)
• Familiarity with stage-gate, Agile, or other structured product development methodologies

Physical Demands

• Standing or sitting: For extended periods in laboratories or offices
• Using computers: Typing and using the computer for extended periods to prepare submissions and analyze regulatory documents
• Manual dexterity: Handling instruments, samples, and data analysis tools
• Equipment: Handling and maintaining scientific instruments
• Bending and reaching: Accessing equipment or storage areas
• Lifting: Occasionally handling lab equipment or materials
• Repetitive motions: Conducting repetitive document review and data entry tasks
• Travel: as required to locations with both domestic and international travel

Environmental Conditions

• Workspace: Climate control (air conditioning or heating) to ensure comfort
• Lighting: Artificial lighting and must be able to see different colors
• Noise Levels: Light
• Ergonomics: Designed to support tasks such as pipetting, analyzing samples, and preparing reagents, often requiring precise movements; primarily office-based work with computer workstation
• Climate: Regulated temperature, humidity, and cleanliness to ensure accurate results
• Safety: Must adhere to safety protocols, including wearing protective gear (gloves, lab coats, goggles) and handling chemicals or biological materials carefully when visiting laboratory or manufacturing areas

Mesa Labs is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Mesa Labs prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment against applicants or employees based on age, race, sex, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, disability, military status, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable state or local law. Please note that Mesa Labs conducts criminal background checks upon offer acceptance.