Director of Chemistry - Embolic Devices

Position OverviewDirector of Chemistry to lead material innovation for next-generation embolic medical devices and advanced coatings. In a startup environment, this role goes beyond strategy—it is directly involved in formulation, testing, troubleshooting, and scaling while building the chemistry function from the ground up that plays a critical role in translating early concepts into first-in-human-ready products, working in a fast-paced, resource-constrained environment where adaptability and ownership are essential. Key ResponsibilitiesOwn the Chemistry FunctionEstablish and lead all chemistry and materials activities, including lab setup, workflows, and external partnerships. Define material strategies for embolics (microspheres, hydrogels, liquid systems) and device coatings (hydrophilic, hydrophobic). Build internal capabilities while leveraging contract developers, consultants, and suppliers where needed. Be Deeply Hands-OnPersonally design and execute formulations, surface treatments, and material characterizations. Troubleshoot real-world problems like: Coating delamination or poor adhesion Particle aggregation or inconsistent size distribution Drug loading variability or release profile drift Rapidly iterate—design, test, learn, repeat. Drive Product DevelopmentTranslate clinical and engineering needs into material requirements. Partner closely with device engineers on catheter compatibility, deliverability, and deployment performance. Own material selection for biocompatibility as well as compatibility with sterilization and shelf-life requirements. Enable Regulatory SuccessGenerate material data packages to support early regulatory strategy (e.g., pre-sub, 510(k), PMA). Ensure alignment with biocompatibility expectations (e.g., ISO 10993) without over-engineering early work. Help define what “good enough” looks like at each stage of development. Scale What WorksTransition formulations from bench to pilot manufacturing. Work with manufacturing partners to ensure reproducibility and robustness. Define critical material attributes and specifications early to avoid downstream issues. Lead & Grow the TeamHire and mentor a small, high-impact team over time. Set a culture of accountability, speed, and scientific rigor. Act as the internal subject matter expert for all things chemistry and materials. RequirementsPh.D. in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or similar. 8–15+ years of relevant experience, ideally in medical devices or combination products. Proven experience working on embolic materials and/or medical device coatings. Willingness to be highly hands-on—this is not a “purely strategic” role. Technical StrengthsPolymer systems, hydrogels, or colloidal suspensions. Coating technologies (hydrophilic, lubricious, drug-eluting, anti-thrombogenic). Strong intuition for material behavior in biological environments. Experience with analytical and characterization techniques (you know what to run and why—even if you’re not running every instrument). Startup MindsetComfortable with ambiguity and rapid pivots. Bias toward action—able to make decisions with incomplete data. Resourceful—can achieve a lot without large budgets or teams. Willing to roll up sleeves and solve problems directly. Nice to HaveExperience taking a product from early R&D to first-in-human or commercialization. Familiarity with radiopaque additives (e.g., tantalum, tungsten, barium sulfate). Experience with neurovascular or peripheral embolization therapies. Prior startup or small-company experience. What Success Looks Like (First 12–24 Months)Establish a functional chemistry lab and/or external partner network. Deliver robust embolic or coating formulations ready for preclinical use. Solve key technical risks (e.g., stability, deliverability, coating durability). Generate data supporting regulatory strategy and early submissions. Build a small, high-performing team as the company grows. Why This Role Is DifferentYou’ll directly influence the core technology—not just manage it. Faster path from idea → prototype → in vivo testing. High visibility and impact across the entire company. Opportunity to define the foundation of the materials platform.Reports ToChief Technical Officer (CTO)