Chemist / Chemistess

Wyss Zurich - Project Veltist

At Veltist—a Wyss Zurich project—we are reshaping post-operative care through our innovative platform technology, Anastoseal. Our goal is to enable the next generation of implantable biomaterials that support sealing, healing, and integration with human tissue.

Veltist is a pioneering MedTech spin-off from the ETH Domain (ETH Zurich and Empa) and is currently part of the Wyss Zurich Translational Center’s Portfolio Projects. We are an in-foundation startup building upon a multi-year research and development program centered on a novel class of surgical materials.

With a strong foundation in translational science, we are now entering a phase of accelerated growth, focused on:

• Advancing our technology toward first-in-human clinical trials,
• Expanding our technical capabilities, and
• Building a team that thrives on ownership, rigor, and impact.

We work closely with leading surgeons, clinicians, and regulatory experts to ensure our innovations are not only technically sound but also clinically transformative. Joining Veltist means becoming part of a mission-oriented, interdisciplinary group that believes in science with purpose and in the power of great teams to drive meaningful change in healthcare.

Role Description

As an experienced chemist at Veltist, you will have the opportunity to shape, lead, and observe the full development cycle from bench to clinics, coordinating closely with engineers and leading surgeons. This is not a routine R&D job; it is a frontline opportunity to influence breakthrough biomedical technologies that directly impact patient care. It’s ideal for someone who is driven, creative, and eager to push the boundaries of their knowledge, experience, and capabilities. Here, your work will contribute directly to saving lives and addressing real surgical challenges.

• Lead formulation and synthesis of curable polymer systems for use in implantable materials.
• Translate concepts from discovery to in vivo proof-of-concept, bridging lab and preclinical development.
• File and interpret intellectual property documents, aligning with company strategy and product vision.
• Conduct early toxicological assessments and compatibility studies in biological systems.
• Establish quality measures and evaluation protocols for prototype materials and early manufacturing.
• Collaborate across functions (quality, regulatory, clinical, engineering) to drive materials integration into functional medical devices.

Education & Experience

• A PhD in a relevant field with industry experience is highly preferred; outstanding younger professionals will also be considered and evaluated based on profile.
• 2-5+ years of experience in industrial R&D, preferably in fast-paced, result-driven environments (e.g., medical device, biomaterials, pharmaceutical).

Skills & Competences

• Technical expertise in polymer chemistry and organic chemistry, particularly in curable compositions.
• Strong translational instincts and hands-on experience with prototype development, biocompatibility, and in vivo readiness.
• Familiarity with ISO 10993 toxicological standards and quality and regulatory frameworks.
• Knowledge of working in a quality-related environment (ISO 13485) is an advantage.
• Prior experience with patenting/IP strategy and early-stage manufacturing is highly desirable.
• Proactive, communicative, and comfortable navigating ambiguity in various environments.
• We value humble ambition, intellectual curiosity, and a mindset oriented toward real-world outcomes.
• Fluency in English is essential.
• Willingness to work in Zürich.

Compensation & Growth

• Salary based on experience and fit.
• A clear career evolution track within a venture-focused and fast-moving company.
• Access to an exceptional network across ETH Zurich, Empa, Wyss Zurich, and our clinical partners.
• Further benefits according to ETH Zurich's employee benefits program.

Diversity & Inclusion

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and walks of life. We believe that diverse perspectives and experiences enrich our team and are fundamental to solving complex challenges in healthcare.

Location

The position is based in Zürich, Switzerland, with in-person lab and prototyping work being essential. Some flexibility exists for fieldwork, supplier interaction, or external testing, but day-to-day work is grounded in on-site team collaboration.

We look forward to receiving your online application using the form below.

Note: Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

For further information about Veltist, please visit our website at Veltist – granting surgeons' wishes. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Alexandre Anthis at aanthis@ethz.ch (no applications).

We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.

For recruitment services, the GTC of ETH Zurich apply.