Senior Chemist / Senior Chemistess

Wyss Zurich - Project Veltist

At Veltist – a Wyss Zurich project – we are reshaping post-operative care through our platform technology Anastoseal, empowering the next generation of implantable biomaterials designed for sealing, healing, and integration with human tissue.

Veltist is a pioneering MedTech spin-off from the ETH Domain (ETH Zurich and Empa), 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 focused on a novel class of surgical materials.

With a solid foundation in translational science, we are 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 collaborate 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 the power of great teams to drive real change in the healthcare landscape.

Position Overview

As an experienced chemist at Veltist, you will have the unique opportunity to shape, lead, and observe the complete development cycle from bench to clinics, coordinating closely with engineers and leading surgeons. This is a frontline role that allows you to shape breakthrough biomedical technologies that directly impact patient care. It’s perfect for someone who is driven, creative, and eager to push the boundaries of their knowledge, experience, and capabilities. Here, your work will directly contribute to saving lives and addressing actual surgical challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• 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 their profile.
• 2-5+ years of experience in industrial R&D, preferably in fast-paced, result-driven environments (e.g., medical device, biomaterials, pharmaceuticals).

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.
• 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 the ETH Zurich 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. Please ensure to apply with the following documents:

• CV
• Motivation letter
• List of key reference contacts (1-3)

Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

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

Please note that the pre-selection will be carried out by responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.

For recruitment services, the GTC of ETH Zurich apply.