Senior Chemist / Senior Chemistess

Wyss Zurich - Project Veltist

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

As a MedTech spin-off from the ETH Domain (ETH Zurich and Empa), Veltist is part of the Wyss Zurich Translational Center’s portfolio of projects. Our foundation is built upon years of research and development focused on a novel class of surgical materials.

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

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

We closely collaborate 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 team that believes in purpose-driven science and the power of great teams to effect real change in healthcare.

Position Overview

As an experienced chemist at Veltist, you will have the opportunity to shape, lead, and observe the full development cycle from bench to clinics, closely coordinating with engineers and leading surgeons. This is not a routine R&D role but rather 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 and skills. Your work will contribute directly to saving lives and addressing pivotal 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 early-career professionals will also be considered based on qualifications.
• 2-5+ years of experience in industrial R&D, preferably in fast-paced, results-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 quality-related environments (ISO 13485) is advantageous.
• Prior experience with patenting/IP strategy and early-stage manufacturing is highly desirable.
• Proactive, communicative, and comfortable navigating ambiguity in dynamic 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

• Competitive salary based on experience and fit.
• A clear career evolution track within a venture-focused, fast-paced company.
• Access to an exceptional network across ETH Zurich, Empa, Wyss Zurich, and our clinical partners.
• Additional 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 interactions, or external testing, but day-to-day work is grounded in on-site team collaboration.

Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Contact Information

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

We would like to emphasize that the pre-selection process is conducted by our responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.