Full-Time
Principal Scientist
Research and Development
Posted on 9/24/2025
Alcon
10,001+ employees
Eye care products and vision solutions
No salary listed
H1B Sponsorship Available
Fort Worth, TX, USA
In Person
Travel Requirements: up to 10%
 Lab & Research (2) |
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- Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent years of directly related experience (or high school +13 yrs; Assoc.+9 yrs; M.S.+2 yrs; PhD+0 yrs)
- The ability to fluently read, write, understand and communicate in English
- 5 Years of Relevant Experience
- Manage individual technical projects, applying specialized knowledge to achieve objectives and drive innovation in analytical chemistry
- Develop analytical methods, validation processes, and quality control procedures
- Make operational decisions for projects, utilizing project management skills, technical expertise, and problem-solving abilities
- Work independently, managing your workload and making decisions within your area of expertise
- Engage in problem-solving and process improvement to contribute to the overall goals of your team
- Mentor junior colleagues by sharing knowledge and providing guidance on best practices while continuing to expand your own expertise
- Develops advanced analytical methods to characterize and understand structure-property relationship of polymeric materials such as elastomers, hydrogels, and liquid polymers.
- Demonstrates scientific leadership by applying scientific/technical expertise to identify and resolve complex chemistry issues
- Assists management of project activities, support/coach team members, participate in sub-teams and contribute to all function strategies and goals.
- Answers ad hoc questions related to chemical/biological characterization, spectral interpretation, or structural elucidation.
- Independently designs and executes complex, non-standard laboratory studies to solve technical challenges.
- Thoroughly and clearly documents and/or reviews experiments in laboratory notebook; prepares high quality Technical Documents.
- Communicates and collaborates with colleagues cross functional teams and with supervisor/mentor.
- PhD in Chemistry (Analytical, Biological, Organic, Physical), Engineering (Biomedical, Chemical, Mechanical), Science (Vision, Optical Biomedical, Polymer), Biophysics, and other relevant science and engineering degrees.
Alcon provides eye care products and vision solutions to improve how people see. It develops and manufactures devices and consumables for eye health, including cataract surgery equipment and intraocular lenses, retinal health therapies, and contact lenses, distributed through eye care professionals, hospitals, and consumers. The products work by supporting eye surgery, protecting and restoring vision, or correcting vision with lens-based options, backed by research and development and a global distribution network. Alcon differentiates itself with a broad, end-to-end portfolio across the eye care continuum, a strong emphasis on research and development, strategic partnerships with healthcare providers, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Its goal is to enhance vision and quality of life by delivering reliable, high-quality eye care solutions and advancing the science of eye health.
Company Size
10,001+
Company Stage
IPO
Headquarters
Geneva, Switzerland
Founded
1945
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- 2025 net sales hit $10.3 billion, up 5% reported with $1.7 billion free cash flow.
- $81 million Cabell County expansion adds 75 jobs, boosting IOL production capacity.
- Eye Pitch submissions surge 43% at ARVO 2026, fueling Alcon Seed Fund investments.
What critics are saying
- Implantables sales decline 1-2% quarterly due to cataract market softness and competition.
- Q1 2026 operating profit drops 32% to $292 million from margin compression.
- Alcon shares fall 28% year-over-year to CHF58.22 amid investor skepticism.
What makes Alcon unique
- Unity VCS phacoemulsification system enhances anterior chamber stability per ASCRS 2026 data.
- Clareon TruPlus IOL delivers 3.5-letter visual acuity gain over Clareon Monofocal at 66cm.
- VisionX initiative imports AI, photonics, robotics innovations into ophthalmology via ARVO 2026.
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Benefits
Medical, dental, & vision coverage
HSA Medical Plan
PTO
Paid Parental leave
401k
Retirement Plan Company Contribution
Low payroll deductions
Tuition Reimbursement Program
Annual Bonus
Free Family Contact Lens Program
12 Company Paid Holidays
Company News
Alcon and ARVO continue partnership to champion innovation at 2026 live Eye Pitch event. April 29, 2026 Alcon, the global leader in eye care dedicated to helping people see brilliantly, today announced its continued collaboration with the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) and support of its live Eye Pitch event, taking place at this year's ARVO Annual Meeting in Denver, Colorado, on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. The pitch contest invites ARVO members to present their innovative research, drug or device proposals to a panel of judges from ARVO and the Alcon Seed Fund, an innovation acceleration platform that identifies and invests in early- and mid-stage disruptive innovations within the ophthalmic field. "Looking at future innovation is critical to meeting the evolving needs of our customers and patients worldwide as we aim to advance the standard of eye care," said Franck Leveiller, SVP, Global Research and Development and Chief Scientific Officer, Alcon. "Eye Pitch underscores our dedication to discovering and championing promising early-stage ophthalmic solutions that have the potential to impact clinical practice. Our collaboration with ARVO brings together a dynamic community of researchers, clinicians and entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of vision science. The creativity and scientific rigor showcased through this program reinforce our optimism about what lies ahead - and our commitment to helping translate bold ideas into transformative care." Eye Pitch, hosted by ARVO and supported by Alcon, is a live competitive program held during the ARVO Annual Meeting that spotlights promising early- to mid-stage innovations in eye and vision research. ARVO members developing new treatments, devices, diagnostics and technologies submitted proposals for review by an expert panel, with finalists invited to deliver a five-minute pitch and participate in a live Q&A session. Finalists receive structured mentorship, and winners are awarded cash prizes. The overall winner is also invited to enter the Alcon Seed Fund diligence process for potential investment of up to $1 million to help advance breakthrough ophthalmic innovations aligned with Alcon's strategic priorities. Interest in the program continues to grow, with an increase of 43% from last year. Selected finalists will present on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, from 6:30 to 8:15 p.m. MT, followed by a networking reception. "Being selected for Eye Pitch last year was a meaningful milestone for our team," said Jonathan Labriola, PhD, Director of Operations at Synakis. "The mentorship helped us sharpen our scientific story and commercial strategy, and winning the competition brought valuable visibility to Synakis and reinforced the potential of our work. Connecting with leaders across vision science at ARVO made the experience especially rewarding." In addition to Eye Pitch, Alcon will also announce VisionX at ARVO 2026, which is a new global open innovation initiative of the Alcon Seed Fund designed to bring cross-disciplinary innovation into the industry. VisionX was created to identify breakthrough ideas emerging outside traditional ophthalmology including fields such as artificial intelligence, photonics, advanced materials, robotics, and computational imaging - and connect them to some of the most important challenges in vision science. By engaging researchers, engineers and entrepreneurs whose work may not currently focus on the eye, VisionX creates a structured pathway for early discovery, evaluation and potential advancement of novel technologies. In addition to Eye Pitch and VisionX, Alcon will also support the Alcon Research Institute (ARI), which will host the annual Steven M. Podos Colloquium on Saturday, May 2, at 5:30 p.m. MT at the Hyatt Regency Denver at the Colorado Convention Center. The event will feature leading experts, including Dr. Lisa Ostrin, SUNY College of Optometry, and Dr. Jay Neitz, University of Washington School of Medicine, who will participate in a session titled "Myopia Progression: Mechanisms & Management." The session will be moderated by Dr. Allen C. Ho, Wills Eye Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University, ARI Chair. Learn more and register on the ARI website, and visit Alcon at Booth #8001 in the ARVO Exhibition Hall. About Alcon. Alcon helps people see brilliantly. As the global leader in eye care with a heritage spanning over 75 years, Alcon offer the broadest portfolio of products to enhance sight and improve people's lives. Its Surgical and Vision Care products touch the lives of people in over 140 countries and territories each year living with conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, retinal diseases and refractive errors. Its more than 25,000 associates are enhancing the quality of life through innovative products, partnerships with Eye Care Professionals and programs that advance access to quality eye care. Learn more at www.alcon.com. Media relations. Steven Smith + 41 589 112 111 (Geneva) + 1 817 551 8057 (Fort Worth) [email protected]
Tenpoint Therapeutics appoints Stephen S. Lane, MD, as Chief Medical Officer. Ophthalmology luminary and former Alcon CMO joins Tenpoint Therapeutics April 7, 2026 Tenpoint Therapeutics, Ltd., a global commercial ophthalmic pharmaceutical company focused on developing groundbreaking treatments to improve vision in the aging eye, today announced the appointment of Stephen S. Lane, MD, as Chief Medical Officer (CMO). In this role, Dr. Lane will join the executive team and oversee the company's clinical development strategy, medical affairs and pharmacovigilance. Dr. Lane brings significant ophthalmology leadership experience in clinical practice and the pharmaceutical industry, most recently serving as CMO and Head of Medical Safety at Alcon, Inc. He is recognized as a world-renowned ophthalmologist with more than 40 years of experience. Dr. Lane is the past President of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS), a former member of the Committee of Secretaries at the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), a former Board Member and Officer of the International Society of Refractive Surgery (ISRS) and a Board Member of the Minnesota Academy of Ophthalmology. He has been honored with numerous awards, including the AAO Honor Award, Senior Achievement Award and Secretariat Award. "Dr. Lane is a highly respected ophthalmology leader whose experience spans clinical practice, product development and medical leadership at the highest levels of the industry," said Henric Bjarke, chief executive officer of Tenpoint Therapeutics. "He is exceptionally well suited to help drive Tenpoint Therapeutics as we advance innovative therapies for the aging eye and enter this next stage of commercial growth." Career highlights. Throughout his career, Dr. Lane has contributed extensively to clinical research and education, participating in more than 50 clinical trials, delivering over 400 lectures globally, presenting six domestic and international medical lectures and authoring numerous academic articles and book chapters. He also holds several biomedical patents. He currently serves as chief executive officer of the Holland Foundation for Sight Restoration, a nonprofit organization focused on establishing centers of excellence for ocular stem cell transplantation and advancing the education of corneal surgeons, and as a clinical professor of ophthalmology at the University of Minnesota. "I am excited to join Tenpoint Therapeutics at a time of significant opportunity for the Company and the field of ophthalmology," said Dr. Lane. "Tenpoint Therapeutics' dedication to advancing innovative treatments for the aging eye aligns closely with my passion for improving patient outcomes. I look forward to working with the team to further develop and deliver solutions that address the unmet needs of both patients and the eye care professionals who care for them." Dr. Lane earned his medical degree from the University of Minnesota, completed his ophthalmology residency at Pennsylvania State University and is fellowship-trained in cornea/external disease, anterior segment surgery and refractive surgery.
Alcon has launched Clareon TruPlus, an enhanced design monofocal and toric intraocular lens, at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery Annual Meeting in Washington, DC. The new IOL expands Alcon's Clareon portfolio, offering increased depth of focus whilst maintaining high-quality distance vision. According to bench data, TruPlus demonstrates a 3.5-letter improvement in simulated visual acuity at 66 centimetres compared to Clareon Monofocal, whilst offering higher distance image quality than competitor TECNIS Eyhance. The lens uses proprietary Opti-Balance Technology to extend depth of focus whilst maintaining distance image quality. TruPlus joins Alcon's broad IOL portfolio, which includes the leading monofocal lens, Vivity extended depth of focus IOL, and PanOptix trifocal IOL. The product will launch in additional markets later this year.
Alcon launches Clareon TruPlus, enhanced design monofocal and toric IOLs, at ASCRS 2026. Alcon announced the US launch of Clareon TruPlus, a next-generation monofocal and toric IOL, at the upcoming American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) annual meeting in Washington, D.C. The new TruPlus lens expands Alcon's Clareon portfolio, introducing an enhanced monofocal design that aims to deliver increased depth of focus while preserving the high-quality distance vision traditionally associated with monofocal IOLs.[1-2] "Cataract surgeons naturally want to offer patients a little more - without trade-offs," said Terry Kim, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Alcon. "Surgeons told us they were looking for an enhanced design monofocal that did not sacrifice distance vision quality. TruPlus was developed to address that need, while maintaining the exceptional stability and clarity that define the proven Clareon platform." According to company data, Clareon TruPlus incorporates proprietary Opti-Balance Technology, designed to extend depth of focus by optimizing light energy distribution within the lens. This approach aims to enhance intermediate vision while maintaining strong distance image quality and a broad refractive landing zone.[7,8] Bench data cited by Alcon highlights several differentiating features of TruPlus[4]: * A 3.5-letter improvement in simulated visual acuity at intermediate distance (-1.5 diopters, approximately 66 cm) compared to Clareon Monofocal[1] * Higher distance image quality across varying pupil sizes and lighting conditions compared to Tecnis Eyhance[3] * Performance exceeding ISO standards for distance image quality[1,2,5] * Lower reported glare and halo profile relative to competing enhanced monofocal IOLs[3,6] TruPlus joins a Clareon family that includes: * Clareon Monofocal IOL * Vivity extended depth of focus IOL * PanOptix and PanOptix Pro trifocal IOLs The company indicated that TruPlus will be introduced in additional global markets later this year. Scientific Program at ASCRS Alongside the product launch, Alcon is showcasing more than 60 scientific studies at ASCRS, presented by both company researchers and independent investigators. These presentations span advancements in cataract, refractive, and ocular surface care. * First Clinical Experience with a Novel Phacoemulsification System, authored by Matthew Rauen, M.D.[13] * Anterior Chamber Stability of a Novel Phacoemulsification System Assessed by Intraoperative OCT and Surgical Microscope Video, authored by Hisaharu Suzuki, M.D.[14] * Prospective Intraindividual Comparison of Functional Outcomes After Automated Customized Ray Tracing Guided vs. Wavefront Optimized LASIK, authored by Prof. Ramin Khoramnia[15] * Perioperative Benefits of a Personalized LASIK Approach Using 3D Ray Tracing Technology: A Modified Delphi Study, authored by Mark Lobanoff, M.D.[16] * High Tear Production Responder Rates Associated with the Novel TRPM8 Agonist Acoltremon: Phase 3 COMET2 and COMET3 Results, authored by Mark S. Milner, M.D.[17] * Tear Volume and Total Lipid Concentration Following Administration of Acoltremon 0.003%, authored by David Wirta, M.D.[18] * Optical Bench Comparison of Two Enhanced Monofocal IOLs, authored by Morgan Micheletti, M.D., FACS, ABO[19] * Direct Comparison of the Visual Disturbances Induced by Two Enhanced Monofocal IOLs, authored by Morgan Micheletti, M.D., FACS, ABO[20] Peer-to-Peer Education and Live Demonstrations Alcon is also hosting a series of peer-led educational events aimed at translating innovation into clinical practice. Sessions include discussions on glaucoma and dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) management, as well as strategies for optimizing cataract surgery outcomes. * Transforming In-Clinic Care: Innovations in Glaucoma and Dry AMD Management Peer-led discussion on practical approaches to evolving in-clinic care. Featuring: Toby Tyson M.D., FACS (Moderator), Neel Desai, M.D., Preeya K. Gupta, M.D., and Miguel A. Busquets, M.D., FACS, FASRS. Saturday, April 11 at 7 a.m. * The Perfect Pairing: Secret Ingredients for Cataract Success Real-world experiences and strategies for optimizing outcomes in modern cataract surgery. Featuring: John Berdahl, M.D. (Moderator), Neda Shamie, M.D., Brett Mueller, M.D., and Eva Kim, M.D. Saturday, April 11 at noon. In addition, hands-on demonstrations and product showcases are available at the Alcon booth (#943), where attendees can explore the company's latest technologies and innovations. References * Alcon data on file, 2025. [REF-28331]. * Alcon data on file, 2025. [REF-28335]. * Alcon data on file, 2025. [REF-28549]. * MarketScope LLC. 2025 IOL Market Report: Global Analysis for 2024 to 2030. St. Louis, MO: MarketScope LLC; 2025. * Alcon data on file, 2025. [REF-28362]. * Alcon data on file, 2025. [REF-28699]. * Alcon data on file, 2026. [REF-28847]. * Alcon data on file, 2025. [REF-28698]. * Alcon data on file, 2026. [REF-29048]. * Alcon data on file, 2025. [REF-28420]. * Alcon data on file, 2025. [REF-28305]. * MarketScope LLC. 2025 Premium Cataract Surgery Market Report: Analysis of the Top 13 Markets for 2024 to 2030. St. Louis, MO: MarketScope LLC; 2025. * Rauen MP. Cataract Surgery Patient Comfort: Physiologic IOP with Unity CS/VCS. Presented at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. April 2026; Washington, D.C. * Suzuki H, Ong MD, Yalamanchili S, et al. Anterior Chamber Stability of a Novel Phacoemulsification Machine via Intraoperative OCT and Surgical Microscope Videos. Presented at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. April 2026; Washington, D.C. * Khoramnia R, Naujokaitis T, Bloeck L, et al. Prospective intraindividual comparison of functional outcomes after automated customized ray-tracing-guided vs. wavefront-optimized laser in situ keratomileusis. Presented at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. April 2026; Washington, D.C. * Lobanoff MC, Krueger RR. Perioperative Benefits of a Personalized LASIK Approach Using 3D Ray Tracing Technology: A Modified Delphi Study. Presented at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. April 2026; Washington, D.C. * Milner MS, Wirta DL, Paauw J, et al. High Tear Production Responder Rates Associated with the Novel TRPM8 Agonist Acoltremon: Phase 3 COMET2 and COMET3 Results. Presented at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. April 2026; Washington, D.C. * Wirta DL, Rocha KM, Bailey LS, et al. Tear Volume and Total Lipid Concentration Following Administration of Acoltremon 0.003%. Presented at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. April 2026; Washington, D.C. * Micheletti, M, et al. Optical Bench Comparison of Two Enhanced Monofocal IOLs. Presented at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. April 2026; Washington, D.C. * Micheletti, M, et al. Direct comparison of the Visual Disturbances induced by two Enhanced Monofocal IOLs. Presented at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. April 2026; Washington, D.C.
Alcon to expand Cabell County operations with $81 million investment and 75 new jobs. Mar 31, 2026 Governor Patrick Morrisey announced on March 26 that Alcon, a Switzerland-based global eye care company, will invest $81 million to expand its operations in Cabell County. The expansion is expected to create 75 new high-paying jobs, with the average salary projected at $80,000 per year. The announcement highlights West Virginia's growing role in advanced manufacturing and life sciences. Alcon currently employs about 620 people at its West Virginia facility, where it manufactures intraocular lenses and delivery systems used worldwide for cataract and vision correction procedures. "For decades, Alcon has shown that a global leader can find great success right here in the Mountain State," Governor Morrisey said. "This expansion demonstrates that West Virginia isn't just a place to do business, but that it's one of the best places in the world for a global leader to thrive." Morrisey also said, "These are careers that support families and strengthen communities. We are committed to creating an environment where companies can rely upon a skilled workforce, predictable policy, reliable infrastructure, and a pro-growth mindset. West Virginia is delivering on each of those fundamentals." Since October, more than $10.8 billion in private investment along with over 9,675 projected jobs have been announced statewide. With additional federal commitments included, total investment exceeds $12.3 billion supporting more than 10,675 projected jobs. Alcon's facility plays an important part in its global supply chain by producing precision-engineered ophthalmic products distributed internationally. The expansion aims to boost production capacity and further establish West Virginia as an important location for life sciences manufacturing.