The Principal Scientist will lead Emerging Therapies projects related to intellectual property (IP) development, awareness of industry trends, and technology evaluation initiatives, requiring a scientifically rigorous professional who combines deep technical expertise, business acumen, and long-term vision to inform organizational decisions. A primary focus of this position is IP, working under the direction of Emerging Therapies leadership and collaborating with IP counsel to strengthen the company's competitive position. The Principal Scientist will critically evaluate scientific literature and emerging technologies, translating complex analyses into actionable insights for diverse stakeholders across the organization.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Identify, develop, and support protection of intellectual property related to SPR’s pain management solutions. Lead the writing of invention disclosures and editing of patent applications. Collaborate with IP counsel, the Head of Emerging Therapies, the Chief Scientific Officer, and other team members on patent planning, creation, submission and prosecution.
2. Guide team members across various departments, including R&D and Engineering, to brainstorm new ideas and generate patentable material around new innovative treatments and technologies.
3. Support therapy innovation within a team of various departments (e.g., Engineering, Manufacturing, New Product Development, R&D, Upstream Marketing, etc.) necessary to achieve project goals. Serve as an Emerging Therapies liaison to relevant internal team meetings to identify, evaluate, and build new IP opportunities.
4. Lead efforts to summarize and maintain ongoing awareness of industry trends. Establish processes for efficient and thorough collection and evaluation of industry trends among the R&D department and in coordination with other departments.
5. Evaluate potential treatments and technologies to enhance SPR’s portfolio of pain management solutions. Design and conduct (leading or supporting) bench, animal, and/or human clinical studies in collaboration with other departments to evaluate the potential opportunities.
6. Maintain expert knowledge of all SPR products, intellectual property, and relevant scientific and clinical data, facilitating clear and effective communication with all types of users of the Company’s products.
7. Develop new and strengthen existing relationships with subject matter experts, key opinion leaders, and external and internal team members.
8. Responsible to work within and support the company’s formal design control and quality management system, including applicable policies and procedures.
9. Additional Responsibilities

• Serve as a resource for others within the R&D Department and across the Company.
• Assist the efforts of other Departments as needed by providing R&D support.
• Observe and/or support SPR procedures in the field.