Research Development Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

This is where your work makes a difference.
At Baxter, we believe every person-regardless of who they are or where they are from-deserves a chance to live a healthy life. It was our founding belief in 1931 and continues to be our guiding principle. We are redefining healthcare delivery to make a greater impact today, tomorrow, and beyond.
Our Baxter colleagues are united by our Mission to Save and Sustain Lives. Together, our community is driven by a culture of courage, trust, and collaboration. Every individual is empowered to take ownership and make a meaningful impact. We strive for efficient and effective operations, and we hold each other accountable for delivering exceptional results.
Here, you will find more than just a job-you will find purpose and pride.
Your Role at Baxter
Reporting to the Division President, Advanced Surgery, this role is responsible for leading Global Research & Development supporting a diverse, global product portfolio including hemostats, sealants, tissue products, microsurgery technologies, and adhesion prevention solutions representing approximately $1B in annual revenue. The scope of accountability includes the strategic planning and execution of exploratory research, innovation, applied research, new product development, and sustaining activities across the portfolio. The Vice President, R&D provides strong leadership and direction for a global organization of approximately 90 colleagues, fostering a high-performance, inclusive culture aligned with Baxter's mission, vision, and values.
What you'll be doing

• Strategic R&D Leadership by leading the development and execution of enterprise R&D strategy, product and platform roadmaps, and innovation agendas, informed by industry trends, emerging technologies and strong cross-functional partnerships.
• Portfolio & Program Oversight: Provides oversight for a global portfolio of high-impact products and programs, ensuring disciplined delivery across scope, budget, timelines, and the full product lifecycle from ideation through commercialization and continuous improvement.
• Financial & Operational Stewardship: Own and manage the global R&D operating budget, ensuring strong financial governance, effective resource allocation, and minimal variance to plan and forecast.
• Enterprise Collaboration & Growth Enablement: Partner with senior business leaders and cross-functional stakeholders (Marketing, Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory, etc.) to influence business strategy, support business development and licensing opportunities, and drive growth initiatives.
• Talent & Organizational Leadership: Build and sustain a high-performing R&D organization by developing critical capabilities, strengthening leadership pipelines, optimizing global resources, and driving talent development, performance management, and organizational effectiveness through change.

What you'll bring

• Enterprise Leadership & Influence: Demonstrated ability to lead effectively within complex, matrixed organizations; influence and drive alignment across functions and levels without formal authority; and establish accountability through clear milestones, progress tracking, and course correction.
• Strategic Collaboration & Stakeholder Partnership: Proven success building and negotiating strong partnerships with internal stakeholders and external partners to solve complex problems, achieve shared objectives, and deliver measurable outcomes.
• Business Acumen & Executive Presence: Strong executive presence with exceptional communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills, paired with a deep understanding of business drivers including regulatory requirements, customer and patient needs, global market dynamics, financial performance, and product roadmaps.
• Product Development & Global Leadership Experience: 15+ years of experience in product development and strategic business leadership, including managing global teams; experience in medical devices, biologics, or biotechnology strongly preferred.
• Education, Mobility & Professional Readiness: Advanced degree in a scientific or engineering discipline required (biologics highly desirable), with willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed.

We understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career. At Baxter, we are committed to equitable pay for all employees, and we strive to be more transparent with our pay practices. The estimated base salary for this position is $280,000 - $350,000 annually. The estimated range is meant to reflect an anticipated salary range for the position. We may pay more or less than of the anticipated range based upon market data and other factors, all of which are subject to change. Individual pay is based on upon location, skills and expertise, experience, and other relevant factors. This position may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, commission, and/or long-term incentive. For questions about this, our pay philosophy, and available benefits, please speak to the recruiter if you decide to apply and are selected for an interview.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.
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US Benefits at Baxter (except for Puerto Rico)
This is where your well-being matters. Baxter offers comprehensive compensation and benefits packages for eligible roles. Our health and well-being benefits include medical and dental coverage that start on day one, as well as insurance coverage for basic life, accident, short-term and long-term disability, and business travel accident insurance. Financial and retirement benefits include the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), with the ability to purchase company stock at a discount, and the 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan (RSP), with options for employee contributions and company matching. We also offer Flexible Spending Accounts, educational assistance programs, and time-off benefits such as paid holidays, paid time off ranging from 20 to 35 days based on length of service, family and medical leaves of absence, and paid parental leave. Additional benefits include commuting benefits, the Employee Discount Program, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and childcare benefits. Join us and enjoy the competitive compensation and benefits we offer to our employees. For additional information regarding Baxter US Benefits, please speak with your recruiter or visit our Benefits site: Benefits | Baxter
Equal Employment Opportunity
Baxter is an equal opportunity employer. Baxter evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, disability/handicap status or any other legally protected characteristic.
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Reasonable Accommodations
Baxter is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities globally. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or interview process, please click on the link here and let us know the nature of your request along with your contact information.
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