James Parakka, Ph.D.

Experience

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  University of Alabama

  Jan 1995 - Jan 1996

  Post-doctoral Fellow (Materials for Information Technology Center)

  • Improved adhesion of E-beam radiation-cured solventless acrylic polymeric coatings using creative pretreatment techniques• Chemically modified iron particles with polymerizable groups, via organo silane chemistry, for use in magnetic tape formulations• Contributed as polymer chemistry expert in pilot trials of aqueous magnetic tape formulations, executed at Graham Magnetics, TX

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  Argonne National Laboratory

  Jan 1996 - Jan 1997

  Post-doctoral Fellow (Chemistry and Materials Science Division)

  • Accomplished efficient synthesis of new tetrathiafulvalene based electron donor compounds and coordinated with internal team in the electrocrystallization of electrically conducting organometallic charge transfer salts.• Mentored and supervised 2 interns on materials synthesis and characterization.

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  Argonne National Laboratory

  Jan 1998 - Jan 1999

  Distinguished Fermi Scholar

  • Demonstrated application of organometallic salts as STM calibrants (collaborating externally with NIST) to support nanoscale manufacturing.• Achieved designed synthesis of acrylate, thiol and hydroxyl-functionalized compounds for the preparation of conducting polymers and thin films.

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  California Molecular Electronics Corp. (CALMEC)

  Jan 1999 - Jan 2003

  Senior Research Scientist

  Responsible for leading research and development of organic molecular switches for data storage applications. • Demonstrated molecular switching in dithiocarbamate based organic compounds and used creative means to show feasibility. • Managed NSF (Phase I SBIR) funded project on Chiropticenes™ - Chiroptical switches for nanotechnology applications - and trained 2 R&D interns on material synthesis and characterization.• Co-invented chiroptical switching materials and technology for molecular data storage. Show less

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  The Polymer Technology Group (Acquired by DSM in 2008)

  Jan 2003 - Jan 2008

  Senior Research Scientist II

  Responsible for conceiving and executing Biomaterials research innovations.• Demonstrated synthesis and development of a innovative single MW photocurable silicone oligomer for contact lens applications - Generated $ 2.7M R&D revenue and garnered commercialization approval for the technology in contact lens product.• Tested and co-invented new routes to high purity UV curable siloxane monomer that is used in existing contact lens product. • Executed safe pilot scale operations for preparation of key raw materials, polymers and hydrogel formulations.• Co-invented biocompatible polyurethane surface technologies (SAME®) – Technology translated in to Company's commercial implantable polymers with improved biocompatibility and processability.• Synthesized surface-modified polyurethanes for blood contacting device application - Co-investigator on NIH grant.• Investigated soft segment structure-property relationships of biostable polyurethanes in close collaboration with medical device client. Show less

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  DSM Biomedical

  Jan 2008 - Jan 2016

  Responsible for market analysis and definition of new product concepts in ophthalmology for strategic growth of Biomedical business. • Prepared comprehensive unmet market/clinical needs landscape in ophthalmology and identified materials based solutions and 2 value based biomedical product concepts. • Created matrix based prioritization map for new product concepts supported by internal and external stakeholder inputs.• Detailed opportunity model and business case analysis for viable product innovation technologies. Show less Responsibility: R&D management / leadership of ophthalmic biomaterials program.• Led talented team of 9 scientists and engineers in the development of 3 new polymer product solutions and facilitated sustained growth of Company's $40M+CMO business.• Positioned DSM Biomedical as a UV-curable materials solution provider to the medical device industry by building internal capabilities and by leveraging internal and external relationships. • Executed stage-gate PMP and Design Control processes for all R&D projects conforming to ISO quality standards.• Realized operational cost savings through technical solutions and lean manufacturing initiatives. • Increased team visibility through customer and KOL interactions and via external presentations.• Managed resource utilization and championed talent development of high performance teams. Show less Responsibility: Program leadership of silicone hydrogels and biomaterials for medical devices.• Led cross functional internal and customer R&D/operation teams on new qualifications, continuous improvement and validation activities. Contributed to strategic partnership with Johnson & Johnson Company.• Invented/tested photocurable silicones and polyurethane composite constructs for contact lens and wound healing applications and sampled materials to medical device customers. • Managed R&D evaluation of bioresorbable technology for realized Actamax JV between DSM and DuPont.• Exceeded innovation sales target and YOY growth projections. Inducted in to DSM High Potential group. Show less Responsible for advancing biomaterials R&D for medical device applications.• Executed rapid translation of key material technologies (photocurable monomers and formulations) to manufactured products. Met commercial launch timelines for 1-DAY ACUVUE® TruEye® silicone hydrogel contact lens (sales of $300M+) by Johnson & Johnson Company. • Qualified and secured multiple vendors for toll manufacturing of internally developed silicone materials, resulting in timely product commercialization by customer.• Demonstrated proof of concept of novel bioresorbable patch materials technology for supporting market need in the wound closure space - Invented novel polymer constructs for mitigating pH drop during implant use.• Managed structure-property assessment of high strength elastomeric bioresorbable polyurethanes for medical devices, leveraging external partnerships. Work highlighted as Biomaterial of the Month in Society for Biomaterials (July 2010).• Managed completion of client projects on bioresorbabale polyurethanes (KCI, Proxy Biomedical, ZSX). Show less

  • Senior Product Concept Manager

    Jan 2015 - Jan 2016

  • R&D Manager, Ophthalmic Biomaterials

    Jan 2013 - Jan 2015

  • Senior Staff Scientist

    Jan 2011 - Jan 2013

  • Staff Scientist

    Jan 2008 - Jan 2011
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  Moly Laboratories

  Jan 2016 - Jan 2017

  Chief Consultant

  Responsibilities: Support technical and business directions for solid state battery and cosmetics applications. • Provided inputs to business strategy and proposals in support of Company's directions and engaged with potential clients.

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  Central Point Partners

  Feb 2022 - now

  Technical Recruiter