Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 114,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

Working at Abbott

At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and family, be your true self and live a full life. You’ll also have access to:

Career development with an international company where you can grow the career you dream of.Employees can qualify for free medical coverage in our Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO medical plan in the next calendar year.An excellent retirement savings plan with high employer contributionTuition reimbursement, the Freedom 2 Save student debt program and FreeU education benefit - an affordable and convenient path to getting a bachelor’s degree.A company recognized as a great place to work in dozens of countries around the world and named one of the most admired companies in the world by Fortune. A company that is recognized as one of the best big companies to work for as well as a best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists.

The Opportunity

This position works out of our St. Paul, MN location in the Electrophysiology division. In Abbott’s Electrophysiology (EP) business, we’re advancing the treatment of heart disease through breakthrough medical technologies in atrial fibrillation, allowing people to restore their health and get on with their lives.

As the Postmarket Surveillance Analyst I, you'll perform two different functions within complaint handling. One role is that of complaint investigation management which includes all activities pertaining to receiving and investigating reports of worldwide complaints/events on a variety of products; entering information into the complaint database; independently determining and filing appropriate medical devices reports with various regulatory agencies; participating on cross-functional teams; and providing information on product complaints to various teams (e.g. Regulatory, Quality Engineering).

The other role of the Postmarket Surveillance Analyst is performing evaluations on various types of returned complaint products (e.g. disposable and implantable products, electronic and electro-mechanical medical devices and systems) such as performing non-destructive and destructive testing; reviewing of Device History Records;  coordinating product testing/analysis with other SJM departments and external consultants; preparing technical reports of evaluation findings; operating and maintaining the Postmarket Surveillance Laboratory equipment.

What You’ll Work On

Duties associated with complaint investigation:

Initiates and manages the complaint fileMaintains accurate entry of complaints in the databaseCommunicates verbally and in writing both internally and externally to field representatives regarding information needed specific to product complaints (e.g. physicians, hospital personnel, sales representatives, international offices)Independently performs investigations with customers or field staff with minimal direction, utilizing experience and knowledge of products and various types of product complaintsIndependently assesses the complaint to determine if a medical device report needs to be filed with various global regulatory agencies (e.g., FDA, European Competent Authorities) and sends reports within required timeframes, consulting as needed with managementPrepares customer letters with investigation findingsIs diligent of any unusual trends in product complaints and communicates them to managementParticipates in cross-functional complaint review groups on a regular basis or as requested (e.g. cross-functional complaint teams, new product teams, risk management meetings)Archives complaint records and retrieves information on closed investigationsEnsures accurate department procedures and work instructions are maintainedTrain new employees to the complaint handling processProvide support to the Legal Department regarding product complaintsSupport all Company initiatives as identified by management and in support of Quality Management Systems (QMS), Environmental Management Systems (EMS), and other regulatory requirements.Complies with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, other regulatory requirements, Company policies, operating procedures, processes, and task assignmentsMaintains positive and cooperative communications and collaboration with all levels of employees, customers, contractors, and vendorsPerforms other related duties and responsibilities, on occasion, as assignedPostmarket Surveillance Analyst (product evaluations):Performs product evaluations in a timely mannerExecutes product evaluations to develop a well-documented and accurate root cause evaluationCoordinates product evaluations with other SJM departments and external consultantsUse procedures, judgement and experience to determine appropriate testing of returned products with minimal guidanceReviews all pertinent information to complete the evaluation (e.g. photos, study or log files, field service reports, external investigations)Interprets/reviews technical product specifications, measurements and the Device History RecordPrepares technical reports of findings and enters them into the complaint systemReviews external vendor/consultant evaluations and enters them into the complaint systemMaintains work area in clean and orderly condition and adheres to safety and biohazard proceduresIs diligent of any unusual trends in product evaluations and informs managementIndependently assesses the evaluation results to determine if they meet regulatory reporting guidelines and inform the appropriate Postmarket Surveillance team member of the findingsParticipates in cross-functional complaint review groups on a regular basis or as requested (e.g. cross-functional complaint teams, new product teams, risk management meetings)Adheres to the device retention and disposal proceduresEnsures accurate department procedures and work instructions are maintainedCollaborate independently with other team members and departments needing product evaluation informationBe able to ascertain when additional support may be needed from other teams based on product evaluation findings (e.g. potential manufacturing-related issues)Train new employees to the product evaluation processSupports the Quality Management Systems (QMS), Environmental Management Systems (EMS), and other regulatory requirementsComplies with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, other regulatory requirements, Company policies, operating procedures, processes, and task assignments Maintains positive and cooperative communications and collaboration with all levels of employees, customers, contractors, and vendorsPerforms other related duties and responsibilities, on occasion, as assigned

Required Qualifications

Four-year degree, preferably in the healthcare, science, or technical fields; or 2-year degree and 10 years of relevant experience supporting complaint handling investigations, medical device reporting, product evaluation, or related work Knowledge of global regulations for medical device reporting and medical terminology is a plusStrong written and oral communication skills are requiredCandidate must be able to work well independently and on teams in a busy department while managing multiple ongoing tasks and investigations simultaneously Good problem-solving and proficient computer skills are requiredExperience working in a broader enterprise/cross-division business unit model preferred.Ability to work in a highly matrixed and geographically diverse business environment.Ability to work within a team and as an individual contributor in a fast-paced, changing environment.Ability to leverage and/or engage others to accomplish projects.Strong verbal and written communications with ability to effectively communicate at multiple levels in the organization.Multitasks, prioritizes and meets deadlines in timely manner.Strong organizational and follow-up skills, as well as attention to detail.Ability to travel approximately 10%, including internationally.Ability to maintain regular and predictable attendance.

Apply Now

 

Learn more about our health and wellness benefits, which provide the security to help you and your family live full lives:  www.abbottbenefits.com

Follow your career aspirations to Abbott for diverse opportunities with a company that can help you build your future and live your best life. Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to employee diversity.

Connect with us at www.abbott.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Abbott and on Twitter @AbbottNews and @AbbottGlobal.

The base pay for this position is $50,000.00 – $100,000.00. In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.