Cell Culture Scientist, Small Scale Production (Plainville, MA)
About The Position
About the Role The Small-Scale Cell Culture Scientist is a hands-on technical contributor in the Bioprocess Design Center (BDC), responsible for designing, executing, and documenting upstream cell culture experiments that generate high-quality technical evidence for Thermo Fisher Scientific’s single-use bioprocessing technologies. This role operates at the intersection of experimental biology and systems-level process design. The successful candidate will independently own small-scale cell culture studies, translate experimental outcomes into actionable insights, and support integrated workflow development across upstream unit operations. While primarily lab-focused, the role requires strong communication skills and comfort engaging with cross-functional partners and customers. Location: This is an onsite position in Plainville, Massachusetts. Residency within commuting distance is required. No relocation assistance will be provided. Why Join the Bioprocess Design Center The BDC is where Thermo Fisher technologies are stress-tested, validated, and transformed into real-world solutions for our customers. This role offers the opportunity to work hands-on with cutting-edge single-use systems, contribute to evidence that shapes customer confidence, and grow within a technically rigorous, highly collaborative environment.
Requirements
- B.S. in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, or a related field with 3+ years of relevant experience
- M.S. with 2+ years of relevant experience
- Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered
- Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and upstream bioprocessing
- Familiarity with single-use bioreactor systems and small-scale process development
- Experience designing and executing controlled experiments; DOE experience preferred
- Strong data analysis, documentation, and technical writing skills
- Working knowledge of GLP/GMP concepts and laboratory best practices
- Proficiency with standard data analysis and reporting tools (e.g., Excel, PowerPoint)
Nice To Haves
- Demonstrated ability to work independently in a fast-paced, matrixed environment
- Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
- Ability to translate experimental data into practical insights
- Comfortable operating in environments with evolving requirements and priorities
- Collaborative mindset with a customer-centric orientation
- Ability to work in a laboratory environment and handle light to moderate lifting (up to ~50 lbs)
- Standing and walking for extended periods during experimental execution
- Manual dexterity to operate laboratory equipment and instrumentation
Responsibilities
- Independently design and execute small-scale upstream cell culture experiments (typically 2L–50L) using single-use bioreactor systems.
- Incorporate process analytical techniques (PAT), online sensors, and at-line/off-line analytics to monitor and assess cell culture performance.
- Execute mammalian cell culture processes such as fed-batch and intensified workflows, ensuring reproducibility, data integrity, and traceability.
- Troubleshoot experimental and data-related issues, including sensor performance, data quality, and process variability.
- Analyze experimental datasets using advanced data analytics approaches, including multivariate analysis, trend analysis, and statistical methods, as appropriate.
- Leverage JUMP™ and other analytical programs to support data-driven decision making and improve experimental efficiency.
- Translate complex datasets into clear, defensible conclusions and visual summaries suitable for internal and customer-facing audiences.
- Author protocols, technical reports, summaries, and SOPs that integrate experimental outcomes with process data insights.
- Collaborate closely with engineers, scientists, and cross-functional teams to align experimental work with BDC priorities.
- Support customer visits, technical demonstrations, and internal reviews by clearly explaining experimental intent and results.
- Communicate progress, risks, and outcomes effectively to technical and non-technical audiences.
- Maintain a safe, compliant, and organized laboratory environment.
- Follow applicable safety, quality, and data integrity requirements.
- Contribute to continuous improvement of lab workflows and experimental practices.
Benefits
- A choice of national medical and dental plans, and a national vision plan, including health incentive programs
- Employee assistance and family support programs, including commuter benefits and tuition reimbursement
- At least 120 hours paid time off (PTO), 10 paid holidays annually, paid parental leave (3 weeks for bonding and 8 weeks for caregiver leave), accident and life insurance, and short- and long-term disability in accordance with company policy
- Retirement and savings programs, such as our competitive 401(k) U.S. retirement savings plan
- Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) offers eligible colleagues the opportunity to purchase company stock at a discount
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Number of Employees
5,001-10,000 employees
