Senior Scientist - Method Lead, Cell and Gene Therapy

Thermo Fisher Scientific•Middleton, WI

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Scientist is a hands-on technical contributor in Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Cell and Gene Therapy department, based at a GMP laboratory in Middleton, Wisconsin. This is a full-time, fully onsite position. The role independently performs complex laboratory testing and provides technical coaching and mentorship, while developing subject matter expertise in assigned methods, assays, or analytical platforms. Depending on laboratory needs, the Senior Scientist may contribute to method development, transfer, or validation, or serve as a key technical resource for complex or priority routine testing. The position remains directly involved in laboratory execution and testing oversight, owns assigned non-routine technical deliverables, and helps Scientist I and II staff maintain consistent, high-quality laboratory performance. It is a senior technical contributor and escalation resource, not a Study Lead: it does not own overall program delivery, routine study management, project coordination, or primary client communication. Method-specific client discussions may occur, while scientific decisions affecting method lifecycle, validation strategy, or broader testing models are escalated to Staff Scientist or above for approval. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship and pass a comprehensive background check, including drug screening. Relocation assistance is not provided, and relocation costs are the candidate’s responsibility.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, with a relevant formal academic or vocational qualification.
Comparable to 5 or more years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. In some cases, a combination of appropriate education, training, and directly related experience may meet the requirement.
Advanced knowledge of analytical testing techniques, laboratory instrumentation, and method execution in a regulated environment.
Ability to independently execute complex testing, investigations, and non-routine laboratory activities.
Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills, including identifying analytical challenges and implementing effective solutions.
Ability to develop and maintain subject matter expertise in assigned methods, assays, or analytical platforms.
Data analysis skills, including identifying trends, outliers, and atypical results.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to data integrity, quality, and accuracy.
Working knowledge of GMP requirements and data-integrity principles.
Organizational skills and ability to adapt to changing priorities while maintaining focus and productivity.
Ability to prioritize and execute multiple assignments with challenging or conflicting deadlines in a dynamic laboratory environment.
Ability to mentor and technically develop scientific staff through hands-on guidance and knowledge transfer.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, particularly for technical documentation and scientific discussion.
Ability to collaborate, contribute effectively to a team, and maintain a positive attitude.
Experience identifying and resolving conflicts professionally and constructively.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of client information and data.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, such as Word, Excel, Power BI, PowerPoint, Teams, and SharePoint.
Familiarity with data collection and laboratory software used to support analytical testing.
Ability to receive, apply, and act on constructive feedback to improve performance.
Ability to communicate information and ideas clearly and to listen to and understand information presented verbally.
Legal authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.
Ability to pass a comprehensive background check, including drug screening.
Ability to work upright and stationary and/or standing for typical working hours; lift and move objects up to 25 pounds; work in non-traditional work environments; use and learn standard office equipment and technology; and work under pressure while prioritizing multiple projects or activities.
Ability to communicate, receive, and understand information and ideas with diverse groups of people in a comprehensible and reasonable manner.

Responsibilities

Independently perform complex laboratory testing, including challenging routine testing, analytical investigations, development, transfer, and validation activities.
Communicate analytical needs, resource requirements, and barriers to relevant stakeholders.
Maintain a strong hands-on laboratory presence and provide technical support during test execution.
Assist directly with testing, troubleshooting, and optimization, applying scientific judgment to execution strategy, data interpretation, and problem resolution.
Develop and maintain subject matter expertise in assigned analytical methods, assays, or platform technologies.
Serve as a technical escalation point for execution-level issues in routine and non-routine testing.
Identify improvements to methods, execution, and workflows to strengthen data quality and routine testing robustness.
Independently execute or technically lead defined components of method development, transfer, or validation work when applicable.
Author and/or review non-routine technical deliverables, including methods, protocols, reports, and quality records.
Support the transition of improved or newly established methods into routine testing.
Assist analysts with execution strategies, atypical results, and troubleshooting for established methods.
Support quality management through hands-on data review and root cause analysis.
Train, mentor, and technically develop Scientist I and II staff through direct laboratory involvement and knowledge transfer.
Reinforce laboratory best practices through example and active participation in testing activities.