Staff Scientist, Cell Lab (GMP)

Thermo Fisher Scientific•Middleton, WI

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Staff Scientist is an expert-level technical leader and senior scientific contributor in Thermo Fisher Scientific’s GMP Cell Lab in Middleton, Wisconsin. The role provides scientific oversight for non-routine analytical programs, including analytical development, method establishment, validation, and transfer, or serves as a subject matter expert for specific analytical technologies. It is grounded in laboratory execution, technical decision-making, and scientific oversight rather than routine study management. The position maintains an active laboratory presence and partners with laboratory leadership to ensure scientific rigor, regulatory compliance, and sustainable technical capabilities and processes. The Staff Scientist guides and mentors laboratory staff, oversees complex testing and investigations within the assigned scope, and may assist Study Leads with complex technical challenges. The role does not own routine study timelines, client communications, or client deliverables. This is a fully onsite position in Middleton, Wisconsin. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship and must pass a comprehensive background check, including drug screening. Relocation assistance is not provided.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent and relevant formal academic or vocational qualification.
Comparable to 8 or more years of experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job; an appropriate combination of education, training, and/or directly related experience may be considered.
Expert knowledge of analytical testing techniques, laboratory instrumentation, and method execution in a regulated environment, with the ability to provide oversight across multiple methods, programs, or technologies.
Ability to independently design, execute, and oversee complex testing, investigations, and non-routine laboratory activities, including method establishment and advanced problem resolution.
Advanced troubleshooting, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills, including the ability to identify systemic root causes and implement sustainable technical solutions.
Ability to develop, maintain, and apply deep subject matter expertise in analytical methods, assays, platforms, or technologies across programs.
Strong data analysis skills, including trend evaluation, outlier detection, and interpretation of complex or atypical datasets.
Commitment to data integrity, quality, and scientific rigor, with advanced understanding of GMP requirements and regulatory expectations.
Ability to guide scientific and technical decision-making and ensure appropriate experimental design, execution strategy, and compliance.
Strong organizational and prioritization skills, including the ability to balance complex technical responsibilities and shifting priorities.
Ability to mentor, coach, and technically develop Senior Scientists and junior staff through hands-on guidance.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including authorship and review of complex technical documents and clear communication of scientific concepts.
Ability to collaborate across laboratory, quality, and project teams and influence outcomes through technical expertise.
Experience identifying and constructively resolving technical or professional conflicts in a collaborative environment.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of client information, data, and proprietary methodologies.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, such as Word, Excel, PowerBI, PowerPoint, Teams, and SharePoint, and familiarity with laboratory data systems and software supporting analytical testing.
Openness to feedback and continuous improvement, and ability to apply lessons learned to enhance technical performance and laboratory capability.
Able to communicate, receive, and understand information and ideas with diverse groups of people in a comprehensible and reasonable manner.
Able to work upright and stationary and/or standing for typical working hours.
Able to lift and move objects up to 25 pounds.
Able to work in non-traditional work environments and use and learn standard office equipment and technology proficiently.
Able to perform successfully under pressure while prioritizing and handling multiple projects or activities.
Legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship and able to pass a comprehensive background check, including drug screening.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience with mammalian cell culture and the development, optimization, qualification, or validation of cell-based assays in a regulated laboratory environment is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide technical oversight for complex, non-routine analytical testing, including analytical development, validation, transfer, method establishment, and technology-driven programs.
Serve as a senior technical authority and subject matter expert for one or more analytical technologies, platforms, or scientific disciplines.
Guide scientific decision-making, including experimental design, execution strategy, and data interpretation.
Review and/or approve technical documents such as methods, protocols, reports, and quality records for quality and compliance.
Design, execute, and/or oversee complex laboratory experiments, development, transfer, and validation activities.
Maintain sufficient hands-on laboratory engagement to support technical credibility and alignment with execution.
Resolve complex technical issues, atypical results, and escalated investigations through direct scientific involvement.
Conduct in-depth data analysis and root cause analysis to support quality management and continuous improvement.
Provide guidance and oversight to Senior Scientists and other technical leads across non-routine or method-establishment programs, or advance capabilities and define best practices as a technology subject matter expert.
Guide and mentor Senior Scientists and other staff, developing advanced technical skills, critical thinking, and scientific judgment.
Support identification and development of high-potential technical talent with laboratory leadership.
Reinforce a culture of scientific excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Collaborate with laboratory leadership, Quality, and Program Managers to align technical execution with program objectives and regulatory expectations.
Participate in client interactions as a senior technical representative, supporting discussions about methods, data interpretation, and technical strategy.
Provide technical and regulatory recommendations to internal teams and clients as needed.