Staff Scientist, Cell Lab (GMP)

Thermo Fisher Scientific • Middleton, WI

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Staff Scientist provides expert-level technical leadership within Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Cell Lab, serving as a senior scientific contributor and recognized technical authority. The role oversees nonroutine programs such as analytical development, validation, transfer, and method establishment, and may serve as a subject matter expert for specific analytical technologies. It remains grounded in laboratory execution, technical decision-making, and scientific oversight rather than routine study management or ownership of routine study timelines, client communications, or deliverables.

The Staff Scientist provides technical leadership and mentorship to laboratory personnel and guides work across multiple client programs. In partnership with laboratory leadership, Quality, and Program Managers, the role supports scientific rigor, regulatory compliance, and sustainable technical capabilities. The position may lead nonroutine technical programs, advise on complex technical challenges, and participate in client discussions concerning methods, data interpretation, and technical strategy.

This is a fully onsite position at the GMP Laboratory in Middleton, Wisconsin. Applicants from anywhere in the United States are welcome, but relocation assistance is not provided. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship and pass a comprehensive background check that includes drug screening. Work takes place in a laboratory setting and requires adherence to GMP safety standards and use of appropriate personal protective equipment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent and relevant formal academic or vocational qualification.
• Comparable to 8 or more years of relevant experience providing the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job; an appropriate combination of education, training, and/or directly related experience may be considered equivalent.
• Expert knowledge of analytical testing techniques, laboratory instrumentation, and method execution in a regulated environment, with the ability to provide technical oversight across methods, programs, or technologies.
• Ability to independently design, execute, and oversee complex testing, investigations, and nonroutine laboratory activities, including method establishment and advanced problem resolution.
• Advanced troubleshooting, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills, including identifying systemic root causes and implementing sustainable technical solutions.
• Ability to develop, maintain, and apply subject matter expertise in analytical methods, assays, platforms, or technologies across programs.
• Strong data analysis capabilities, including trend evaluation, outlier detection, and interpretation of complex or atypical data sets.
• 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 while ensuring appropriate experimental design, execution strategy, and compliance.
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills, including balancing complex 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 to stakeholders.
• 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, with the ability to apply lessons learned to enhance technical performance and laboratory capability.
• Ability to communicate, receive, and understand information and ideas with diverse groups of people in a comprehensible and reasonable manner.
• Ability to work upright and stationary and/or standing for typical working hours.
• Ability to lift and move objects up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to work in nontraditional work environments and use and learn standard office equipment and technology.
• Ability to perform successfully under pressure while prioritizing and handling multiple projects or activities.
• Must be 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 development, optimization, qualification, or validation of cell-based assays in a regulated laboratory environment is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical oversight for complex, nonroutine 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, including methods, protocols, reports, and quality records, for quality and compliance.
• Design, execute, and/or oversee complex laboratory experiments and development, transfer, and validation activities.
• Maintain hands-on laboratory engagement to support technical credibility and alignment with execution.
• Support resolution of 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 on multiple nonroutine or method-establishment programs, or advance capabilities and define best practices as a technology SME.
• Mentor and develop Senior Scientists and other staff, strengthening technical skills, critical thinking, and scientific judgment.
• Support identification and development of high-potential technical talent with laboratory leadership.
• Reinforce 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior