Staff Scientist - Method Lead (Small Molecule)

Thermo Fisher Scientific • Middleton, WI

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Staff Scientist is a senior scientific contributor and recognized technical authority in the Small Molecule department. The role provides expert technical oversight for complex, non-routine analytical programs, including analytical development, validation, transfer, and method establishment, and may serve as a subject matter expert for one or more analytical technologies or scientific disciplines. The position maintains an active laboratory presence and focuses on laboratory execution, technical decision-making, and scientific oversight rather than routine study management or ownership of routine study timelines, client communications, and deliverables.

The Staff Scientist leads and mentors laboratory staff across client programs, partnering with laboratory leadership, Quality, and Program Managers to support scientific rigor, regulatory compliance, and sustainable technical capabilities. The role supports complex technical issues and investigations, contributes to quality and continuous improvement, and may participate in client discussions as a senior technical representative. The position is fully onsite in Middleton, Wisconsin, in a laboratory and office setting, with GMP safety requirements and some PPE use.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent and relevant formal academic or vocational qualification, with comparable relevant experience of 8 or more years; or a PhD with 4 or more years of experience; or a master's degree with 7 or more years of experience.
• An appropriate combination of education, training, and/or directly related experience may be considered as an equivalency in some cases.
• Expert knowledge of analytical testing techniques, laboratory instrumentation, and method execution in a regulated environment, with ability to provide technical oversight across 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 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 skills, including trend evaluation, outlier detection, and interpretation of complex or atypical data.
• 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.
• Excellent organizational and prioritization skills 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 to internal and external 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 collaboratively.
• 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 analytical testing software.
• Openness to feedback and continuous improvement, applying lessons learned to enhance technical performance and laboratory capability.
• Ability to communicate, receive, and understand information and ideas with diverse groups 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 non-traditional work environments and use and learn standard office equipment and technology proficiently.
• Ability to perform successfully under pressure while prioritizing and handling multiple projects or activities.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical oversight for complex, non-routine analytical testing, method establishment, analytical development, validation, transfer, and technology-driven programs.
• Serve as a senior technical authority and subject matter expert for analytical technologies, platforms, or scientific disciplines.
• Guide scientific decision-making, including experimental design, execution strategies, and data interpretation.
• Review and/or approve 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.
• Resolve complex technical issues, atypical results, and escalated investigations through direct scientific involvement.
• Conduct in-depth data and root-cause analyses to identify issues and support continuous improvement.
• Provide guidance and oversight to Senior Scientists and other technical leads on non-routine or method-establishment programs, or advance capabilities and define best practices as a technology subject matter expert.
• Mentor and develop the technical skills, critical thinking, and scientific judgment of Senior Scientists and other staff.
• Support identification and development of high-potential technical talent with laboratory leadership.
• Promote 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 on 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