Work Schedule

Standard (Mon-Fri)

Environmental Conditions

Adherence to all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Safety Standards

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.

Key Responsibilities

Experimental Design & Execution

• 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.

Systems, Automation & PAT Enablement

• 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.

Data Analysis & Digital Enablement

• 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.

Collaboration & Communication

• 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.

Laboratory Operations & Compliance

• 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.

Qualifications

Education

• 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

Experience & Skills

• 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)

Preferred Attributes

• 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

Physical Requirements

• 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

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.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range estimated for this position based in Massachusetts is $96,000.00–$127,000.00. This position may also be eligible to receive a variable annual bonus based on company, team, and/or individual performance results in accordance with company policy.

We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package that our U.S. colleagues and their families can count on, which includes:

• 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

For more information on our benefits, please visit: https://jobs.thermofisher.com/global/en/total-rewards

About Thermo Fisher Scientific

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is the world leader in serving science, with annual revenue of more than $40 billion. Our Mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. Whether our customers are accelerating life sciences research, solving complex analytical challenges, increasing productivity in their laboratories, improving patient health through diagnostics or the development and manufacture of life-changing therapies, we are here to support them. Our global team delivers an unrivaled combination of innovative technologies, purchasing convenience and pharmaceutical services through our industry-leading brands, including Thermo Scientific, Applied Biosystems, Invitrogen, Fisher Scientific, Unity Lab Services, Patheon and PPD.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Thermo Fisher Scientific is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration.