Staff Scientist, Research Innovation

Work Schedule
Standard (Mon-Fri)

Environmental Conditions
Able to lift 40 lbs. without assistance, Cold Room/Freezers -22degreesF/-6degrees C, Laboratory Setting, Loud Noises (Equipment/Machinery), Some degree of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) required (safety glasses, gowning, gloves, lab coat, ear plugs etc.), Strong Odors (chemical, lubricants, biological products etc.)

Job Description

Are you ready to become part of our team as we collaborate to craft and implement strategic plans aimed at increasing the success of our business, working in tandem with senior leadership?

Being part of the Thermo Fisher Scientific team, you'll discover meaningful work that positively impacts a global scale. Join our colleagues in bringing our Mission to life every single day to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. We provide our global teams with the resources needed to achieve individual career goals while helping to take science a step beyond by developing solutions for some of the world's toughest challenges, like protecting the environment, making sure our food is safe or helping find cures for cancer!

This role advances innovation by identifying and developing next-generation analytical assays, innovative solutions and driving proof of concept studies, leading strategic collaborations, and ensuring regulatory readiness. By advancing powerful technologies and encouraging key partnerships, this role accelerates scientific innovation and transforms business impact.

If you're ready to make a significant impact in the biopharmaceutical industry, we encourage you to join us on this outstanding adventure!

Location/Division Specific Information

Pleasanton, CA / Purification and Pharma Analytics

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

Strategic Innovation & Technology scouting

• Identify, evaluate, and develop next-generation analytical assay technologies (e.g., molecular or protein-based analytics, automation, microfluidics, etc.).
• Design innovative solutions and drive proof-of-concept studies for pharma applications.
• Stay updated on scientific advancements, evaluating exciting technologies for potential technology partnerships, assessing feasibility and scalability and presenting them to leadership teams
• Build partnerships with academic institutions, startups, and technology providers to accelerate innovation.
• Lead the implementation of new technologies, equipment, and software tools.

• Lead and coordinate meetings with customers and technology partners to review project progress and next steps.

Analytical Assay Development

• Design and optimize analytical assays with enhanced sensitivity, specificity, and robustness.
• Implement innovative methodologies such as multi-omics, molecular diagnostics, and high-throughput screening.
• Explore automation and miniaturization to improve workflow efficiency.
• Rapidly prototype, validate, and refine novel assays based on data-driven insights.

Regulatory Readiness & Process Improvement

• Develop assays that align with evolving regulatory landscapes (e.g., novel detection methods).
• Ensure data integrity, reproducibility, and compliance with safety regulations in BSL1/BSL2 laboratories.

Leadership & Team Development

• Guide and support team members by assigning tasks aligned with expertise and development goals.
• Provide mentorship in experiment design, execution, and strategic problem-solving.
• Monitor industry trends, patents, and competitor advancements to advise R&D strategy.

Requirements:

Education

Bachelor's degree, Master's degree or PhD in a relevant technical field (e.g., engineering, science) with 10+, 8+ or 6+ years of related experience. Master or PhD preferred. Experience in Academic / Biotech / Biopharma environment with BioProduction or BioPharma industry preferred.

Experience, Technical Expertise

• Experience in new product development from concept to commercial launch.
• Expertise in molecular (e.g., qPCR) and protein assay development for biologics release testing.
• Hands-on experience with dPCR, laboratory automation, and/or NGS (preferred).
• Strong knowledge of Design of Experiments (DOE) and statistical analysis.
• Understanding of biopharma customer needs and regulatory expectations.
• Ability to quickly master and implement new techniques and technologies.

Leadership Proficiencies

• Strong problem-solving abilities with technical proficiency.
• Demonstrated independence, accountability, and leadership.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate progress, challenges, and solutions with technical and business teams.
• Strong leadership, mentoring, and cross-functional collaboration skills across multiple sites.
• Effective planning, organization, and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
• Communication skills that cultivate collaboration and innovation.
• Travel requirements up to 15%.
• Embodies Thermo Fisher Scientific's core values: Integrity, Intensity, Innovation, and Involvement.

This position has not been approved for relocation assistance.

Compensation and Benefits
The salary range estimated for this position based in California is $123,800.00-$150,000.00.

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