Small Scale Purification Scientist-Bioprocess Design Center

Work Schedule

Standard (Mon-Fri)

Environmental Conditions

Laboratory Setting, Some degree of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) required (safety glasses, gowning, gloves, lab coat, ear plugs etc.)

Job Description

As part of the Thermo Fisher Scientific team, you’ll discover meaningful work that makes a positive impact on 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.

Location: On-site Plainville, MA. Relocation assistance is NOT provided. 

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
• Must be able to pass a comprehensive background check, which includes a drug screening.

About the Role

The Small-Scale Purification Scientist is a hands-on technical contributor in the Bioprocess Design Center (BDC), responsible for designing, executing, and documenting downstream purification experiments that generate high-quality technical evidence for Thermo Fisher Scientific’s single-use purification technologies.

This role operates at the intersection of experimental execution and system-level process understanding. The successful candidate will independently own small-scale downstream studies, translate experimental outcomes into actionable insights, and support integrated end-to-end workflow development across upstream, harvest, and downstream unit operations. Familiarity with Thermo Fisher Scientific’s single-use downstream purification equipment, consumables, and workflow architectures is highly valued and will enable rapid execution within BDC laboratory and customer-facing environments.

Key Responsibilities

Experimental Design & Execution

• Execute purification resin design studies for internal and external customers using Thermo Fishers brand resins.
• Independently design and execute small-scale downstream purification experiments spanning capture, intermediate, and polishing operations.
• Develop experimental plans aligned to defined technical objectives, including appropriate controls, success criteria, and data quality expectations.
• Execute chromatography and filtration processes (e.g., column screening, process optimization, UF/DF) with a focus on Thermo Fisher single-use chromatography and centrifugation systems.
• Troubleshoot experimental issues and drive resolution with minimal supervision.

Systems & Workflow Awareness

• Apply systems-level thinking to understand how downstream purification integrates with upstream processes, automation, analytics, and overall workflow design.
• Support evaluation of single-use purification technologies, process configurations, and operating strategies.
• Use and expertise on bench scale AKTA systems, HPLC, LCMS, ELISA, SDS page and other analytical instruments

Data Analysis & Documentation

• Analyze experimental data, identify trends, and draw scientifically defensible conclusions.
• Author protocols, technical reports, summaries, and SOPs suitable for internal use and customer-facing communication.
• Well versed in Unicorn, Chromeleon, DELTA V platform.

Collaboration & Communication

• Support customer visits, technical demonstrations, and internal reviews by clearly articulating experimental intent, methods, and results.
• Communicate progress, risks, and outcomes effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Laboratory Operations & Compliance

• Maintain a safe, compliant, and well-organized laboratory environment.
• Follow applicable safety, quality, and training requirements (e.g., GLP, ISO, internal EHS standards).
• Contribute to continuous improvement of downstream laboratory workflows and experimental practices.
• Support preparation of bills of materials and logistical needs for BDC projects and customer activities.

Qualifications

Education

• B.S. in Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, or related field with 3–5 years of relevant downstream experience
• M.S. with 2–3 years of relevant experience
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered

Experience & Skills

• Hands-on experience with downstream purification and bioprocessing workflows
• Familiarity with selection, setup, and operation of single-use chromatography columns, flow kits, and UF/DF systems.
• Experience designing and executing controlled experiments; DoE experience preferred
• Strong data analysis, documentation, and technical writing skills
• 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, workflow-relevant insights
• Comfort operating in environments with evolving priorities and requirements
• Collaborative, customer-centric mindset

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 translated into real-world customer solutions. This role offers hands-on exposure to cutting-edge single-use purification systems, ownership of meaningful technical work, and the opportunity to contribute data that directly shapes customer confidence and adoption.

We offer competitive remuneration, annual incentive plan bonus scheme, healthcare, company 401k, and a range of employee benefits! Thermo Fisher Scientific offers employment with an innovative, forward-thinking organization, and outstanding career and development prospects. We offer an exciting company culture that stands for integrity, intensity, involvement, and innovation. 

Thermo Fisher Scientific is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform critical job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request an accommodation. 

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range estimated for this position based in Massachusetts is $96,000.00–$130,000.00.

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