About the role
Work Schedule
Standard (Mon-Fri)
Environmental Conditions
Office
Job Description
Join us as Senior Scientist!
At Thermo Fisher Scientific, you’ll discover meaningful work that makes a positive impact on a global scale. Join our colleagues in bringing our Mission to life - enabling our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. We provide our teams with the resources needed to achieve individual career goals while taking science a step beyond through research, development and delivery of life-changing therapies. With clinical trials conducted in 100+ countries and ongoing development of novel frameworks for clinical research through our PPD clinical research portfolio, our work spans laboratory, digital and decentralized clinical trial services. Your determination to deliver quality and accuracy will improve health outcomes that people and communities depend on – now and in the future.
Department Overview
Discovery Bioanalysis is a global department within Integrated Bioanalysis, Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Sciences. The department applies advanced analytical technologies to generate high-confidence pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data that support project decisions from discovery through clinical development.
This engagement will provide dedicated laboratory capacity for ligand-binding assay testing while maintaining scientific quality, reliable delivery, and clear communication with internal project teams.
Engagement Overview
Discovery Bioanalysis is seeking an hourly Outside Service Provider (OSP) scientist for a nine-month engagement. The OSP will deliver ligand-binding testing associated with departmental pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) studies. This is a hands-on, laboratory-based assignment focused on timely sample analysis and generation of accurate, traceable, fit-for-purpose bioanalytical data.
The OSP will work to develop or work from approved methods, protocols, study plans, and departmental procedures; coordinate testing priorities with designated scientific leads; and independently execute routine assay activities. Work may include assay readiness checks, reagent and sample preparation, plate execution, data review, repeat analysis when scientifically justified, and preparation of study-level data packages.
The assignment is delivery-oriented. The OSP is expected to manage agreed work efficiently, escalate risks promptly, and maintain complete records sufficient for scientific review and downstream reporting. Final priorities, study volume, and schedules will be set by the department based on portfolio needs.
Scope of Services and Responsibilities
* Develop and/or Execute ligand-binding assays for PK and PD sample testing using established methods and approved study documentation. Additional responsibilities for assay delivery may be assigned in accordance with department needs (e.g. flow cytometry assay development and/or testing if applicable).
* Prepare samples, standards, controls, reagents, and assay plates; operate applicable laboratory instrumentation and software.
* Complete assay readiness activities, including reagent checks, control evaluation, and method familiarization or training.
* Review run performance against predefined acceptance criteria and identify, document, and communicate assay issues or deviations.
* Perform scientifically justified repeat analysis and basic troubleshooting in consultation with the designated scientific lead.
* Analyze and process data using approved templates and systems, ensuring accuracy, traceability, and appropriate quality control.
* Maintain contemporaneous records in electronic laboratory notebooks, sample-management systems, and other departmental repositories.
* Prepare complete data packages, summaries, and supporting documentation for scientific review and reporting.
* Track assigned workload, turnaround times, and dependencies; provide concise status updates and escalate delivery risks promptly.
* Follow applicable safety, biosafety, data-integrity, confidentiality, and departmental procedures.
* Coordinate effectively with project scientists, sample-management colleagues, and other internal partners.
Required Qualifications and Experience
* Bachelor’s degree or higher in biology, biochemistry, immunology, pharmacology, or a related scientific discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
* Demonstrated hands-on experience executing ligand-binding assays for quantitative bioanalysis of PK and/or PD samples.
* Practical experience with ELISA or electrochemiluminescence platforms; experience with MSD instrumentation and software is strongly preferred.
* Ability to follow established protocols, independently execute laboratory work, and recognize and troubleshoot common assay-performance issues.
* Working knowledge of calibration curves, quality controls, dilutional analysis, run acceptance criteria, and good documentation practices.
* Experience with electronic laboratory notebooks and sample or laboratory information-management systems.
* Strong attention to detail, organization, communication, and the ability to manage multiple studies against agreed timelines.
* Ability to work collaboratively in a matrixed research environment while maintaining accountability for assigned deliverables.
Preferred Qualifications
* Experience testing nonclinical or clinical study samples in a pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or contract research environment.
* Experience with automated ligand-binding assay workflows and high-throughput sample testing.
* Familiarity with fit-for-purpose assay qualification, regulated or GxP-like practices, and technical report support.
* Experience with biomarker, target-engagement, or receptor-occupancy assays.
* Experience with other bioanalytic modalities, particularly flow cytometry would be beneficial but is not required.
Engagement Terms
* Engagement type: Outside Service Provider; services invoiced on an hourly basis.
* Duration: Nine months from the agreed start date.
* Work model: Laboratory-based/on-site as required to perform testing and access departmental systems and equipment.
* Schedule: Position will be full time billed at 40 hours/week in accordance with company policies..
* Oversight: The OSP will work with a designated scientific lead who will set priorities, revie
* w outputs, and confirm acceptance of deliverables.
* Time reporting: Hours must be recorded accurately and submitted in accordance with the applicable purchase order, supplier agreement, and departmental process.
Expected Deliverables and Success Measures
* Completed PK and PD ligand-binding assay runs and sample analyses aligned with approved schedules and acceptance criteria.
* Accurate, complete, and review-ready data packages delivered within agreed turnaround times.
* Contemporaneous and traceable laboratory, sample, and data records with no unresolved documentation gaps.
* Prompt communication of assay failures, sample issues, capacity constraints, and schedule risks, with recommended next steps.
* Effective management of paid hours against assigned priorities, with transparent time reporting and minimal avoidable repeat work.
* Orderly transfer of open activities, data, and documentation at the end of the nine-month engagement.
Why Join Us? When you join Thermo Fisher Scientific, you become part of a global team that values passion, innovation, and a commitment to scientific excellence. You’ll work in an environment where collaboration and development are part of the everyday experience – and where your contributions truly make a difference.
Apply today to help us deliver tomorrow’s breakthrough.
Compensation and Benefits
The salary range estimated for this position based in Maryland is $75,000.00–$95,000.00.
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