Associate Scientist - GMP - Vaccines

This is a fully onsite role based at our BioAnalytical laboratory in Richmond, VA. We welcome applicants from all locations within the US. Relocation assistance is not provided, and candidates are responsible for their own relocation costs. Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship and able to pass a comprehensive background check, including a drug screening.

About the Role

Join Thermo Fisher Scientific as an Associate Scientist and contribute to meaningful work that makes a positive global impact. Our PPD® Laboratory Services team directly improves patient health through the expertise of scientists, industry thought-leaders, and therapeutic experts. As an Associate Scientist, you will oversee clinical laboratory testing operations, ensure accuracy and reliability of results, manage and mentor lab staff, and uphold the highest standards of quality and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Perform lab work in accordance with client protocols, methods, and requirements.
• Prepare study protocols, project status reports, final study reports, and other project-related technical documentation.
• Design experimental studies and participate in technical troubleshooting.
• Review, interpret, and analyze data for technical quality and compliance with protocols, methods, and SOPs.
• Review laboratory investigations and deviations.
• Organize, schedule, and supervise laboratory resources for group project activities and update project status.
• Respond to client questions and needs, coordinate client communication, and record meeting minutes.
• Assist group leaders in their responsibilities.
• Assist in the preparation and implementation of PPD/client SOPs and company operational policies.
• Ensure adherence to SOPs, safety standards, and company policies.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent and relevant formal academic/vocational qualification.
• 1 to 2 years of previous experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job (or an equivalency consisting of a combination of appropriate education, training, and/or directly related experience).

Skills

• Knowledge of routine operation, maintenance, and theory of analytical instrumentation, SOPs, and regulatory guidelines.
• Knowledge of applicable regulatory authority, compendia, and ICH guidelines.
• Excellent manual dexterity skills.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Time management and project management skills.
• Proven problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.
• Ability to cross-train on sample preparation techniques with another laboratory group.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Environmental Conditions

• Work is performed in a laboratory and/or clinical environment with exposure to electrical office equipment.
• Occasional drives to site locations and domestic travel.
• Exposure to biological fluids with potential exposure to infectious organisms.
• Rare exposure to skin and lung irritants, radiation, toxic materials, and hazardous waste.
• Personal protective equipment required, such as protective eyewear, garments, and gloves.
• Exposure to fluctuating and/or extreme temperatures on rare occasions.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in an upright and/or stationary position for 6-8 hours per day.
• Repetitive hand movement of both hands with the ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists to operate lab equipment.
• Occasional mobility needed, including crouching, stooping, bending, and twisting of the upper body and neck.
• Light to moderate lifting and carrying (or otherwise moving) objects, including luggage and laptop computers, with a maximum lift of 15-20 lbs.
• Ability to access and use a variety of computer software, both in-house and off-the-shelf.
• Ability to communicate information and ideas effectively and listen to others.
• Frequent interaction with others to obtain or relate information to diverse groups.
• Ability to work independently with minimal guidance, plan work schedules, and meet goals.
• Requires multiple periods of intense concentration.
• Performs a wide range of variable tasks as dictated by changing conditions with little predictability.
• Ability to perform under stress and multi-task.
• Regular and consistent attendance.

Schedule

Monday - Friday, approximately 8 AM - 5 PM.

Why Join Us?

At Thermo Fisher Scientific, you’ll be part of a global team that values passion, innovation, and a commitment to scientific excellence. You’ll work in an environment that fosters collaboration and development, where your contributions make a tangible difference in delivering breakthroughs that improve health outcomes for people and communities.