Scientist, LCMS - 2nd Shift

About the role

Thermo Fisher Scientific’s PPD® Laboratory Services team is seeking a Scientist to perform advanced diagnostic testing and analysis, ensure the accuracy and reliability of laboratory results, troubleshoot complex technical issues, and contribute to continuous improvement of lab procedures and quality standards. The role supports the company’s mission to enable customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer through research, development, and delivery of life‑changing therapies.

Responsibilities

• Perform complex sample preparation and analysis procedures to quantitatively measure pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical compounds in various formulations and biological matrices for stability and analytical testing.
• Collaborate with multiple functional groups to meet business needs.
• Plan and organize work with periodic supervision.
• Set up and maintain analytical instrumentation.
• Train in routine operation, maintenance, theory of analytical instrumentation, SOPs, and regulatory procedures and guidelines.
• Ensure QA findings are addressed appropriately.
• Provide assistance and training for other team members.
• Problem‑solve extraction and instrumentation issues independently or with assistance.
• Communicate project status to the project leader.
• Perform work assignments accurately, timely, and safely.
• Review, interpret, and analyze data for technical, quality, and compliance to protocols, methods, SOPs, client criteria, and GMP/GLP standards.
• Conduct self and peer review of data for accuracy and compliance before submission to QA and issuance to customers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with relevant formal academic/vocational qualification.
• At least 2 + years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and directly related experience.

Skills

• Knowledge of techniques such as HPLC, GC, MS, dissolution testing, inhalation testing, biopharmaceutical testing, Karl Fischer, UV‑Vis, FT‑IR, and TOC.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Ability to interpret data through trend analysis.
• Technical writing skills.
• Independent optimization of analytical methods.
• Problem‑solving and troubleshooting abilities.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Time‑management and project‑management capabilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Working Conditions

• Laboratory and/or clinical environment with exposure to electrical office equipment.
• Occasional drives to site locations and domestic travel.
• Exposure to biological fluids and potential infectious organisms.
• Rare exposure to skin and lung irritants, radiation, toxic materials, and hazardous waste.
• Personal protective equipment required (protective eyewear, garments, gloves, etc.).
• Exposure to fluctuating or extreme temperatures on rare occasions.
• Ability to lift 40 lb without assistance.
• Cold rooms/freezers at –22 °F (–6 °C).
• Loud noises from equipment/machinery.
• Strong odors (chemical, lubricants, biological products).
• Work with hazardous/toxic materials.

Physical Requirements

• Upright or stationary work for 6–8 hours per day.
• Repetitive hand movements with fast, simple motions of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Occasional mobility, crouching, stooping, frequent bending and twisting of upper body and neck.
• Light to moderate lifting (maximum 15–20 lb).
• Use of various computer software (in‑house and off‑the‑shelf).
• Effective verbal and written communication; active listening.
• Frequent interaction with diverse groups.
• Independent work with minimal guidance; ability to plan schedules to meet goals.
• Intense concentration, ability to multitask, perform under stress, and maintain regular attendance.

Schedule

Second Shift (Afternoons): Monday to Friday, 2:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. EST.

Location

Fully onsite at 8700 Quioccasin Road, Richmond, VA. Applicants from any U.S. location are welcome; relocation assistance is not provided. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship and must pass a comprehensive background check, including drug screening.

Compensation

Hourly pay range (Virginia) $27.41 – $45.68. Eligible for a variable annual bonus based on company, team, and/or individual performance.

Benefits

• Choice of national medical, dental, and vision plans, plus health‑