Senior Field Application Scientist

At Vitrafy Life Sciences, we’re redefining the biotech industry by improving the quality of healthcare treatments through effective cryopreservation solutions. Our breakthrough cryopreservation technologies aim to create new global standards in preserving, transporting, and delivering biological materials. Our integrated solutions include cryopreservation devices, packaging, and the LifeChain™ software platform, ensuring the quality of biological material across the entire cryopreservation supply chain. We are based in Australia, with our head office in South Melbourne, manufacturing and scientific lab in Ballarat, and established operations in the US.

About the role

As a Senior Field Application Scientist, you will help clients integrate products into cell-based workflows, optimize cryopreservation and thaw processes, and improve cell viability, recovery, and functional outcomes. This role bridges science, technology, and customer engagement by supporting clients during pre-sales, post-sales, and ongoing adoption of our solutions. Reporting to the Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations, you will focus on a customer-first mindset, commercial acumen, and partnering with Sales to identify upsell opportunities, strengthen customer relationships, and drive long-term value. You will serve as a technical expert in the field, mentor junior Field Application Scientists, and act as a trusted advisor to customers.

Responsibilities

• Customer Engagement and Workflow Optimization
  • Partner with customers to design, implement, and optimize end-to-end cell cryopreservation workflows, including cell preparation, freezing, storage, transport, and thawing.
  • Provide cell biology–driven scientific consultation to improve post-thaw viability, recovery, and consistency.
  • Assess customer cell handling practices, storage conditions, and workflow bottlenecks to recommend best practice cryobiology solutions.
  • Develop and deliver application-specific training programs for new product introductions (NPI), tailored to different cell types and use cases.
  • Provide application support for complex, viability-critical biological materials, including primary cells, immune and gene-modified cell therapies, blood-derived products, and animal health–related cellular materials.
  • Gather and communicate customer feedback to inform product improvements and future development of Vitrafy products.
• Sales Support and Revenue Growth
  • Collaborate with Sales as a technical subject matter expert during pre-sales discussions, demonstrations, and evaluations.
  • Identify upselling opportunities by aligning solutions with customer needs and workflow gaps.
  • Support account expansion by proposing additional applications, consumables, or services that add value.
  • Deliver compelling presentations and product demonstrations at customer sites, conferences, and industry events.
• Technical Expertise and Scientific Leadership
  • Serve as a scientific authority on cryobiology principles, cell stress responses, freezing/thaw kinetics, and storage conditions for both customers and internal teams.
  • Lead advanced troubleshooting related to cell viability loss, batch variability, or workflow-induced cell damage.
  • Contribute to application notes, best-practice guides, and training materials supporting multiple cell types.
  • Troubleshoot customer challenges and provide advanced technical support in collaboration with Technical Support, Product, and R&D.
  • Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitor offerings.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Partner with R&D, Product, and Marketing to provide insights into customer needs and competitive intelligence.
  • Work with Customer Success and Field Service teams to ensure seamless customer onboarding and support.
  • Collaborate with Sales leadership to develop strategies that drive adoption, retention, and account growth.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in cell biology–focused roles, such as Field Application Scientist, Cell Therapy Scientist, Applications Scientist, or similar customer-facing scientific position.
• Advanced degree (Ph.D or M.S) in Life Sciences, Cell Biology, or related discipline preferred.
• Proven ability to support technical sales processes and influence buying decisions.
• Strong communication and presentation skills; able to translate complex science into customer value.
• Demonstrated success in workflow customization, process optimization, or operational efficiency projects.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to thrive in fast-paced, customer-driven environments.
• Willingness to travel extensively (up to 60%-70%) to customer sites, conferences, and industry meetings.

Skills

• Builds trust and ensures customer success at every stage.
• Identifies upsell opportunities and drives account growth.
• Deep knowledge of applications with the ability to solve complex challenges.
• Works cross-functionally to deliver value and expand business.
• Helps customers find efficiencies and long-term workflow improvements.
• Guides junior team members, setting high standards for service excellence.

Pay

Target pay range: $125,000 - $160,000. Salary to be determined by education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plan options.
• 401(k) plan to support long-term financial well-being.
• Unlimited vacation and sick time programs.