Job Description

Scientist II – Protein Mass Spectrometry

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 – To enable 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.

Our work in specialty diagnostics – from providing diagnostic assays and instruments to clinical monitoring across disease stages – improves the diagnosis and management of blood cancers and immune system disorders. Your determination to put patients at the heart of every decision will improve health outcomes that people and communities depend on – now and in the future.

Location/Division Specific Information

The Binding Site Group, part of Thermo Fisher Scientific, is a global leader in specialty diagnostics, provides diagnostic assays and instruments to improve the diagnosis and management of blood cancers and immune system disorders. The Binding Site’s Freelite® offering is widely recommended for multiple myeloma diagnosis and monitoring across all stages of the disease by major clinical guideline publications. In addition, The Binding Site is an active and influential contributor to the broader scientific community. To find out more visit www.bindingsite.com

Role purpose

You will principally be tasked with the primary structural analyses of protein samples provided by internal PDX colleagues, while your unique expertise and experience will enhance the general problem solving and experimental capabilities of the wider department.

Protein and protein-associated molecules underpin everything that PDX does, which emphasizes the importance of a strong structural characterisation background for this position.

As a company that deals at all levels with protein-related compounds, the requirement to fundamentally understand the structural features of analytes, interferants and contaminants is critical to the provision of high quality products and the maintenance of our reputation and knowledgebase.

Your scientific knowledge, insight & creativity will allow you to utilise a range of experimental resources, and you will be instrumental in intelligent design choices and technical solutions. The role will also support other areas of the organisation through communication and scientific expertise to improve existing procedures and to transition prototype technologies into routine clinical use.

Role description

Your principal role will be to work within the mass spectrometry group to characterise protein-related samples from all over the company, at any and all manufacturing points. This will require organisation, coordination and excellent communication, together with a good current understanding of analytical biochemical techniques/technology in general and mass spectrometry specifically. You will be expected to take ownership of performing experimental work and the design and appraisal of the outcomes in accordance with the project objectives. This will require you to be receptive to new ideas and techniques, to be able to consolidate information from various sources and to make informed decisions within a team environment.

This is a laboratory and office based role encompassing semi-routine proteomic workflows, together with exploratory method development and research, targeted problem solving and technology transfer. We are seeking an individual with the agility to operate within a fast paced, evolving landscape and the ideal candidate will be highly motivated with a keen desire to learn new skills and to share their knowledge & findings.

As a professional scientist, you will be encouraged to openly communicate ideas and suggestions across a range of functions and take ownership of wider laboratory and departmental activities. Occasionally, you will be able to positively mentor other scientists through their development journey.

As a manufacturer of clinical IVD devices, training in all relevant company, regulatory and legal guidelines will be provided.

Person specification

Background & Education

An academic and/or industrial background in at least one relevant scientific area is needed. For example: biochemistry, biophysics, analytical science or immunology. Candidates with a track record of laboratory-based research and a genuine passion for scientific discovery would be particularly suited to this role. We are a multidisciplinary team, where complementary qualifications or working knowledge in any of the following areas would be welcomed: mass spectrometry, mathematics, statistics, physics or chemistry.

The level of this role should meet either one of the following:

• BSc or equivalent UK Level 6 ( with practical laboratory-based research experience)

• MSc/MRes or equivalent UK Level 7 ( with practical laboratory-based research experience)

Candidates who are expected to gain one of the above qualifications are also encouraged to apply.

Scientific Experience

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 1 year laboratory experience (industrial or academic) and an understanding or practical experience in one or more of the following areas will be advantageous:

• Principle and techniques of mass spectrometry

• Practical experience of hyphenated techniques, specifically LC-ESI-MS, MALDI-TOF, GC-MS

• Informatics experience, specifically in an ‘omics field

• Protein biochemistry

• Chromatography

• Protein characterisation techniques (electrophoretic, higher order or similar)

• Protein-protein interaction techniques

• Automated Immunoprecipitation/immunological assays

• Bioconjugation/surface chemistry

• Assay development

• Scientific data analysis

As a dynamic team, we will provide training and support across a range of development areas.

Core Skills

As a Scientist II within the team, you will be expected to demonstrate a range of core skills with an opportunity to develop in other areas.

Primarily, we are looking for someone to add to the expanding operations of a structural characterisation laboratory, designed to support the day to day operations of a specialist protein manufacturer. This takes the form of a blend of semi-routine proteomic sample analysis, together with custom sample structural elucidation. The research environment will require motivation to learn and excel in the relevant scientific techniques and the contribution of creative/alternative ideas for new product development, process improvement and customer resolutions.

Advantageous skills include ability to organise experimental work to achieve project goals within timelines and communicate complex information effectively, to make informed decisions.

Adaptability and resilience will help you thrive in a research environment that is dynamic, forward-thinking, and responsive to emerging trends and challenges.

Our Mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. Watch as our colleagues explain 5 reasons to work with us (https://jobs.thermofisher.com/global/en/5-reasons-to-work-at-thermo-fisher-scientific) . As one team of 100,000+ colleagues, we share a common set of values - Integrity, Intensity, Innovation and Involvement - working together to accelerate research, solve complex scientific challenges, drive technological innovation and support patients in need. #StartYourStory at Thermo Fisher Scientific, where diverse experiences, backgrounds and perspectives are valued.

Thermo Fisher Scientific is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.

Thermo Fisher Scientific is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.