Staff Scientist, Molecular Biology qPCR

Work Schedule

Standard (Mon-Fri)

Environmental Conditions

Cold Room/Freezers -22degreesF/-6degrees C, Laboratory Setting, Office

Job Description

Job Description

Staff Scientist, Molecular Biology qPCR

Position Summary

Do you have a passion for innovative ideas and groundbreaking discoveries? With over $1 billion invested annually in R&D, at Thermo Fisher Scientific you’ll help solve some of the world’s toughest challenges, from giving cancer patients hope to ensuring safe drinking water!

The Staff Scientist, Molecular Biology qPCR will drive technical discovery and help support the strategic direction for qPCR assay and workflow innovation to advance on customer solutions. The ideal candidate is a collaborative scientific leader who combines deep molecular biology expertise with experience in leading teams, driving innovation, and results in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical lead qPCR assays and related workflows.
• Define experimental strategy development, innovation, and alignment with business objectives.
• Drive innovation in assay chemistry, multiplex design, and workflow automation to improve performance and scalability.
• Lead experimental programs in collaboration with R&D, Manufacturing, and Quality teams.
• Analyze and summarize data; provide technical insights that guide decision-making.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with bioinformatics, automation engineering, and product management teams to integrate molecular workflows into Thermo Fisher platforms.
• Mentor scientists, encouraging collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with Thermo Fisher Scientific’s quality systems, laboratory safety standards, and applicable regulatory requirements (ISO, GLP, CLIA).

Qualifications

Education

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or a related field with 7+ years of R&D experience; or M.S. with 10+ years of R&D experience in qPCR or related molecular biology applications.

Experience

• Success leading assay development projects from concept through validation and transfer to production.
• Hands-on experience with PCR (probe-based and multiplex formats) and familiarity with Thermo Fisher qPCR platforms.
• Track record of technical innovation, authorship of scientific publications, or patent contributions in molecular assay development.
• Experience working under quality and regulatory environments.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Deep understanding of molecular biology, assay design principles.
• Strong statistical and data analysis capabilities; experience with Design of Experiments (DoE) and data visualization tools.
• Clear communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence and align technical direction across teams.
• Leadership in mentoring, cross-functional collaboration, and driving technical discovery.
• Strategic problem solver who combines scientific depth with business insight.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with NGS workflows, or emerging nucleic acid detection technologies.