Work Schedule

Environmental Conditions

Job Description

Senior Scientist – Cell & Molecular Biology

GMP Laboratory | Athlone, Ireland

Are you an experienced Cell & Molecular Biologist who enjoys being hands-on in the laboratory, solving complex scientific problems and helping others develop their technical expertise?

We are looking for a Senior Scientist to join our Cell & Molecular Biology team within our GMP laboratory in Athlone, Ireland.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced scientist to become a key technical contributor in a regulated laboratory environment, working on complex testing, method development, transfer, validation and troubleshooting activities.

What will you do?

As a Senior Scientist, you will remain actively involved at the bench while becoming a trusted technical resource for the wider laboratory team. You will independently execute complex analytical testing, provide scientific input into investigations and troubleshooting, and help ensure methods are robust, reliable and suitable for routine GMP testing.

You will:

• Perform complex cell and molecular biology testing in a GMP environment, supporting routine, release, stability and non-routine laboratory activities.
• Execute and provide technical expertise across relevant techniques such as mammalian cell culture, cell-based assays, qPCR/PCR, DNA/RNA extraction and quantification, ELISA/immunoassays, protein-based assays, electrophoresis and other molecular or cellular analytical techniques, depending on assigned methods and client programmes.
• Support method development, optimisation, transfer and validation, helping transition new or improved methods into robust routine testing.
• Troubleshoot complex assay and method performance issues, investigate atypical results and contribute to root-cause analysis.
• Apply scientific judgement to experimental execution, data interpretation, trends, outliers and problem resolution.
• Author and review technical documentation including methods, protocols, reports and GMP quality records.
• Maintain strong standards of GMP, data integrity, documentation and laboratory compliance.
• Become a subject matter expert in assigned assays, methods or technology platforms.
• Provide hands-on technical coaching and mentoring to Scientists within the team, sharing knowledge and reinforcing laboratory best practice.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant formal academic or vocational qualification.
• Previous experience that provides the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the role, typically 5+ years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

In some cases, an equivalent combination of appropriate education, training and/or directly related experience may be considered sufficient to meet the requirements of the role.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Advanced analytical expertise – Advanced knowledge of analytical testing techniques, laboratory instrumentation and method execution within a regulated environment.
• Independent laboratory execution – Demonstrated ability to independently perform complex testing, investigations and non-routine laboratory activities.
• Troubleshooting and problem-solving – Strong critical-thinking and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to identify the root cause of analytical challenges and implement effective solutions.
• Subject matter expertise – Proven ability to develop and maintain subject matter expertise in assigned methods, assays or analytical platforms.
• Data analysis – Strong data-analysis skills, including the ability to identify trends, outliers and atypical results.
• Quality and data integrity – Excellent attention to detail with a strong commitment to data integrity, quality and accuracy.
• GMP knowledge – Working knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) requirements and data integrity principles.
• Organisation and adaptability – Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities while maintaining focus, composure and productivity.
• Prioritisation – Ability to manage and execute multiple assignments with challenging or conflicting deadlines in a dynamic laboratory environment.
• Mentoring and development – Ability to mentor and technically develop scientific staff through hands-on guidance, coaching and knowledge transfer.
• Technical communication – Strong written and verbal communication skills, particularly in technical documentation and scientific discussions.
• Collaboration – Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively, maintain a positive and professional approach and contribute effectively within a team environment.
• Conflict resolution – Demonstrated experience identifying and resolving conflicts in a professional and constructive manner.
• Confidentiality – Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality when handling client information and data.
• Digital proficiency – Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and collaboration tools, including Word, Excel, Power BI, PowerPoint, Teams and SharePoint.
• Laboratory systems – Familiarity with data-collection and laboratory software used to support analytical testing.
• Continuous improvement – Demonstrated ability to receive, apply and act on constructive feedback to continuously improve performance.
• Effective communication and listening – Ability to communicate information and ideas clearly and effectively, while actively listening to and understanding information presented by others.

Working environment

The role is primarily laboratory-based at our Athlone site, with office-based activities required for data analysis, documentation, technical review and reporting.

You will work in accordance with established safety procedures, SOPs, GMP requirements and applicable regulatory standards. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) will be required in designated laboratory areas.

The position involves regular laboratory activity, including periods of standing, bending and movement, and occasional light-to-moderate lifting. Occasional work outside standard business hours may be required to support laboratory and project needs.

Join us

If you are an experienced analytical scientist who wants to remain close to the science while taking the next step into senior technical leadership, this role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact.

At Thermo Fisher Scientific, you’ll have the opportunity to apply your expertise to challenging biopharmaceutical programs, mentor talented scientists and help advance analytical capabilities that support our customers and ultimately patients around the world.