R&D AD Senior Scientist

Thermo Fisher Scientific · Gosselies, Belgium

Work Schedule

Standard (Mon-Fri)

Environmental Conditions

Some degree of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) required (safety glasses, gowning, gloves, lab coat, ear plugs etc.)

Job Description

Thermo Fisher Scientific is seeking an experienced and scientifically driven Analytical Senior Scientist to support the development, transfer, optimization, and lifecycle management of analytical methods for viral vector and advanced biopharmaceutical programs.

This role sits at the intersection of science, CMC strategy, client interaction, GMP compliance, and analytical innovation within a fast-paced multi-client CDMO environment supporting both clinical and commercial manufacturing activities.

Key Responsibilities

Analytical Strategy & Method Development

  • Define and implement analytical strategies for client projects, including : analytical method transfers, method optimization, development of new analytical methods, qualification and validation strategies.

  • Lead analytical activities from early client discussions through QC implementation and lifecycle management.

  • Collaborate cross-functionally with Analytical Development, QC, USP/DSP, QA, and Project Management teams.

  • Drive scientific innovation by introducing new analytical technologies and methodologies.

Scientific & Technical Leadership

  • Design, coordinate, and oversee technical studies, including data analysis and interpretation.

  • Prepare and/or review technical protocols, development reports, validation documentation, and scientific presentations.

  • Provide scientific expertise during client meetings, technical discussions, investigations, audits, deviations, OOS/OOT events, and troubleshooting activities.

  • Support internal and external innovation initiatives related to analytical sciences and viral vector characterization.

  • Act as a scientific reference point for Analytical Development and QC teams.

Client & Project Management

  • Serve as a key scientific interface for clients during project execution.

  • Translate client needs into robust analytical solutions aligned with CMC and regulatory expectations.

  • Coordinate analytical timelines and priorities with internal stakeholders.

  • Manage analytical outsourcing strategies and interactions with external testing laboratories.

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience

  • PhD is a plus, Master’s degree is a must, or Engineering degree in a relevant scientific discipline.

  • Minimum 3 years of experience in the pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical industry.

  • Experience in a GMP-regulated environment is essential.

Technical Expertise

Strong expertise in minimum 2 of the following areas:

  • Analytical Chromatography (SEC-MALS, RP-HPLC, IEX-HPLC, LC-MS, Peptide mapping), Protein Characterization, SDS-PAGE, Western Blot, cIEF, DLS, DSF, ... being the priority of these techniques is HPLC.

  • Bioanalytical Assays (d/ddPCR / qPCR, ELISA, Potency assays, Bioassays, Infectious titers, Expression assays, AUC, ...), being the Bioassays and PCR the most relevant.

Additional Expertise

  • Analytical Development and aQbD approaches

  • Method qualification and validation (ICH Q2(R2))

  • GMP/GDP quality systems

Soft Skills & Leadership Expectations

  • Strong scientific reasoning and problem-solving capabilities

  • Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously

  • High level of autonomy, organization, and accountability

  • Strong communication and client-facing skills

  • Ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive decisions

  • Strategic mindset with strong analytical thinking

  • Adaptability in dynamic and fast-changing environments

  • Coaching and mentoring capabilities

Why Join Us

You will join a highly technical and collaborative CDMO environment supporting cutting-edge biopharmaceutical and viral vector programs from development to commercialization. This position offers strong scientific exposure, direct client interaction, strategic project involvement, and opportunities to contribute to innovation in advanced therapies manufacturing.

Apply →