Sr Automation Specialist - CSD Focus

Work Schedule

Standard (Mon-Fri)

Environmental Conditions

Able to lift 40 lbs. without assistance, Laboratory Setting, Some degree of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) required (safety glasses, gowning, gloves, lab coat, ear plugs etc.)

Position : Senior Automation Specialist I

Location : Richmond, VA

Department: CSD

Shift: First Shift - Monday - Friday, 8AM - 5PM EST

Full time, Benefits, Annual Bonus, 401k Match, and PTO

This is a fully onsite role based at our BIOA Laboratory in Richmond, VA. We welcome applicants from all locations within the US. Please note that relocation assistance is not provided for this position, and any relocation costs will be the responsibility of the candidate. Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship. Must be able to pass a comprehensive background check, which includes a drug screening.

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 - enabling 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. With clinical trials conducted in 100+ countries and ongoing development of novel frameworks for clinical research through our PPD clinical research portfolio, our work spans laboratory, digital and decentralized clinical trial services. Your determination to deliver quality and accuracy will improve health outcomes that people and communities depend on – now and in the future.

Our PPD® Laboratory Services team has a direct impact on improving patient health through the expertise of scientists, industry thought-leaders and therapeutic experts. As the world leader in serving science, our laboratory professionals bring their commitment to accuracy and quality to deliver groundbreaking innovations.

A day in the Life:

• Independently performs program optimization and validation of complex scripts. Understands and conforms to methods, and protocols applicable to assigned tasks. Designs and executes experiments independently.
• Reviews and critiques automated instrumentation programs and associated documentation and other related technical documents.
• Communicates data, technical issues, information regarding project definitions and expectations, and discussions of project status to interested parties as needed
• Provides technical guidance
• Leads analytical (procedural and instrumentation-related) troubleshooting sessions
• Assists in preparation and implementation of SOPs and quality systems.
• Reviews, interprets, and analyzes data for technical, quality and compliance to protocols, methods, SOPs, client criteria and Good Manufacturing Practices
• (GMP) or Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).
• Performs self and peer review of the data for accuracy and compliance with reporting requirements prior to submission to QA and issuance to customers.
• Evaluates available technical options to acquire desired quality of analytical results, economics, ease of introduction into a production environment, and robustness in analytical application.
• Communicates status of project efforts to manager.
• Provides leadership and mentoring to team members in order to improve their technical expertise and scientific knowledge.
• Implements novel approaches to method development and applications as appropriate.
• Provides training/orientation to production staff as needed to efficiently implement methods. Assists in startup and troubleshooting methods through the first analytical application and as needed in future projects.
• Complex remedial maintenance (e.g., complex hardware replacements)
• Performs programming and/or process mapping for fully automated workflows
• Implements data integrity processes; supports instrument software validation efforts
• Plans and schedules preventative maintenance

Education

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent and relevant formal academic / vocational qualification

Experience

• Previous experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job (comparable to 5+ years).
• Or Master degree with 4+ years of experience
• Or PhD with 2+ years of experience

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Direct experience with automation instrumentation required; vendor certification preferred
• Experience with programming (Hamilton Venus, TECAN EVOware or Fluent Control, Thermo Momentum, VB, Python, etc.) required; vendor programming certification (or equivalent) preferred
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Word
• Proven time management, troubleshooting, and critical thinking skills
• Proven record of working in a collaborative work environment with a team
• Proven understandonf of GxP requirements, SOPs, ICH guidelines, USP requirements, and FDA guidance
• Ability to interpret data by performing trend analysis
• Proven ability to train or provide mentorship to other automation staff for programming, system optimization, validation/qualification requirements, etc.
• Knowledge of data generation and statistical programs
• Knowledge of general chemistry, chromatographic sciences, and biomarker related concepts, workflows and technologies (as applicable)
• Familiarity with various Mass Spectrometry techniques and instrumentation

Work Environment

Thermo Fisher Scientific values the health and wellbeing of our employees. We support and encourage individuals to create a healthy and balanced environment where they can thrive.  Below is listed the working environment/requirements for this role:

• Work is performed in a laboratory and/or a clinical environment with rare to daily exposure to electrical office equipment, irritants, radiation, toxic materials, biological fluids, fluctuating and/or extreme temperatures, and hazardous waste
• Personal protective equipment such as protective eyewear, garments and gloves may be required at times
• Repetitive hand movement of both hands with the ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists to operate lab equipment
• Ability to access and use a variety of computer software developed both in-house and off-the-shelf
• Standing, walking, and twisting of upper body/neck required constantly. Crouching/stooping required daily. Kneeling and pushing/pulling of items required frequently. Ability to work in an upright and /or stationary position for 6-8 hours per day
• Light to moderate lifting and carrying (or otherwise moves) objects with a maximum lift of 15-20 lbs.
• Ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand and to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences
• Frequently interacts with others to acquire or relate information to diverse groups
• Works independently with little guidance or reliance on oral or written instructions and plans work schedules to meet goals. Requires multiple periods of intense concentration
• Performs a wide range of variable tasks as dictated by variable demands and changing conditions with little predictability as to the occurrence. Ability to perform under stress. Ability to multi-task

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. 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 with PPD, part of Thermo Fisher Scientific, where diverse experiences, backgrounds and perspectives are valued.

Apply today!

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.

Accessibility/Disability Access

Job Seekers with a Disability: Thermo Fisher Scientific offers accessibility service for job seekers requiring accommodations in the job application process. For example, this may include individuals requiring assistance because of hearing, vision, mobility, or cognitive impairments. If you are a job seeker with a disability, or assisting a person with a disability, and require accessibility assistance or an accommodation to apply for one of our jobs, please submit a request by telephone at 1-855-471-2255*. Please include your contact information and specific details about your required accommodation to support you during the job application process.

• This telephone line is reserved solely for job seekers with disabilities requiring accessibility assistance or an accommodation in the job application process. Messages left for other purposes, such as not being able to get into the career website, following up on an application, or other non-disability related technical issues will not receive a response