Protein Analytical Scientist – Mass Spectrometry (Large Molecules)

Job Description

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, ensuring safe drinking water and helping law enforcement tackle cases through forensics. We empower our teams to put science into meaningful action and give our R&D colleagues the autonomy, resources, and tools they need to take science a step beyond.

Location: On-site Hunt Valley, MD. Relocation assistance is NOT provided. 

• 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.

Discover Impactful Work:

We are looking for a motivated individual to join our Global Bioproduction Analytics Team. This position supports a cross-functional team working toward the design and commercialization of new cell culture media and media supplement products. The successful candidate will have extensive experience with high-resolution LC-MS workflows for large molecules, including monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), bispecific antibodies (bsAbs), antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and other therapeutic proteins. This role requires strong analytical problem-solving skills, the ability to interpret complex datasets, and close collaboration with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality analytical solutions that accelerate cell culture media development.

What You Will Do:

• Develop, optimize, and execute LC-MS methods for the characterization of therapeutic proteins using high-resolution mass spectrometry platforms.
• Analyze and interpret complex mass spectrometry datasets to identify and characterize post-translational modifications (PTMs), sequence variants, chain mispairing, and structural attributes of monoclonal antibodies, bispecific antibodies, ADCs, and other protein therapeutics.
• Characterize critical quality attributes (CQAs), including glycan heterogeneity, charge variants, aggregation, and molecular integrity using orthogonal analytical techniques.
• Perform intact mass analysis, middle-down characterization, peptide mapping, and other large molecule MS-based workflows.
• Prepare clear, accurate, and scientifically sound reports, technical presentations, and analytical documentation for internal and external stakeholders.
• Troubleshoot analytical methods, investigate unexpected results, and recommend scientifically justified solutions.
• Perform routine testing, maintenance, troubleshooting, and performance verification of mass spectrometers, liquid chromatography systems, and associated instrumentation to ensure reliable operation.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest technological and practical advancements in the field of analytical chemistry as they pertain to cellular processes.

How You Will Get Here:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline with 0–3 years of relevant experience; or M.S. with 3+ years; or B.S. with 6+ years of relevant industry experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong background in analytical chemistry, protein biochemistry, or biopharmaceutical characterization.
• Hands-on experience operating high-resolution mass spectrometry platforms (e.g., Orbitrap or equivalent).
• Demonstrated expertise in LC-MS method development and optimization for large molecule characterization. Experience with MAM and iMAM workflows is a plus.
• Experience with intact mass analysis, middle-down workflows, peptide mapping, and disulfide bond characterization is a plus.
• Proven experience characterizing monoclonal antibodies, bispecific antibodies, antibody fragments, antibody-drug conjugates, or related therapeutic proteins.
• Knowledge of protein post-translational modifications, glycosylation analysis, charge variant analysis, aggregation analysis, and higher-order structure characterization.
• Experience using data analysis software for mass spectrometry interpretation and reporting.
• Excellent troubleshooting, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present complex analytical data to diverse audiences.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, collaborative environment while maintaining high scientific and quality standards.

We offer competitive remuneration, annual incentive plan bonus scheme, healthcare, company 401k, and a range of employee benefits! Thermo Fisher Scientific offers employment with an innovative, forward-thinking organization, and outstanding career and development prospects. We offer an exciting company culture that stands for integrity, intensity, involvement, and innovation. 

Thermo Fisher Scientific is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform critical job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request an accommodation. 

Compensation and Benefits

This position may also be eligible to receive a variable annual bonus based on company, team, and/or individual performance results in accordance with company policy. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package that our U.S. colleagues and their families can count on, which includes:

• A choice of national medical and dental plans, and a national vision plan, including health incentive programs

• Employee assistance and family support programs, including commuter benefits and tuition reimbursement

• At least 120 hours paid time off (PTO), 10 paid holidays annually, paid parental leave (3 weeks for bonding and 8 weeks for caregiver leave), accident and life insurance, and short- and long-term disability in accordance with company policy

• Retirement and savings programs, such as our competitive 401(k) U.S. retirement savings plan

• Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) offers eligible colleagues the opportunity to purchase company stock at a discount