Scientist I, R&D AST Discs

Work Schedule

Standard (Mon-Fri)

Environmental Conditions

Able to lift 40 lbs. without assistance, Adherence to all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Safety Standards, Cold Room/Freezers -22degreesF/-6degrees C, Laboratory Setting, Loud Noises (Equipment/Machinery), Some degree of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) required (safety glasses, gowning, gloves, lab coat, ear plugs etc.), Strong Odors (chemical, lubricants, biological products etc.), Will work with hazardous/toxic materials

Job Description

Thermo Fisher Scientific recently announced that it has entered into an agreement to sell its microbiology business to Astorg, a leading pan-European private equity firm with deep expertise in healthcare, focused on a select set of subsectors, including pharmaceutical services and technology, medtech and related services, life science tools and diagnostics.

This decision follows a thoughtful evaluation as part of Thermo Fisher’s ongoing business strategy to actively manage and strengthen our portfolio.

We expect the transaction will be completed in the second half of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions and applicable regulatory approvals. Until the transaction is complete, Thermo Fisher will continue to operate the business.

If you join the microbiology business prior to the close of the transaction, your employment is expected to transition to Astorg.

For more information, please review:

Thermo Fisher’s press release

Astorg press release

As the global headquarters for the MBD division, the Basingstoke site houses a large manufacturing base, scientific laboratories, as well as the corporate functions. The Basingstoke site makes a range of products under the Thermo Fisher Scientific brand and is the only site to manufacture antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) discs. Our R&D – AST Disc Team develop and validate new AST disc products for novel antibiotics and antibiotic combinations, as well as supporting the existing AST product range.

The Scientist I works both individually and in collaboration with other team members to develop and validate new disc products.

You’ll be part of a team of employees who share a common set of values - Integrity, Intensity, Innovation and Involvement. Our ability to grow year after year is driven by our ability to attract, develop and retain world-class people who will thrive in our environment and share in our desire to improve humanity by enabling our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer.

Key Responsibilities:

Technical:

Working on new disc development projects, support projects and AST disc clinical trials, you will be responsible for the following:

• Development of new disc products, including;
  • Formulation development
  • New analytical procedures
  • Investigation of the operational factors affecting disc manufacture
• Validation of new disc products, including;
  • Creating clinical trial protocols
  • Executing clinical trials and writing reports.
• Application of the following techniques during disc developments and clinical trial validation:
  • Analytical procedures e.g. HPLC.
  • Microbiological techniques. e.g. AST
• Analysing and interpreting data to draw logical conclusions.
• Producing scientific reports and presentations.

Project Management:

• Planning, execution and tracking of development projects and tasks you are assigned to.

Laboratory:

• Supports Health and Safety activities in the Chemistry Laboratory as well as an effective 5S system; proposes and implements solutions.  
• Assists the laboratory manager and senior team members in management of laboratory equipment (including servicing and qualification) and routine maintenance.
• Implements effective lab processes to ensure lab users can work efficiently.
• Assists with maintenance of training documentation in the Chemistry Laboratory ensuring it is up to date and in line with current requirements.

General:

• Attending team meetings, actively contributing and reporting progress.
• Representing the team in meetings with internal stakeholders.
• Fulfilling the responsibilities of the position defined in the company Health, Safety and Environmental policies, and associated codes of practice.
• Ensuring that their own work aligns with the companies ISO registration.

Minimum Qualifications:

The jobholder is expected to work using microbiological and analytical chemistry techniques. They are expected to have relevant experience in at least one of these areas and extensive training will be provided on the other. Therefore, the jobholder should have at least one of the following:

• A degree or equivalent in chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related topic. Experience of analytical techniques, especially HPLC. OR
• A degree or equivalent in microbiology or a related subject. Experience in a microbiology laboratory with the ability to demonstrate competency in microbiological techniques, especially AST.

In addition, the jobholder should demonstrate good analytical, organisational and communication skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office software packages, especially Word and Excel, is required.

Some experience in the following would be of benefit but is not crucial:

• A formulations development role.
• Transfer to production experience.
• Experience as an end user of AST products.
• Experience with MS Project.

Benefits:

We offer competitive remuneration, annual incentive plan bonus, healthcare, 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 on the basis of 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 reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.