Staff Scientist, Research and Development

Thermo Fisher Scientific

. Lead advanced research and development in ion chromatography, electrolytic devices, and electrochemistry for analytical instruments .

Posted 10/7/2026full-timeSunnyvale • California • United StatesLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in analytical chemistry, electrochemistry, and ion chromatography, with a strong ability to lead multidisciplinary product development projects from concept to commercialization. Proficient in technical communication, mentoring, and managing complex R&D initiatives in a fast-paced environment.

Highest-signal resume keywords

PhD In ChemistryIon Chromatography (IC)High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)Analytical Method DevelopmentTechnical Communication Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Analytical ChemistryElectrochemistrySeparation ScienceTroubleshootingRoot-Cause AnalysisExperimental DesignData AnalysisProduct DevelopmentTechnical WritingPatent Applications

Soft Skills

MentoringProject ManagementCollaborationCuriosityCommunication

Industry Keywords

Product LifecycleNew Product DevelopmentMultidisciplinary TeamsEmerging TechnologiesTechnical Support

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead advanced research and development in ion chromatography, electrolytic devices, and electrochemistry for analytical instruments
Lead or support New Product Development programs from early-stage concepts through commercialization
Design and develop prototypes, research materials, conduct functional testing and characterization, optimize technologies, and assess scale-up and manufacturability
Serve as a senior technical resource on multidisciplinary product development teams
Apply analytical chemistry, electrochemistry, separation science, and ion-exchange principles to develop and optimize instrument technologies
Partner with engineering, manufacturing, product management, and other functions to translate technical requirements into reliable and manufacturable products
Provide technical support for chromatography devices throughout the product lifecycle, including sustaining and continuous-improvement activities
Lead complex analytical troubleshooting and root cause and countermeasure investigations for new and on-market products
Identify opportunities to apply emerging technologies, including AI and machine learning
Generate intellectual property and contribute to invention disclosures and patent applications
Communicate technical concepts, experimental results, risks, and recommendations to scientific, engineering, business, and leadership audiences
Present product technologies, scientific findings, and applications at technical conferences and during customer interactions
Mentor scientists and engineers and provide technical guidance
Plan and prioritize multiple technical projects to support program timelines, strategic objectives, and effective use of resources

Requirements

What you’ll need

PhD in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline with 8+ years of relevant experience; or Master’s degree in a related scientific discipline with 10+ years of relevant experience
Hands-on experience with ion chromatography (IC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), or related analytical separation technologies
Experience leading complex technical projects involving multidisciplinary teams from concept through product development and commercialization
Deep understanding of analytical chemistry principles and analytical method development
Strong knowledge of chromatography instrumentation, separation science, and troubleshooting
In-depth knowledge of electrochemistry, analytical detection methods, and ion-exchange materials
Ability to design experiments, analyze complex data, and translate scientific findings into product and technology decisions
Ability to perform root-cause analysis and resolve complex chemistry, instrumentation, and product-performance problems
Ability to lead technical programs and influence multidisciplinary teams without direct authority
Ability to connect complex scientific and technical topics to customer, project, and business impact
Strong technical communication and presentation skills across scientific, engineering, leadership, and customer audiences
Excellent scientific and technical writing skills, including experience contributing to invention disclosures, patents, technical reports, or similar documentation
Ability to mentor and provide technical guidance to scientists and engineers
Ability to independently prioritize and manage multiple complex projects in a fast-paced R&D environment
Strong curiosity and willingness to evaluate emerging technologies and new approaches to scientific product development
Ability to safely lift and move materials or equipment weighing up to 25 pounds
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a dynamic, collaborative product-development environment

Benefits

Comp & perks

Variable annual bonus based on company, team, and/or individual performance results
National medical and dental plans
National vision plan, including health incentive programs
Employee assistance and family support programs
Commuter benefits
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
Short- and long-term disability
Competitive 401(k) U.S. retirement savings plan
Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) with opportunity to purchase company stock at a discount