Work Schedule: Standard (Mon-Fri)
Environmental Conditions: Office
Location: East Coast (Remote)
Job Description
At Thermo Fisher Scientific, the Proposal Specialist, Large Molecules - mRNA, will support the development of high-quality, technically sound proposals for mRNA and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) programs. This role requires a strong technical understanding of mRNA/LNP manufacturing and the ability to translate complex client requirements into clear, commercially competitive scopes, pricing, and timelines.
Remote Position Summary:
- The Proposal Specialist develops proposal documents ranging from high-level budgetary estimates to detailed scopes, Statements of Work, and Change of Scope documents for mRNA/LNP programs.
- The role assesses client requirements and collaborates with subject matter experts, Operations, Business Development/Management, Program Management, and Senior Leadership across global sites to define scope, resources, pricing, and timelines.
- The Proposal Specialist supports client discussions and proposal presentations and helps advance opportunities through contract execution and handoff to the program team.
Key Responsibilities:
- Evaluate RFIs/RFPs and client inputs to confirm technical needs, identify information gaps, and recommend an appropriate proposal strategy and project approach.
- Generate detailed proposals for mRNA drug substance and LNP development/manufacturing programs, including budgetary estimates, detailed scopes, Statements of Work, and Change of Scope documents.
- Translate technical requirements into accurate resource/FTE estimates, pricing assumptions, project timelines, deliverables, dependencies, and key proposal assumptions.
- Work with subject matter experts across global sites to develop technically feasible scopes aligned with client development/manufacturing needs and operational capabilities.
- Partner with Technical Subject Matter Experts, Business Development, Business Management, and Senior Leadership to develop and review competitive program pricing and commercial positioning.
- Act as a liaison between clients and technical teams; participate in client calls, proposal reviews, and scope discussions.
- Present proposals and explain Thermo Fisher Scientific's mRNA/LNP capabilities, technical approach, service standards, and options aligned with client needs.
- Read and understand applicable contractual terms and execute proposal revisions needed to support progression from proposal through contract signature.
- Routinely review and revise proposal template language, costing models, standard estimates, and timeline templates with input from subject matter experts and relevant stakeholders.
- Coordinate awarded-project handoff to Program Management and technical teams, ensuring transfer of scope, assumptions, pricing, timelines, and key client decisions.
- Collaborate with proposal teams and other Business Units to develop proposal strategy for integrated offering opportunities.
- Champion proposal process improvements, Operational Excellence initiatives, and internal training that improve proposal quality, consistency, and cycle time.
Minimum Requirements/Qualifications:
- Minimum of 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific or technical field; or 3 years of related experience with an advanced degree. An advanced degree is preferred.
- Demonstrated high-level technical understanding of mRNA and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) manufacturing processes and associated development and analytical support.
- Demonstrated experience preparing technical proposals, scopes, work statements, or comparable client-facing technical documentation.
- Experience translating complex technical requirements into resource estimates, budgets/pricing, and project timelines.
- Strong client-facing communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly to scientific and business audiences.
- Excellent written and oral English communication skills, including the ability to generate technically and grammatically sound proposal and contract language.
- Strong analytical and questioning skills, attention to detail, and the ability to identify scope gaps, assumptions, dependencies, and risks quickly.
- Strong collaboration skills across global, matrixed teams, including subject matter experts, Operations, commercial teams, Program Management, and Senior Leadership.
- Proficiency in MS Excel, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Project; experience with Salesforce, Smartsheet, and SharePoint is preferred.
Other Job Requirements:
- Experience in a CMO/CDMO environment and familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) is preferred.
- Prior mRNA and/or LNP technical experience is strongly preferred; experience with sterile drug product manufacturing is a plus.
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and tight proposal timelines simultaneously.
- Pragmatic, proactive, and flexible approach in a rapidly changing working environment.
- Ability to balance technical requirements, operational limitations, commercial objectives, and client expectations when developing proposal solutions.
- Ability to participate in and lead meetings across global time zones, including occasionally outside standard business hours.
- Ability to support customer visits, trade shows, or technical conferences as business needs require.
- Limited travel (5-10%) may be required.
Compensation and Benefits
- The salary range estimated for this position based in Minnesota is $75,800.00–$113,600.00.
- 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