Senior Research Scientist I (520419)

This Senior Research Scientist I will be an integral part of a team of scientists in the Protein Discovery department that specializes in developing and performing in vitro assays to support drug discovery and bioanalyses of samples from in vivo preclinical studies and disease-state samples. The individual will be involved in developing and executing proof-of-concept and mechanism-of-action studies, contributing to the understanding of drug mechanisms and drug effects on biological processes, and development of proteins for use as therapeutics under the guidance of the team lead. To achieve this research, the individual will be responsible for executing cell-based and biochemical assays. The role involves hands-on lab work, including designing robust experiments, developing and implementing innovative methodologies and assays, data collection, data analysis, and study report writing. This individual is adept at identifying research needs, conceiving original approaches, and implementing these methods to ensure the collection of reliable and meaningful data.

The individual will be expected to apply their knowledge and skills to contribute to the team’s objectives, while also learning from and collaborating with members from their team and Protein Discovery, as well as other departments. Experience using a diverse assortment of assay methodologies is beneficial, including cell-based assays, nucleic acid/protein expression analysis, flow cytometry, cellular imaging, as well as a variety of biochemical techniques. Hands-on experience culturing and performing complex protocols using multiple cell types is required (primary cells, stem cells, and cell lines). The role requires a commitment to scientific excellence, a collaborative spirit, and the ability to adapt to a dynamic research environment.

Primary responsibilities

• Responsible for independently identifying actions required to support departmental objectives.


• Execute action plans independently, as part of a team, or as the lead for a departmental team.


• Independently prepares and edits procedures or technical reports of a complex nature, including data interpretation.


• Independently applies sound scientific principles in development of innovative solutions to complex technical problems.


• Capable of leading others in problem-solving efforts.


• Capable of mentoring/training junior staff in relevant principles and/or guidelines.


• Capable of serving as technical consultant within functional area.


• Independently designs, executes, and interprets results for novel and scientifically complex experiments.


• Capable of directing others in study execution.

Additional Responsibilities

• Maintains laboratory facilities in accordance with company policies and industrial best practices.


• Provides support for research and developmental studies, clinical or commercial manufacturing as needed.


• Identifies, implements, and qualifies, as necessary, equipment to meet industrial best practices or achieve compliance with regulatory expectations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong ability to set and meet deadlines, multitask and prioritize resources based on project needs.


• Demonstrates critical judgment and strategic thinking sufficient to represent functional area concerns on cross-functional teams.


• Capable of representing the functional area on a cross-functional team and presenting technical data at team meetings.


• Capable of supervising up to six scientific personnel.


• Capable of effectively communicating functional area and departmental results in cross-functional settings.


• Must have advanced written communication and excellent oral communication skills.


• Strong ability to creatively apply scientific principles in problem solving in potentially novel areas.


• Understands and applies standardized root cause analysis, investigation tools and methodologies.


• Has considerable knowledge in professional field of specialization.


• Evidence of publication record in peer-reviewed journals.


• Proficient with the use of MS Office software.

Education & Experience Requirements for Senior Research Scientist I:

Educational degrees must be relevant to position (e.g., Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or Toxicology)

• Bachelor's degree with at least 6 years of work experience OR


• Master's degree with at least 4 years of work experience OR


• PhD with at least 2 years of work and/or postdoctoral experience

Occupational Demands:

Work is performed in a clinical and/or a laboratory environment. Exposure to biological fluids with potential exposure to infectious organisms. Exposure to electrical office equipment. Exposure to chemicals.  Personal protective equipment required such as protective eyewear, garments and gloves.   Frequently sits and bends neck for 4-6 hours per day.  May stand and twist neck for 2-4 hours per day. Occasionally walks, bends and twists waist and squats.  Frequent hand movement of both hands with the ability to make fast, simple, movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.  Ability to make precise coordinated movements, of the fingers to grasp and manipulate objects. Moderate lifting of 15-30lbs. with a maximum lift of 35 lbs. May reach above and below shoulder height. Color perception/discrimination, near vision and far vision correctable in one eye to 20/30 and to 20/100 in the other eye.  Able to communicate complex information and ideas so others will understand; with the ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. Frequently works with diverse groups to obtain consensus on complex issues. Ability to apply abstract principles to solve complex conceptual issues. Performs a wide range of complex tasks as dictated by variable demands and changing conditions with little predictability as to the occurrence.

Third Party Agency and Recruiter Notice:

Agencies that present a candidate to Grifols must have an active, nonexpired, Grifols Agency Master Services Agreement with the Grifols Talent Acquisition Department. Additionally, agencies may only submit candidates to positions that they have been engaged to work on by a Grifols Recruiter. All resumes must be sent to a Grifols Recruiter under these terms or they will be considered a Grifols candidate.

Grifols provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other characteristic or status protected by law. We will consider for employment all qualified Applicants in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws.

Location: NORTH AMERICA : USA : NC-RTP:USNC0003 - RTP NC-Research Building 85 

Learn more about Grifols