Proposal Specialist

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