Proposal Specialist, Large Molecules - mRNA - East Coast 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.

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.
• 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.
• Excellent written and oral English communication skills.
• Strong analytical and questioning skills, attention to detail.
• Strong collaboration skills across global, matrixed teams.
• Proficiency in MS Excel, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Project.

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.
• Pragmatic, proactive, and flexible approach in a rapidly changing working environment.
• Ability to participate in and lead meetings across global time zones.
• Ability to support customer visits, trade shows, or technical conferences as business needs require.
• Limited travel (5-10%) may be required.