Senior Scientist

BD; Cockeysville (MD); On-site; USD 96,000 - 153,000; Full time

Job summary

BD in Sparks, MD is seeking a Senior Scientist to provide technical leadership and hands‑on support for process engineering activities, with emphasis on Phoenix ID/AST and Sensi Disc product sustaining, manufacturing support, and quality investigations.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences and at least 5 years of laboratory or manufacturing experience, along with strong microbiology skills and technical writing capabilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences or related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of laboratory, microbiology, manufacturing support, quality, or process engineering experience in Life Science or a related discipline.
• Strong knowledge of microbiology laboratory techniques, Phoenix ID/AST testing, Sensi Disc testing, product support investigations, and manufacturing support activities.
• Demonstrated ability to organize and lead testing plans, stability schedules, qualification activities, and laboratory workflows across multiple simultaneous projects.

Responsibilities

• Leads and supports Phoenix ID/AST and Sensi Disc product sustaining activities, including manufacturing investigations, QC issue resolution, complaint investigation testing, and technical support for operations.
• Designs, coordinates, executes, and documents experimental studies, pilot testing, qualification activities, stability testing, and investigational testing to support product performance, process changes, and business continuity.
• Collects, reviews, analyzes, and interprets scientific data to support product disposition, recommendation memos, specification changes, overage changes, change controls, and final reports.
• Provides technical leadership for cross‑functional teams supporting new product development, product sustainability, supply continuity, cost improvement, and process optimization initiatives.
• Coordinates laboratory schedules, testing plans, resource needs, sample submission, and follow‑up activities to ensure project timelines and manufacturing support needs are met.
• Troubleshoots complex technical issues related to media, panels, broths, indicators, raw materials, QC failures, customer complaints, and manufacturing process variability.
• Prepares and reviews technical documentation, including investigation summaries, recommendation memos, product disposition justifications, change control inputs, test strategies, stability reports, and SAP or manufacturing documentation.
• Collaborates with Quality, Regulatory, R&D, Manufacturing, QC, Supply Chain, and external vendors to resolve issues, align on testing strategies, and implement sustainable solutions.
• Supports continuous improvement and cost avoidance initiatives by identifying process gaps, developing working plans, organizing data reviews, and contributing actionable improvement recommendations.
• Performs tasks with minimal supervision while demonstrating strong organization, initiative, technical judgment, and accountability for assigned deliverables.
• Demonstrates the ability to follow established procedures according to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Must follow all BD housekeeping, safety, and compliance policies and procedures.

Skills

Microbiology techniques

Phoenix ID/AST testing

Sensi Disc testing

Technical writing

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences

Tools

SAP

Job description

Job Description

Job Overview:

The Senior Scientist provides technical leadership and hands‑on scientific support for Process Engineering activities, with emphasis on Phoenix ID/AST and Sensi Disc product sustaining, manufacturing support, quality investigations, stability testing, new or modified product evaluations, and cross-functional project execution. This role applies microbiology, laboratory, and technical writing expertise to resolve complex product and process issues, support timely product disposition, reduce backorders, and maintain compliance with applicable quality, safety, and GMP requirements.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Leads and supports Phoenix ID/AST and Sensi Disc product sustaining activities, including manufacturing investigations, QC issue resolution, complaint investigation testing, and technical support for operations.

• Designs, coordinates, executes, and documents experimental studies, pilot testing, qualification activities, stability testing, and investigational testing to support product performance, process changes, and business continuity.

• Collects, reviews, analyzes, and interprets scientific data to support product disposition, recommendation memos, specification changes, overage changes, change controls, and final reports.

• Provides technical leadership for cross‑functional teams supporting new product development, product sustainability, supply continuity, cost improvement, and process optimization initiatives.

• Coordinates laboratory schedules, testing plans, resource needs, sample submission, and follow‑up activities to ensure project timelines and manufacturing support needs are met.

• Troubleshoots complex technical issues related to media, panels, broths, indicators, raw materials, QC failures, customer complaints, and manufacturing process variability.

• Prepares and reviews technical documentation, including investigation summaries, recommendation memos, product disposition justifications, change control inputs, test strategies, stability reports, and SAP or manufacturing documentation.

• Collaborates with Quality, Regulatory, R&D, Manufacturing, QC, Supply Chain, and external vendors to resolve issues, align on testing strategies, and implement sustainable solutions.

• Supports continuous improvement and cost avoidance initiatives by identifying process gaps, developing working plans, organizing data reviews, and contributing actionable improvement recommendations.

• Performs tasks with minimal supervision while demonstrating strong organization, initiative, technical judgment, and accountability for assigned deliverables.

• Demonstrates the ability to follow established procedures according to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

• Must follow all BD housekeeping, safety, and compliance policies and procedures.

Qualifications:

Minimum Education/Experience:

• Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Life Sciences or related discipline.

• Minimum of 5 years of laboratory, microbiology, manufacturing support, quality, or process engineering experience in Life Science or a related discipline.

Required Skills:

• Strong knowledge of microbiology laboratory techniques, Phoenix ID/AST testing, Sensi Disc testing, product support investigations, and manufacturing support activities.

• Demonstrated ability to organize and lead testing plans, stability schedules, qualification activities, and laboratory workflows across multiple simultaneous projects.

• Ability to troubleshoot complex products, process, raw material, and QC performance issues using data‑driven scientific judgment.

• Strong technical writing skills, including preparation of investigation summaries, recommendation memos, product disposition justifications, stability reports, and change control documentation.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with Quality, Regulatory, R&D, Manufacturing, QC, Supply Chain, and external partners to resolve technical issues and maintain project momentum.

• Knowledge of Current Good Manufacturing Practices, quality systems, change control processes, customer complaint support, and operational process optimization.

• Lean, Six Sigma, continuous improvement, and project management experience are highly beneficial.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly present technical data, risks, recommendations, and project updates to peers, leaders, and cross‑functional stakeholders.

At BD, we prioritize on‑site collaboration because we believe it fosters creativity, innovation, and effective problem‑solving, which are essential in the fast‑paced healthcare industry. For most roles, we require a minimum of 4 days of in‑office presence per week to maintain our culture of excellence and ensure smooth operations, while also recognizing the importance of flexibility and work‑life balance. Remote or field‑based positions will have different workplace arrangements which will be indicated in the job posting.

For certain roles at BD, employment is contingent upon the Company's receipt of sufficient proof that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. In some locations, testing for COVID-19 may be available and/or required. Consistent with BD's Workplace Accommodations Policy, requests for accommodation will be considered pursuant to applicable law.

Why Join Us?

To find purpose in the possibilities, we need people who can see the bigger picture, who understand the human story that underpins everything we do. We welcome people with the imagination and drive to help us reinvent the future of healthcare. At BD, you'll discover a culture in which you can learn, grow and thrive.

We believe that when people connect in person, we learn faster, collaborate more deeply, and build a stronger culture. Join us and enjoy a culture where face‑to‑face collaboration supports your learning, your progress, and your success.

To learn more about BD visit https://bd.com/careers.

Becton, Dickinson, and Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, marital or domestic or civil union status, familial status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, disability, military eligibility or veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

Required Skills

Optional Skills

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Primary Work Location

USA MD - Sparks - 7 Loveton Circle

Additional Locations

Work Shift

At BD, we reward, support and develop our associates through our comprehensive Total Rewards program. We are committed to attracting and retaining high quality talent by providing reward and recognition opportunities that promote a performance-based culture, as well as a competitive package of compensation and benefits programs. You can learn more on our career site under "Our Commitment to You".

Our salary or hourly rate ranges reward associates fairly and competitively. We regularly review these ranges and factors, such as location, contribute to the range displayed.

Our pay is based on the role and the necessary skills and education to perform it successfully. The salary or hourly rate offered is determined by the role's specific requirements, including any applicable step rate pay system at the work location. Salary or hourly pay ranges are influenced by labor laws and Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) requirements applicable to the work location which may also affect the workplace arrangement of the role.

Salary Range Information

$95,900.00 - $153,400.00 USD Annual