Associate Principal Scientist, Discovery Analytical Research

Merck•Upper Gwynedd Township, PA

5d•$142,400 - $224,100•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking an Associate Principal Scientist to join our Vaccine Discovery Analytical Research team located in West Point, PA. In this role, an individual will work with a team of scientists to develop and implement state-of-the-art analytical techniques including numerous chromatographic and electrophoretic separations coupled with absorbance, fluorescence, mass spectrometric, and other detectors. The ideal candidate will be experienced with all vaccine types, with subject matter expertise in analysis of proteins, peptides and lipids and familiar with wet chemistry techniques applicable to vaccines. The responsibilities of this role will be to lead assay development, drive scientific contributions at the program level, mentor junior scientists, and engage with partner groups and project teams to help the company select the best candidates to advance from discovery to development, de-risk critical animal studies, and streamline transfer of analytical work to our downstream organizations and external partners. The successful candidate will have strong analytical capabilities, excellent communication skills, strong presentation skills, an ability and willingness to lead other scientists, and genuine scientific knowledge demonstrated through primary authorship of relevant peer-reviewed journal articles. This person should also a working knowledge of small molecule chemistry, structural biology, and biochemistry with applications to viruses, virus-like particles, proteins, and DNA/RNA. The successful candidate must be able to adapt flexibly to shifting priorities and be consistently collaborative within a fast-paced and multidisciplinary team environment. An outstanding candidate will have experience evaluating and implementing new technologies.

Requirements

Ph.D. with at least 3 years experience in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Immunology, or a closely related field.
In-depth knowledge and understanding of chemistry and separations (especially UPLC operated with multiple separation types and electrophoretic separations of various types) demonstrated in publications.
Experience with detection and analysis of small molecule-protein interactions
At least 3 years of experience with analytical method development.
Mentoring and leading junior scientists
Ability to troubleshoot technical issues related to separation methodologies.
Independent analytical problem-solving capabilities.
Proven track record of publications with strong verbal and written communication skills.
Capable of multi-tasking and managing multiple projects.
Motivated to learn new skills, willingness to take on new challenges, and scientific curiosity.
Working knowledge of small molecule chemistry, structural biology, and biochemistry with applications to viruses, virus-like particles, proteins, and DNA/RNA.
Ability to adapt flexibly to shifting priorities and be consistently collaborative within a fast-paced and multidisciplinary team environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience with analysis of biological molecules.
Experience with assay robustness evaluation.
Solid computer skills and ability to create custom code-enabled analysis workbooks.
Experienced with automated laboratory instrumentation.
Experience with biophysical methodologies.
Experience evaluating and implementing new technologies.

Responsibilities

Lead assay development
Drive scientific contributions at the program level
Mentor junior scientists
Engage with partner groups and project teams to help the company select the best candidates to advance from discovery to development
De-risk critical animal studies
Streamline transfer of analytical work to our downstream organizations and external partners