Associate Scientist, Biology-Discovery

MSD • Elkhorn, NE

2d • $71,900 - $113,200 • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a highly motivated Associate Scientist to join our Formulation Development team supporting the research and development of therapeutic veterinary monoclonal antibodies and other biologic products. This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career scientist with a strong chemistry, biochemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or related background who is interested in protein formulation, analytical characterization, and biologics product development. In this hands-on laboratory role, you will contribute to formulation screening, stability studies, analytical testing, and the development of robust formulations for veterinary therapeutic antibodies. You will work closely with cross-functional teams including Early Discovery Research, Upstream Process Development, Downstream Process Development, Analytical and Bioassay Development, and Manufacturing Team to advance veterinary biologics from research through development. The ideal candidate is scientifically analytically minded, detail-oriented, and comfortable working with laboratory instruments and quantitative data. Training will be provided for selected instrumentation and platform technologies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• Experience working in a chemistry, biochemistry, pharmaceutical, analytical, or biologics laboratory environment.
• Strong foundation in chemistry, including solution preparation, concentration calculations, pH and buffer concepts, dilution, and basic physicochemical principles.
• Hands-on experience with common analytical laboratory techniques and instruments, with the ability to follow methods and generate reliable quantitative data.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to accurately document, organize, review, and interpret experimental results.
• Basic data analysis and visualization skills using software such as Excel, GraphPad Prism, or similar tools.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Demonstrated eagerness to learn new formulation, analytical, and protein characterization techniques.

Nice To Haves

• One to two years experience with formulation development or stability assessment of proteins, monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, or other biologic products.
• Hands-on experience with analytical techniques such as SEC-HPLC/UPLC, ion-exchange chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, SDS-PAGE, dynamic light scattering, differential scanning fluorimetry, or related methods.
• Experience assessing protein concentration, purity, aggregation, charge variants, thermal stability, particles, viscosity, osmolality, or other formulation-relevant attributes.
• Working knowledge of protein chemistry, colloidal stability, chemical degradation pathways, and the role of common biopharmaceutical excipients.
• Industry or academic research experience supporting biologics formulation development, analytical development, or product characterization.

Responsibilities

• Prepare formulation buffers, excipient solutions, standards, and samples using accurate weighing, pH adjustment, dilution, filtration, and solution-handling techniques.
• Execute formulation screening and optimization studies for monoclonal antibodies, including evaluation of pH, buffer systems, salts, surfactants, stabilizers, protein concentration, and other formulation variables.
• Conduct forced-degradation, accelerated-stability, freeze-thaw, agitation, light-exposure, and other stress studies to assess product quality and formulation robustness.
• Perform routine analytical testing using techniques such as UV-Vis spectroscopy, protein concentration measurement, pH, osmolality, appearance, turbidity, particle assessment, chromatography, electrophoresis, and thermal stability analysis, as available.
• Support evaluation of monoclonal antibody physicochemical stability, including aggregation, fragmentation, oxidation, deamidation, charge heterogeneity, precipitation, and particle formation.
• Operate, calibrate, troubleshoot, and maintain formulation and analytical laboratory equipment in accordance with established procedures.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, identify trends, compare formulation conditions, and communicate scientifically supported conclusions and recommendations.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in electronic laboratory notebooks and prepare study summaries, technical reports, protocols, and presentations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams while following laboratory safety requirements, standard operating procedures, and data integrity expectations.

Benefits

• medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family)
• retirement benefits, including 401(k)
• paid holidays
• vacation
• compassionate and sick days

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level