Scientist, Vaccine Analytical R&D

Merck • Upper Gwynedd Township, PA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking applicants for a Scientist position to join our Vaccine Analytical Research and Development team located in West Point, PA. The Scientist is a laboratory-based, scientific role tasked with solving complex analytical problems at the interface of biology, chemistry, and lab informatics disciplines to enable development of Vaccines. In this role, an individual will work with a team of scientists to develop state-of-the-art analytical techniques, such as separations of small molecules, polymers, proteins, conjugates and nanoparticles (FPLC, HPLC, CE), spectroscopic techniques (NMR, UV-VIS/IR/Fluorescence), virology, immunoassay and classical wet chemistry techniques. The individual should have knowledge of analytical techniques and molecular structure characterization. Lab automation and digital informatics is considered a plus. The candidate will work with a team of scientists applying analytical methods to support vaccine process development, formulation development, vaccine investigations, vaccine characterization, method qualifications and transfers. The individual should have knowledge of analytical techniques and molecular structure characterization. Evidence of strong cross-functional collaboration in an academic or industrial setting is will aid in distinguising candidates. Additionally, this individual must document the execution, procedure, results, and conclusions of experiments in a detailed and organized manner following ALCOA principles. In addition to analytical capabilities, the incumbent should have knowledge in protein chemistry, structural biology, and biochemistry with applications to biomolecules such as viruses, virus like particles, proteins, and DNA/RNA. The candidate must be able to prioritize and work in collaborative manner in a fast-paced, integrated, multidisciplinary team environment.

Requirements

• B.S. or B.A. in analytical chemistry, chemistry, biochemistry, biomedical engineering or related field with a minimum of 2 years of biotech/pharmaceutical industry experience / relevant academic work with publications or M.S. degree with a minimum of of 1 year of experience in the biotech/pharmaceutical Industry.
• Work Independently and as a Team member with Integrity | Precision | Accomplishment | Motivational Ambition | Respect | Inclusion.
• Knowledge and understanding of analytical techniques for the analysis of biologics or vaccines (CE, cIEF, HPLC, LC-MS, SDS-PAGE).
• Ability to conduct research project activities under supervision and to troubleshoot technical issues related to analytical methods.
• Effective organizational, oral/written communications skills, show scientific leadership, and a desire to conduct research and publish.
• Motivated to learn new skills, willingness to take on new challenges, and scientific curiosity.

Nice To Haves

• Lab automation and digital informatics is considered a plus.
• Evidence of strong cross-functional collaboration in an academic or industrial setting.
• Experience with cGMP or cGLP practices and using electronic lab notebooks.
• Experience with assay robustness evaluation and method qualifications, validations and transfers and familiar with relevant compendial guidelines (e.g., USP1220, ICH Q2/Q14).
• Authoring and reviewing internal technical reports, and external scientific publications.
• Solid computer skills, experienced with automated laboratory instrumentation, and independent analytical problem-solving capabilities.
• Strong ability to deliver complex objectives under aggressive timelines in a rapidly changing environment

Responsibilities

• Develop state-of-the-art analytical techniques, such as separations of small molecules, polymers, proteins, conjugates and nanoparticles (FPLC, HPLC, CE), spectroscopic techniques (NMR, UV-VIS/IR/Fluorescence), virology, immunoassay and classical wet chemistry techniques.
• Apply analytical methods to support vaccine process development, formulation development, vaccine investigations, vaccine characterization, method qualifications and transfers.
• Document the execution, procedure, results, and conclusions of experiments in a detailed and organized manner following ALCOA principles.
• Prioritize and work in a collaborative manner in a fast-paced, integrated, multidisciplinary team environment.

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
• annual bonus
• long-term incentive

What This Job Offers

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