Senior Scientist, Vaccines Analytical R&D

MSD•Upper Gwynedd Township, PA

2d•$117,000 - $184,200•Hybrid

About The Position

The Vaccine Analytical Research & Development department is seeking applicants for a Senior Scientist position available at its West Point, Pennsylvania, research facility. The Senior Scientist is a laboratory-based scientific role that establishes and maintains laboratory automation and robotic systems used to support high-throughput analytical assays. The successful candidate will be tasked with solving complex analytical problems at the interface of biology, chemistry, and lab informatics to enable vaccine development, support process and formulation development, conduct vaccine investigations, and manage the method lifecycle. In this role, the individual will maintain and implement analytical methods on robotic platforms to support high-throughput automated biochemical, immunological, and cell-based assays. This lab-based position involves developing analytical methods, and the individual must possess the ability to translate these methods into fully automated workflows, including data handling and integration with digital tools. The successful candidate should cultivate and foster scientific and technological innovation, leverage external networks to stay current on industry best practices and emerging technologies in automation development, champion new initiatives, and seek to enhance functional capability and operational excellence. The candidate must be highly self-motivated, possess strong experimental skills, have excellent written and oral communication skills, collaborate effectively on multidisciplinary teams, and demonstrate adaptability in a fast-paced, dynamic research environment.

Requirements

In-depth knowledge and understanding of liquid handlers, integrated robotic systems and software, and/or imaging methodology.
Experience and knowledge of molecular biology, virology, and biochemistry techniques related to biologics or vaccine bioprocess. (such as ELISA, infectivity cell-based assay).
Strong analytical capabilities, communication skills, ability to lead other scientists, demonstrated scientific knowledge in peer-reviewed journals, and strong presentation skills.
A strong team player with excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to work both independently and cross-functionally for the development of assays.
Motivated to learn new skills, willingness to take on new challenges, and scientific curiosity.
Strong ability to deliver complex objectives under aggressive timelines in a rapidly changing environment

Nice To Haves

Proficiency in computer programming languages, including Visual Basic, C#, MATLAB, Python, and/or R is desired.
Experience with assay robustness evaluation and method qualifications, validations and transfers and familiar with relevant compendial guidelines (e.g., USP1220, ICH Q2/Q14)
Evidence of strong cross-functional collaboration in an academic or industrial setting

Responsibilities

Act as an expert in the laboratory, executing on method development and program deliverables.
Coordinate with internal digital technology teams to assist in translating automation designs into operational, user-ready solutions.
The individual should have knowledge of end-to-end automation, with robotic liquid handlers, as well as scheduling software across a range of platforms (Tecan, Hamilton, HighRes Biosolutions).
The individual should have in-depth knowledge of immune-based antibody binding assays (ELISA), virology, and cell-based assays to support bioprocess development.
Knowledge and expertise in assay development, Design of Experiments (DoE), and qualification/validation for regulated analytical or bioanalytical assays.
The successful candidate must be able to function well and collaborate in a fast-paced, integrated, multidisciplinary team environment.
Applicants must have effective organizational, multi-tasking, oral/written communication skills, as well as show scientific leadership and a desire to conduct research and publish.