Senior Scientist

Merck • Lower Gwynedd Township, PA

2d • $117,000 - $184,200 • Onsite

About The Position

Our company is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines and consumer health products, as well as animal health products. Today, we are building a new kind of healthcare company – one that is ready to help create a healthier future for all of us. The Department of Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics, Metabolism, and Bioanalytics (PDMB) within our Company’s Research Laboratories is seeking a highly motivated and scientifically accomplished Senior Scientist to join the Vaccine Regulated Bioanalytics (RegBA) team. Regulated Bioanalytics serves as a center of excellence for the development, validation, and execution of bioanalytical methods that support our Company’s portfolio across all stages of drug and vaccine development. The group generates high-quality, regulatory-compliant data to enable decision making for clinical and preclinical programs, while advancing bioanalytical science through automation, innovative assay platforms, and modern data capabilities. The successful candidate will possess strong expertise in ligand binding assays (LBA) and/or cell-mediated immunogenicity (CMI)/cell-based assays, along with a demonstrated ability to generate high-quality data in a GxP-regulated environment. The individual will contribute hands-on to assay development, qualification/validation, troubleshooting, and regulated sample testing, while collaborating across cross-functional teams. This lab-based role requires strong bench-level expertise, critical thinking, and the ability to design, execute and interpret complex experiments. Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative, cross-functional environment are essential. This position offers the opportunity to collaborate with scientists across the PDMB network and with colleagues in Clinical, Regulatory, Quality, Data Science, and Discovery to advance programs. The successful candidate will also contribute to the evolution of bioanalytical strategy, including implementation of automated platforms and emerging technologies to improve assay robustness, throughput, and data quality.

Requirements

• PhD in Biological Sciences or related area with 0-3 years, or a MS degree with 4+ years, or a BS degree with 7+ years
• Demonstrated ability to design experiments, troubleshoot assay performance, and interpret complex data using sound scientific judgment.
• Strong hands-on, bench-level experimental expertise, with demonstrated critical thinking and the ability to independently design, execute, and evaluate outcomes
• Strong data analysis and interpretation skills, including use of common analytical tools (e.g., GraphPad Prism or equivalent).
• Understand and adhere to regulated frameworks and guidance in collaboration with team leads.
• Ability to document findings and prepare high-quality reports and protocols to support regulatory submissions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities and responsibilities within a regulated environment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience developing, optimizing, and executing bioanalytical assays in a regulated environment, particularly ligand binding assays (LBA) (e.g., ELISA).
• Experience with multiplexed assays (e.g. Luminex) and/or cell-based/CMI assays (Fluorospot, ELISpot, Flow Cytometry).
• Hands-on experience with laboratory automation (e.g., liquid handlers, robotics) to support assay execution and scaling.
• Familiarity with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and electronic lab notebooks.
• Experience contributing to SOP development and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ability to evaluate and implement emerging bioanalytical technologies to enhance assay performance and efficiency.
• Experience participating in regulatory submissions or supporting regulatory interactions.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor or guide junior scientists and contribute to a collaborative team environment.

Responsibilities

• Contribute hands-on to assay development, qualification/validation, troubleshooting, and regulated sample testing.
• Collaborate across cross-functional teams.
• Design, execute and interpret complex experiments.
• Contribute to the evolution of bioanalytical strategy, including implementation of automated platforms and emerging technologies to improve assay robustness, throughput, and data quality.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree