Sr. Scientist, Analytical R&D

Merck & Co. • West Point, PA

284d • Onsite

About The Position

Our Research Scientists are our Inventors. We identify and target steps in disease mechanisms or pathways that could be inhibited or enhanced. Our goal is to isolate a compound that is effective against a disease target. Using innovative thinking, state-of-the-art facilities, and robust scientific methodology, we collaborate to discover the next medical breakthrough. We are seeking a Senior Scientist to join our Vaccine Analytical Research and Development team located in West Point, PA. The Senior 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, with a focus on supporting process development, formulation development, vaccine investigations and method lifecycle management. 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 (UPLC/HPLC, and CE), spectroscopic techniques, virology, and classical wet chemistry techniques. The individual should also have in-depth knowledge of molecular structure characterization to facilitate vaccine development and lab automation/informatics is considered a plus. The successful candidate must function well and be able to collaborate in a fast-paced, integrated, multidisciplinary team environment. Applicants must have effective organizational, multi-tasking, oral/written communications skills, show scientific leadership, and a desire to conduct research and publish. Experience leading small groups of technical personnel and analytical projects will aid in distinguishing candidates. Evidence of strong cross-functional collaboration in an academic or industrial setting is also preferred.

Requirements

• Ph.D. degree in analytical chemistry, chemistry, biochemistry, biomedical engineering or related field (with expected graduation no later than August 2025) or M.S. degree with a minimum of 4 years of experience in the Biotech/Pharmaceutical Industry, or B.S. degree with a minimum of 8 years of experience in Biotech/Pharmaceutical Industry.
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of separation science (HPLC, CE, LC-MS, SDS-PAGE, & WB) demonstrated by publications.
• Extensive experience with UPLC/HPLC analysis of biologics or vaccines (e.g. SEC, RP, IEX) and CE techniques.
• Strong team player with excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated scientific ability through publications and presentations in scientific conferences.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with qualification, validation, and transfer of assays to a GMP or regulated laboratory environment as described in ICH Q2 and USP.
• Experience in representing analytical functional area on project teams.
• Authoring and reviewing internal technical reports, sections of regulatory filings (e.g. IND, BLA) and external scientific publications.
• Strong ability to deliver complex objectives under aggressive timelines in a rapidly changing environment.
• Ability to design, execute and/or direct development and qualification of release, characterization, and stability assays for testing of clinical trial material and in support of product and process development.

Responsibilities

• Solve complex analytical problems at the interface of biology, chemistry, and lab informatics.
• Support process development, formulation development, vaccine investigations, and method lifecycle management.
• Develop state-of-the-art analytical techniques including separations of small molecules, polymers, proteins, conjugates, and nanoparticles.
• Utilize spectroscopic techniques, virology, and classical wet chemistry techniques.
• Collaborate with a team of scientists in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.
• Conduct research and publish findings.

What This Job Offers

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