Sr. Scientist, Analytical R&D

MSD • Upper Gwynedd Township, PA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Scientist will join the Vaccine Analytical Research and Development Separations and Biochemical Analytics team in West Point, PA. This laboratory-based role involves conducting and developing state-of-the-art analytical techniques, including various separations (HPLC, CE, FPLC) and spectroscopic methods (NMR, UV-VIS/IR/Fluorescence), virology, and classical wet chemistry. The primary focus is on solving complex analytical problems at the intersection of biology, chemistry, and lab informatics to support vaccine development, process development, formulation development, vaccine investigations, and method lifecycle management. The role requires strong analytical capabilities, leadership potential, excellent communication and presentation skills, and a collaborative approach within a fast-paced, multidisciplinary team. The individual will also be responsible for providing technical guidance, evaluating new technologies, driving innovation, and preparing technical documents for regulatory submissions.

Requirements

• Ph.D. degree in analytical chemistry, chemistry, biochemistry, biomedical engineering or related field 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 chemistry and separations (HPLC, CE, LC-MS, SEC and SDS-PAGE) with hands-on chromatography method development, analysis, and troubleshooting experience.
• At least 3 years of experience with analytical method development, qualification and transfer.
• Ability to troubleshoot technical issues related to separation methodologies.
• Proven track record of publications with strong verbal & written communication skills.
• Ability to deliver complex objectives under aggressive timelines in a rapidly changing environment.
• Motivated to learn new skills, willingness to take on new challenges, and scientific curiosity.
• Strong analytical capabilities.
• Communication skills.
• Ability to lead other scientists.
• Demonstrated scientific knowledge in peer-reviewed journals.
• Strong presentation skills.

Nice To Haves

• In-depth knowledge of molecular structure characterization to facilitate vaccine development.
• Lab automation/informatics is considered a plus.
• Evidence of possessing strong cross-functional collaboration skills in an academic or industrial setting.
• Experience with analysis of biological molecules.
• Experience with protein characterization and protein interactions (Electrophoresis, SPR, ITC, MALS).
• Experience with method transfer, assay robustness evaluation, method validation or qualification.
• Familiarity with ICH guidelines of analytical procedure validation.
• Authoring of technical reports, sections of regulatory filings (e.g. IND, BLA) and external scientific publications.
• Solid computer skills with coding experience for data visualization leveraging Agentic AI.
• Experienced with automated laboratory instrumentation.
• Independent analytical problem-solving capabilities.
• 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

• Conduct state-of-the-art analytical techniques, including separations (such as HPLC and CE), spectroscopic techniques (NMR, UV-VIS / IR / Fluorescence), virology, and classical wet chemistry techniques.
• Solve complex analytical problems at the interface of biology, chemistry, and lab informatics disciplines to enable development of Vaccines.
• Support process development, formulation development, vaccine investigations and method lifecycle management.
• Develop state-of-the-art analytical techniques, such as separations of small molecules, polymers, proteins, conjugates, and nanoparticles (FPLC, HPLC and CE), spectroscopic techniques (UV-VIS/IR /Fluorescence), virology, and classical wet chemistry techniques.
• Provide technical guidance to other scientists.
• Evaluate new technologies.
• Drive innovation to influence trends in industry.
• Prepare technical documents to support regulatory submissions.

Benefits

• Comprehensive package of 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 (if applicable)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees