Sr. Scientist, Analytical R&D

Merck•Upper Gwynedd Township, PA

1d•$117,000 - $184,200•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 Separations and Biochemical Analytics team located in West Point, PA. In this role, an individual will work with a team of scientists to 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. 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 (FPLC, HPLC and CE), spectroscopic techniques (UV-VIS/IR /Fluorescence), 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 incumbent must have strong analytical capabilities, communication skills, ability to lead other scientists, demonstrated scientific knowledge in peer-reviewed journals, and strong presentation skills. In addition to analytical capabilities, evidence of possessing strong cross-functional collaboration skills in an academic or industrial setting is also preferred. The candidate must be able to prioritize and work in collaborative manner in a fast-paced, integrated, multidisciplinary team environment. Additional responsibilities include providing technical guidance to other scientists, evaluating new technologies, driving innovation to influence trends in industry, and preparing technical documents to support 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.
Strong communication skills.
Ability to lead other scientists.
Demonstrated scientific knowledge in peer-reviewed journals.
Strong presentation skills.
Ability to prioritize and work in collaborative manner in a fast-paced, integrated, multidisciplinary team environment.

Nice To Haves

In-depth knowledge of molecular structure characterization to facilitate vaccine development.
Lab automation/informatics.
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, and 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, with a focus on supporting 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.