Staff Scientist, Protein Production

MSD Careers • Gaithersburg, MD

4d

About The Position

This laboratory-based position designs and executes complex experiments and analyzes resulting data in support of reagent and assay development projects. The work focuses on developing methods for purification and biochemical characterization of protein-based reagents. The Staff Scientist serves as a subject matter expert, guides team members, coordinates junior team members’ work, and contributes to laboratory maintenance and inventory management. Specific duties may vary depending on departmental requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in life sciences or a related area; additional experience may be substituted for a graduate degree.
• At least 12 years of hands-on laboratory work experience.
• Strong knowledge of scientific fundamentals, with a protein biochemistry background.
• Strong knowledge of recombinant protein technology.
• Aptitude for learning and adhering to standard laboratory techniques and safety precautions.
• Working knowledge of protein chemistry, protein and/or peptide isolation and purification, and conjugation methods.
• Ability to work independently and effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to lead and guide other team members.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills across formats, including documents, public speaking, and presentations.
• Excellent organizational, planning, and time-management skills, including managing multiple changing priorities and meeting time-sensitive deadlines.
• Attention to detail and demonstrated commitment to excellence and performance.
• Creative, collaborative, proactive, and self-motivated approach to assigned work.
• Ability to execute experiments, identify issues, and propose and execute troubleshooting.
• Strong analytical skills, including gathering and evaluating complex data and developing recommendations and action plans.
• Proficiency in MS Excel.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree is preferred.
• Vector design and construction for protein expression.
• Cell culture.
• Protein expression.
• Protein purification through column chromatography, including working knowledge of FPLC and HPLC instruments.
• Analytical characterization of purified proteins using methods such as PAGE, Western, IEF, and UV/Vis.

Responsibilities

• Independently design and execute complex experiments and implement plans.
• Analyze data using spreadsheets and graphing software, including statistical analyses.
• Prepare clear and concise presentations independently, with summaries and recommendations for next steps.
• Present work to peer and supervisor review groups.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and provide guidance to team members on experiments and laboratory procedures.
• Coordinate and manage the work of junior team members.
• Lead and participate in laboratory maintenance, including maintaining supplies and equipment, electronic inventory databases and physical inventory, processing and labeling materials, and preparing and maintaining reagent inventories.
• Potentially monitor and report on the infrastructure of a particular laboratory or functional area.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with prescription benefits.
• 401(k) plan with company matching.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Company-paid short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Group life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance.
• Paid vacation, paid sick leave, and paid holidays.
• Paid parental leave.
• Employee assistance program.
• Fitness club membership contribution.
• Pet insurance.
• Identity theft protection.
• Home and auto insurance discounts.
• Optional supplemental life insurance.
• Employees may qualify for a discretionary or non-discretionary bonus.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior