Job Description
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.
Education Minimum Requirement:
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.
Required Experience and Skills:
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.
Preferred Experience and Skills:
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.
Please note that this lab-based role is not eligible for our hybrid work model, but we are committed to promoting work-life balance and offer other flexible arrangements where feasible.
#AR&D
Required Skills:
Analytical Method Development, Assay Development, Bioanalytical Analysis, Capillary Electrophoresis (CE), Chromatographic Techniques, Separation Sciences, Vaccine DevelopmentPreferred Skills:
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U.S. Hybrid Work Model
Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office-based positions in the U.S. will be working a Hybrid work consisting of three total days on-site per week, Monday - Thursday, although the specific days may vary by site or organization, with Friday designated as a remote-working day, unless business critical tasks require an on-site presence.This Hybrid work model does not apply to, and daily in-person attendance is required for, field-based positions; facility-based, manufacturing-based, or research-based positions where the work to be performed is located at a Company site; positions covered by a collective-bargaining agreement (unless the agreement provides for hybrid work); or any other position for which the Company has determined the job requirements cannot be reasonably met working remotely. Please note, this Hybrid work model guidance also does not apply to roles that have been designated as “remote”.
The salary range for this role is
$117,000.00 - $184,200.00This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.
The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include 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. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.
You can apply for this role through https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.
San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance
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Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.
Employee Status:
RegularRelocation:
DomesticVISA Sponsorship:
NoTravel Requirements:
No Travel RequiredFlexible Work Arrangements:
Not ApplicableShift:
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N/AJob Posting End Date:
04/29/2026*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.