Job Description
We are seeking an Associate Principal 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. The individual should also have in-depth knowledge to facilitate vaccine development, such as protein structure and/or mRNA characterization tools.
The responsibilities of this role will be to lead assay development, drive scientific contributions at program levels, mentor scientists, and engage with product teams to characterize vaccines supporting process development, formulation development, vaccine investigations, method qualifications and transfers. 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, the incumbent should have knowledge in protein chemistry, structural biology, and biochemistry with applications to biomolecules such as viruses, virus like particles, proteins, and DNA/RNA. 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. in analytical chemistry/biochemistry or related field with a minimum of 4 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, M.S. in analytical chemistry/biochemistry or related field with a minimum of 8 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, or B.S. in analytical chemistry/biochemistry or related field with a minimum of 12 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry.
Required Experience and Skills:
In-depth knowledge and understanding of chemistry and separations (HPLC, CE, LC-MS) demonstrated by publications
Experience with protein characterization and protein interactions (Electrophoresis, SPR, ITC, MALS)
At least 3 years of experience with analytical method development, qualification and transfer.
Mentoring and leading junior scientists
Ability to troubleshoot technical issues related to separation methodologies.
Proven track record of publications with strong verbal & written communication skills.
Capable of multi-tasking and managing multiple projects.
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 working in a GMP regulated environment.
Experience with method transfer.
Experience with assay robustness evaluation, method validation or qualification.
Familiar with ICH guideline of analytical procedure validation.
Solid computer skills, experienced with automated laboratory instrumentation, and independent analytical problem-solving capabilities.
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.
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We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:
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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”.
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:
Regular
Relocation:
VISA Sponsorship:
Travel Requirements:
Flexible Work Arrangements:
Not Applicable
Shift:
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Hazardous Material(s):
Job Posting End Date:
01/20/2025
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