Principal Scientist

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 Principal Scientist to join our Vaccine Analytical Research and Development team located in West Point, PA. In this role, an individual will work closely with the group Director to define group strategy and lead a team of scientists in solving complex analytical problems to facilitate the development of vaccines. The individual should have in-depth knowledge of separation and biochemical techniques, with specific experience related to vaccines, vaccine adjuvants, virus like particles, proteins, and DNA/RNA. We are looking for a team player with strong leadership skills and ability and passion for mentoring and working with others in a laboratory setting. This position will involve leading laboratory development and execution of methods to drive understanding of vaccine development. In addition, partnering across functions and divisions to strategically apply that understanding to deliver the best science in the process and product will be a key responsibility.

Applicants must have effective organizational and multi-tasking skills, have demonstrated excellent scientific leadership, and have superior written and oral communications skills. A track record of delivering impactful solutions to complex analytical problems, and evidence of strong cross-functional collaboration is expected. Experience leading small groups of technical personnel, leading projects, and defining group or departmental strategy will aid in distinguishing candidates. An established reputation for scientific excellence supported by publications and external presentations is expected.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead and supervise a team of scientists applying analytical methods to support vaccine characterization, process development, formulation development, method qualifications and transfers. 

• Apply strong analytical capabilities to method development and troubleshooting to provide deep understanding of our vaccines. 

• Provide analytical leadership not only on vaccine development pipeline projects, but also innovative technology teams shaping analytical methods and tools of the future. ​

• Lead in authoring and reviewing scientific documents including development reports, analytical method protocols, qualification protocols, and electronic notebooks.

• Work and collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment and provide technical input to enable team decisions.

• Be a leader within the external scientific community in professional organizations, conferences, and publica­tions as well as analytical technology and regulatory sciences related focus groups and consortia. 

Education Minimum Requirements ​

• Ph.D. in analytical chemistry/biochemistry or related field with a minimum of 8 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, M.S. in analytical chemistry/biochemistry or related field with a minimum of 12 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, or B.S. in analytical chemistry/biochemistry or related field with a minimum of 16 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry.

Required Experience and Skills 

• A strong team player with excellent written and oral communication skills, as well as strong leadership and interpersonal skills are necessary to qualify for this role.

• Strong background in analytical control strategy development and execution.

• Demonstrated ability to develop talent through good mentoring skills.

• Demonstrated ability for taking initiative, creativity, and innovation in problem solving.

• Strong ability to deliver complex objectives under aggressive timelines in a rapidly changing environment.

• Experience with analytical method development of small molecule adjuvants, drug substance of drug product.

• A proven record of strong technical problem solving and innovative research experience.

• Authoring and reviewing internal technical reports, sections of regulatory filings (e.g., IND, BLA) and external scientific publications.

• Experience with matrix management and peer to peer coaching.

• Motivated to learn new skills, willingness to take on new challenges, and scientific curiosity.

Preferred Experience and Skills ​

• Hands-on chromatography (e.g. HPLC, CE, LC-MS) method development, analysis, and troubleshooting. ​

• Familiar with ICH guideline of analytical procedure validation and transfer.

• Experience with assay robustness evaluation, method validation or qualification.

• Experience with method transfer.

• Established scientific reputation supported by publications and external presentations.

• 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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Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

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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We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing diverse, talented, and committed people together. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when diverse ideas come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.

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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

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Hazardous Material(s):

Job Posting End Date:

01/20/2025

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