Associate Principal Scientist, Protein Analytics Full-time NEW

Associate Principal Scientist

We are on a quest for cures and are committed to be the world’s premier, most research-intensive biopharmaceutical company. We’re doubling down on this goal to take our company’s leading discovery capabilities and world-class small molecule and biologics R&D expertise to create breakthrough science that radically changes the way we approach serious diseases.

Discovery Biologics in Boston, MA is seeking an Associate Principal Scientist to join our Protein Analytics group and expand our capabilities to characterize novel biologics and cell therapies. The group is responsible for developing and leveraging novel biophysical/analytical techniques to characterize a diverse portfolio of biologics, including monoclonal antibodies, bi/multi-specifics, Fc-fusion proteins and other novel protein therapeutics. The Protein Analytics group is part of the Discovery Biologics organization which uses machine learning, advanced automation, ultra-high throughput in vitro and in vivo technologies, and state-of-the-art characterization techniques to discover and engineer biologics.

In this role, the successful candidate will directly contribute to the invention of novel biologics and will be responsible for the detailed analytical characterization of early drug candidates using liquid chromatography-based methods (SEC, RP, HIC), light scattering (SEC-MALS, DLS), thermal stability (DSF), capillary electrophoresis-based methods (CE-SDS, c-IEF) and mass spectrometry. Using their deep expertise in analytical method development, high throughput execution, and the application of new technologies, they will enable the discovery and engineering of biologics. Using their therapeutic program lead experiences, they will prioritize the right experiments at the right time hence enabling timely go/no-go decisions. Our organization is directly integrating computational and wet-lab researchers with state-of-the-art automation to accelerate the discovery, engineering, and characterization of novel biologics in the pre-IND pipeline. As part of project teams, they will collaborate across groups to solve complex problems in disease biology and drug discovery. They will attend scientific conferences, contribute to publications, and help to set the group strategy. The successful candidate will join a diverse group of innovative scientists and engineers that are driving the next revolution in biologics discovery and engineering. This is a full-time, on-site position.

We recognize that the diversity in our team is our strength and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Successful candidates must demonstrate inclusive behaviors in working with a diverse group of scientists to drive our core mission.

Responsibilities

• Carry out detailed analytical characterization of early drug candidates using liquid chromatography-based methods (SEC, RP, HIC), light scattering (SEC-MALS, DLS), thermal stability (DSF), capillary electrophoresis-based methods (CE-SDS, cIEF) and mass spectrometry (intact protein analyses, peptide mapping, epitope mapping).
• Provide impactful scientific mentorship to direct reports/ junior members of the team, guiding the design, execution and interpretation of experiments to ensure the strategic alignment with project goals.
• Serve as a functional area representative on project teams where you leverage your deep understanding of protein characterization to advise project teams on strategies to accommodate their unique molecular needs.
• Provide strategic input and direction regarding the evaluation/ implementation of new analytical technologies for the characterization of biologics with an emphasis on state-of-the-art methods and techniques.
• Collaborate with team members to expand characterization and developability workflows for analysis and optimization of lead biologic molecules.
• Actively develop talent, strategically maximize diversity to complement and strengthen our team.
• Foster a high-performance culture of collaboration, engagement, self-accountability and inclusion.
• Present research findings at group meetings, project meetings, and at external meetings.
• Contribute to and lead the authoring of patents and external publications.

Education Requirements

• PhD in Biology, Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Bioengineering, Biophysics, Pharmaceutics, or a related life sciences field with 4+ years relevant industry experience, Master's with 8+ years relevant industry experience or Bachelor's with 12+ years of relevant industry experience in biochemistry or related field

Required Experience and Skills

• Broad experience in the characterization of proteins including biophysical and analytical techniques with focus on developability workflows
• Experience in advancing large molecule therapeutics through discovery pipelines
• Expertise in analytical method development, high throughput execution, and the application of new technologies
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, strong problem-solving and inter-personal skills, collaborative and self-motivated.
• Deep expertise in characterization of biologics using LC based methods including SEC, reverse phase chromatography, and hydrophobic interaction chromatography, including method development, validation and execution to support fast paced biologics discovery
• Hands on experience with LC/MS techniques for detailed characterization of biologics including mass determination, glycan-analysis, peptide mapping, and characterization of post-translational modifications.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative multi-disciplinary fast paced team environment.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to multitask, to manage time, and prioritize activities to support and advance the pipeline.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with light scattering (SEC-MALS, DLS), thermal stability (DSF), and capillary electrophoresis-based methods (CE-SDS, cIEF)
• Experience with automated workflows, and high-throughput sample analyses
• Biologic program leadership experience
• Experience with EMPOWER and Signals/ ELN is a plus
• Fluency in a modern programming language such as C++, Python, or similar.
• Experience with laboratory automation such as Tecan, Biomek, Hamilton, or similar.
• Prior management experience.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. 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 together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another's thinking and approach problems collectively.

Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts.

The salary range for this role is $141,900.00 – $223,300.00. This 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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