Scientist, Vaccines Analytical R&D (On site) Full-time

Scientist Position in Vaccines Analytical Research and Development

The Vaccines Analytical Research and Development (Vaccines AR&D) team within the Large Molecule Analytical department is seeking applicants for a lab based Scientist position at its West Point, Pennsylvania, research facility.

The scientist is a laboratory-based scientific role that establishes and maintains laboratory automation and robotic systems used to support high-throughput analytical assays.

The primary lab-based role of the successful candidate will be to accurately perform automated and robotic biochemical, immunoassay, and cell-based methods. The candidate must be able to independently troubleshoot technical issues, participate in day-to-day lab maintenance activities, maintain accurate records, and be responsible for timely communication of data. Additionally, the individual will be responsible for maintaining laboratory automation and robotic systems. The individual should have practical working knowledge of hardware and programming experience with robotic liquid handlers, as well as scheduling software across a range of platforms (Tecan, Hamilton, HighResBiosolutions).

The successful candidate must be able to solve analytical problems at the interface of biology, chemistry, and lab informatics, to enable the development of vaccines supporting process development, formulation development, vaccine investigations, and method lifecycle management. Lastly, the individual will be expected to execute method development, qualifications, validations, and transfers of analytical methods. This includes authoring reports and technically reviewing data. The ideal candidate should bring expertise in a wide variety of automation and robotic methods with an emphasis on engineering, biology, chemistry, and virology.

The successful candidate must function well and collaborate effectively in a fast-paced, integrated, multidisciplinary team environment. Applicants must have effective organizational, multi-tasking, oral/written communication skills, show scientific leadership, and a desire to conduct research. Evidence of cross-functional collaboration in an academic or industrial setting is also preferred.

Position Qualifications

Education Minimum Requirements:

• M.S Engineering, chemistry/biochemistry/ or related field with 1+ years or B.S. with a minimum of 4+ years of experience in a related biotechnology field.

Required Experience and Skills:

• Experience with liquid handlers, integrated robotic systems, and software.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot technical issues with automation and robotics.
• Capable of performing assay development and automation development with minimum supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to manage, analyze, and interpret molecular biology, virology, and biochemistry data.
• Experience working in a regulated laboratory environment and familiarity with the ICH guidelines of analytical procedure validation.
• A strong team player with excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to work both independently for the development of assays and cross-functionally for the successful transfer of assays. Plan assay optimization and documentation to meet program deadlines.
• Strong ability to deliver complex objectives under aggressive timelines in a rapidly changing environment.

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Proficiency in at least one computer programming language, including Visual Basic, C#, MATLAB, Python, and/or R.
• Experience with assay tech transfer from development to GMP labs.
• Background in Analytical Methodologies and sound scientific understanding of Critical Quality Attributes/QbD/DOE principles as well as data analysis and statistics for setting specifications
• Experience with qualification, validation, and transfer of assays to a GLP or regulated laboratory environment as listed in ICH Q2 and USP<1220>.
• Motivation to learn new skills, willingness to take on new challenges, and scientific curiosity.
• Demonstrated scientific ability through publications or presentations in scientific conferences.