Scientist, Vaccines Analytical Research & Development Full-time

Scientist Position

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 applicants for a Scientist position to join our Vaccine Analytical Research and Development team located in West Point, PA. The 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.

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 (HPLC, CE), spectroscopic techniques (UV-VIS/IR/Fluorescence) and classical wet chemistry techniques. We are looking for a team player who will be able to collaborate in a fast-paced, integrated, multidisciplinary team environment. The individual should have knowledge of analytical techniques and molecular structure characterization. The candidate will work with a team of scientists applying analytical methods to support vaccine adjuvant process development, formulation development, vaccine investigations, vaccine characterization, method qualifications and transfers. Additionally, this individual must document the execution, procedure, results, and conclusions of experiments in a detailed and organized manner following ALCOA principles.

Education Minimum Requirement:

• B.S. or B.A. in analytical chemistry, biology, biochemistry or related field with 2 years of pharmaceutical experience / relevant academic work with publications or M.S. in analytical chemistry/biochemistry or related field with 1 year of pharmaceutical experience.

Required Experience and Skills:

• Knowledge and understanding of analytical techniques for the analysis of small molecules or vaccines (HPLC, CE, LC-MS).
• Ability to conduct research project activities under supervision and to troubleshoot technical issues related to analytical methods.
• Strong team player with excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Effective organizational, multi-tasking, oral/written communications skills, show scientific leadership, and a desire to conduct research and publish.
• Motivated to learn new skills, willingness to take on new challenges, and scientific curiosity.

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Experience with cGMP or cGLP practices and using electronic lab notebooks.
• Familiar with ICH guideline of analytical procedure validation and transfer as described in ICH Q2 and USP <1033>.
• Experience with assay robustness evaluation, method qualification or method validation.
• Authoring and reviewing internal technical reports, and external scientific publications.
• Solid computer skills, experienced with automated laboratory instrumentation, and independent analytical problem-solving capabilities.
• Evidence of strong cross-functional collaboration in an academic or industrial setting is also preferred.

Required Skills:

Accountability, Adaptability, Analytical Chemistry, Analytical Development, Analytical Method Development, Biochemistry, Data Analysis, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Interpersonal Relationships, Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), Laboratory Techniques, Project Reviews, Self Motivation, Small Molecule Screening, Spectrometry, Technical Writing, Troubleshooting, Vaccine Development

Preferred Skills:

cGMP Requirements

The salary range for this role is $87,300.00 – $137,400.00. 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.