Job Description

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 vaccine process and formulation development. The individual should have in-depth knowledge in protein chemistry, structural biology, and biochemistry with specific experience relating to a variety of vaccine platforms (live virus vaccines, virus like particles, recombinant protein vaccines, mRNA vaccines). We are looking for a team player with strong leadership skills and ability and passion for mentoring and working along with others in a laboratory setting. This position will involve leading laboratory development and execution of methods to drive understanding of vaccines product and process. 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 process development, formulation development, vaccine investigations, vaccine characterization, method qualifications and transfers.

• Apply strong analytical capabilities and experience for analysis of large molecules, vaccines, and analytical method development and troubleshooting.

• 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.

Education Minimum Requirement:

• 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:

• 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 analysis of large molecules, vaccines virus like particles.

• Experience with analytical method development.

• Ability to troubleshoot technical issues related to analytical methods.

• Excellent verbal and 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:

• Established scientific reputation supported by publications and external presentations.

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

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

• Experience with method transfer.

• Solid computer skills, experienced with automated laboratory instrumentation, and independent analytical problem-solving capabilities.

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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".

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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.

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Requisition ID:R325130