Associate Principal Scientist, Discovery Analytical Research

Biopharma Careers; West Point (MS); On-site; USD 142,000 - 224,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Long-term incentives

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Merck is seeking an Associate Principal Scientist to join our Vaccine Discovery Analytical Research team in West Point, PA. You will lead assay development, mentor scientists, and coordinate with project teams to advance discovery to development.

The role emphasizes analytical chemistry, chromatography, and biophysical methods to support vaccine analytics and collaboration with external partners. A PhD with relevant experience is required.

Qualifications

• PhD with 3+ years in Chemistry or closely related field.
• Experience with UPLC and electrophoretic separations.
• Strong track record of publications and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead assay development and drive program-level contributions.
• Mentor junior scientists and collaborate with partner groups.
• Oversee transfer of analytical work to downstream organizations and external partners.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

UPLC separations

Biomolecule analysis

Mentoring

Problem solving

Publications

Multi-tasking

Scientific curiosity

Education

Ph.D. in Chemistry/related field

Tools

Automated instrumentation

Custom data analysis notebooks

Job description

Associate Principal Scientist

We are seeking an Associate Principal Scientist to join our Vaccine Discovery Analytical Research team located in West Point, PA. In this role, an individual will work with a team of scientists to develop and implement state-of-the-art analytical techniques including numerous chromatographic and electrophoretic separations coupled with absorbance, fluorescence, mass spectrometric, and other detectors. The ideal candidate will be experienced with all vaccine types, with subject matter expertise in analysis of proteins, peptides and lipids and familiar with wet chemistry techniques applicable to vaccines.

Responsibilities

The responsibilities of this role will be to lead assay development, drive scientific contributions at the program level, mentor junior scientists, and engage with partner groups and project teams to help the company select the best candidates to advance from discovery to development, de-risk critical animal studies, and streamline transfer of analytical work to our downstream organizations and external partners.

Qualifications

Education Minimum Requirement: Ph.D. with at least 3 years experience in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Immunology, or a closely related field.

Required Experience and Skills:

• In-depth knowledge and understanding of chemistry and separations (especially UPLC operated with multiple separation types and electrophoretic separations of various types) demonstrated in publications.
• Experience with detection and analysis of small molecule-protein interactions
• At least 3 years of experience with analytical method development.
• Mentoring and leading junior scientists
• Ability to troubleshoot technical issues related to separation methodologies.
• Independent analytical problem-solving capabilities.
• Proven track record of publications with strong 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:

• Experience with analysis of biological molecules.
• Experience with assay robustness evaluation.
• Solid computer skills and ability to create custom code-enabled analysis workbooks.
• Experienced with automated laboratory instrumentation.
• Experience with biophysical methodologies.

Required Skills: Analytical Chemistry, Analytical Thinking, Biological Assay Development, Biologics, Cell-Based Assays, Chemistry, External Collaboration, Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS), Mass Spectrometry Analysis, Process Analytical Technology (PAT), Separation Techniques, Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC), Small Molecules

Salary

The salary range for this role is $142,400.00 - $224,100.00

The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

Benefits

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 .

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: EEOC Know Your Rights EEOC GINA Supplement

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.

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only: We are 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.

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.

The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.

Employee Status: Regular

Relocation: Domestic

VISA Sponsorship: No

Travel Requirements: 10%

Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable

Shift: Not Indicated

Valid Driving License: No

Hazardous Material(s): N/A