Associate Principal Scientist, Discovery Analytical Research

MSD Malaysia; West Point (PA); On-site; USD 142,000 - 224,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid holidays and vacation

Job summary

Merck seeks an Associate Principal Scientist to join the Vaccine Discovery Analytical Research team in West Point, PA. You will lead assay development and drive scientific contributions across programs to advance from discovery to development.

The role requires mentoring junior scientists, collaborating with partner groups, and facilitating transfer of analytical work to downstream teams and external partners. A Ph.D. and strong publication record are essential.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. with at least 3 years experience in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Immunology, or a closely related field.
• Publications demonstrating analytical chemistry expertise and independent problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Lead assay development and drive scientific contributions at the program level.
• Mentor junior scientists and collaborate with partner groups to select candidates for advancement from discovery to development.
• Engage with cross-functional teams to streamline transfer of analytical work to downstream organizations and external partners.

Skills

Analytical Chemistry

Analytical Thinking

Biological Assay Development

Biologics

Cell-Based Assays

Chemistry

External Collaboration

LC-MS

Mass Spectrometry Analysis

PAT

Separation Techniques

SEC

Small Molecules

Education

Ph.D. in Chemistry/Biochemistry/Structural Biology or related field

Tools

UPLC

Job description

Job Description

We are seeking an Associate Principal Scientist to join our Vaccine Discovery Analytical Research team located in West Point, PA.

Responsibilities

• Lead assay development
• Drive scientific contributions at the program level
• Mentor junior scientists
• 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 downstream organizations and external partners

The successful candidate will have strong analytical capabilities, excellent communication skills, strong presentation skills, an ability and willingness to lead other scientists, and genuine scientific knowledge demonstrated through primary authorship of relevant peer-reviewed journal articles. This person should also have a working knowledge of small molecule chemistry, structural biology, and biochemistry with applications to viruses, virus-like particles, proteins, and DNA/RNA. The successful candidate must be able to adapt flexibly to shifting priorities and be consistently collaborative within a fast-paced and multidisciplinary team environment. An outstanding candidate will have experience evaluating and implementing new technologies.

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

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

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

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.

Job Posting End Date: 09/8/2026

Our company is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines and animal health products. The difference between potential and achievement lies in the spark that fuels innovation and inventiveness; this is the space where we have codified our legacy for over a century. Our success is backed by ethical integrity, forward momentum, and an inspiring mission to achieve new milestones in global healthcare.