Associate Principal Scientist - Virology

MSD; West Point (NE); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an experienced Associate Principal Scientist to support the manufacturing of live virus vaccines. This role involves hands-on leadership in laboratory activities, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and utilizing your expertise in virology and cell biology to enhance vaccine production processes. Join a dynamic team that values innovation and diverse perspectives, where your contributions will significantly impact public health. If you are passionate about scientific research and thrive in a collaborative environment, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in virology or related field with a BS; 6+ years with an MS; 3+ years with a PhD.
• Strong background in virology, cell biology, and biochemistry.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects on vaccine cell culture and manage resources effectively.
• Design and execute experimental protocols and communicate results.

Skills

Virus-cell interactions

Cell culture techniques

Experimental design

Data analysis

Interpersonal skills

Statistical analysis

Education

Bachelor of Science in Biology

Master of Science in Biology

Ph.D. in Biology

Job description

Job Description

The West Point Technical Operations Laboratory Process Support group within the company's Manufacturing Division is responsible for supporting all commercial vaccines with best-in-class laboratory support for technical investigations, lifecycle-management driven process enhancements, and commercial vaccine expansions.

We are seeking an experienced Associate Principal Scientist to join the Live Virus Vaccines Lab in West Point, PA. The candidate will have a primary role on a team providing laboratory scale manufacturing process support for our company's portfolio of licensed live virus vaccines. The candidate will collaborate with key stakeholders to design, execute on, and analyze experiments to enhance production of these vaccines. The candidate will additionally serve as a resource for the broader vaccine manufacturing organization as a subject matter expert (SME). The ideal candidate will have a strong background in virology, host-cell interactions, cell biology, biochemistry, and/or molecular genetics.

Responsibilities Include but are not limited to:

• Subject matter expert (SME) for virus-cell interactions
• Manages one or more vaccine cell culture based projects and prioritizes resources to align with business objectives
• Designs and leads execution of experimental protocols using lab facilities and/or production equipment at full scale. Communicating study designs and data driven results to all levels within and across organizations and incorporating stakeholder feedback.
• Hands-on leadership and participation in laboratory activities
• Examines an issue from diverse perspectives (safety, compliance, automation, equipment, process, and people) in order to best understand and resolve the root cause.
• Authors and approves technical documentation to support manufacturing investigations and process enhancements.
• Collaborates and engages with counterparts within technical operations, site manufacturing, commercialization, our Research Division, and other process support labs within our global network.

Minimum Education Requirement and Experience:

• Bachelor of Science in biology, chemistry, or related field with eight (8) years’ experience in virology or a related field in a pharmaceutical, biotech, or academic setting; OR
• Master of Science in biology, chemistry, or related field with six (6) years’ experience in virology or a related field in a pharmaceutical, biotech, or academic setting; OR
• Ph.D. in biology, chemistry, or related field with three (3) years’ experience in virology or a related field in a pharmaceutical, biotech, or academic setting

Required Skills and Experience:

• In-depth knowledge of virus-cell interactions.
• Familiarity with various viral pathogens and their mechanisms of action.
• Proficiency in cell culture techniques, particularly with vaccine cell lines.
• Ability to design robust experimental protocols and analyze complex data sets.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive projects to completion.
• Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate with various stakeholders, including technical operations, manufacturing, and research teams.
• Ability to communicate complex scientific concepts clearly to diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in presenting study designs, results, and recommendations to all levels of the organization.
• Capacity to think creatively and propose novel approaches to enhance vaccine production processes.
• Willingness to engage in hands-on laboratory activities and lead by example.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Strong foundation in biochemical processes related to vaccine formulation and stability.
• Knowledge of molecular genetics techniques for analyzing viral genomes.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis and interpretation of experimental results.
• Ability to examine issues from multiple perspectives (safety, compliance, automation, etc.) to identify root causes and implement solutions.
• Track record of publications.

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

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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:

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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.

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U.S. Hybrid Work Model

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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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

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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.

Employee Status:

Regular

Relocation:

Domestic/International

VISA Sponsorship:

Yes

Travel Requirements:

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

1st - Day

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

n/a

Job Posting End Date:

05/20/2025

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFOREthe listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.