Principal Scientist, Mass Spectrometry

Merck; West Point (PA); On-site; USD 157,000 - 247,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck in West Point, PA seeks a Principal Scientist with leadership in mass spectrometry to advance vaccine development and analytical excellence. You will guide a team of scientists, design experiments, and collaborate across programs to accelerate pipeline progress.

The role emphasizes MS-based protein characterization, proteomics, data science, and mentoring junior staff, with opportunities to present findings and influence strategic decisions.

Qualifications

• PhD in Analytical Chemistry or related mass spectrometry field with 10+ years in pharma.
• Expertise designing and conducting MS/proteomics experiments, including sample prep, MS operation and data analysis.
• Knowledge of Thermo, Sciex, and Waters platforms.
• Strong verbal and written communications evidenced by publications.
• Experience mentoring junior scientists in pharmaceutical development.

Responsibilities

• Lead a group of junior scientists delivering MS data to advance the pipeline.
• Advance MS methods for peptide mapping, intact mass, native mass, HDX, and glycan analysis.
• Represent the MS group in project teams.
• Author technical reports and presentations.
• Champion compliance and safety as a leader in the lab.

Skills

Mass spectrometry

Proteomics

Data science

Leadership

Project management

Analytical chemistry

Education

PhD in Analytical Chemistry or related mass spectrometry field

Tools

Thermo instruments

Sciex instruments

Waters instruments

Job description

Job Description

The Analytical Enabling Capabilities organization in West Point, PA is seeking a motivated scientist with technical expertise in mass spectrometry-based protein, protein conjugation or oligonucleotides or polysaccharide characterization. In addition to mass spectrometry skills, we are also seeking candidates with strong scientific leadership, proteomics and data science skills. The ideal candidate is a leader in the field of mass spectrometry and will have a track record of advancing the pharmaceutical development of vaccines with mass spectrometry, as well as driving scientific excellence through external presentations and publications. Additionally, the candidate will have advanced knowledge in both analytical experimental design and the ability to provide technical leadership for junior scientists and to vaccines pipeline programs. Finally, this Principal Scientist will be a partner in problem solving, building leadership, and driving collaboration both internally and externally.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead a group of junior scientists focused on delivering mass spectrometry data to advance the pipeline.
• Advance mass spectrometry methodology for peptide mapping, intact mass, native mass, HDX, glycan analysis, quantitative analysis, and host cell protein analysis.
• Explore and develop new technologies to advance the field of mass spectrometry
• Demonstrate advanced multitasking, prioritization and problem-solving skills in the planning and execution of experiments.
• Represent the mass spectrometry group in project teams.
• Author technical reports and scientific presentations.
• Explore and develop new technologies to advance the field of mass spectrometry.
• Demonstrate effective multitasking, prioritization and problem-solving skills in the planning and execution of experiments.
• Scientific leadership and mentorship of scientists.
• Champion compliance and safety as a leader both within and outside the laboratory.

Education Minimum Requirement

• PhD in Analytical Chemistry or Chemistry or relevant degree in mass spectrometry plus 10+ years of relevant experience in pharmaceutical industry

Required Experience And Skills

• Expertise designing and conducting mass spectrometry or proteomics experiments, including sample preparation, mass spectrometer operation and data analysis.
• Extensive knowledge of Thermo, Sciex, and Waters instruments.
• Advanced knowledge of mass spectrometry data analysis packages and informatics platforms
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills, as demonstrated through high impact scientific publications and presentations.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills, as demonstrated through high impact scientific publications and presentations.
• Experience mentoring junior scientists in pharmaceutical development

Preferred Experience And Skills

• Expertise in multiple reaction monitoring based quantitative analysis for vaccines development.
• Expertise in complex glycan analysis.
• Familiarity with R programming language for data processing, statistics and visualization.
• Advanced knowledge of electronic laboratory notebook applications and good documentation practices.

Required Skills, Analytical Biochemistry, Analytical Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Analytical Method Development, Analytical Thinking, Assay Development, Bioanalytical Analysis, Chemistry, Chromatographic Techniques, Design of Experiments (DOE), Dosage Forms, Drug Development, Drug Research, Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN), Immunogenicity, Liquid Chromatography (LC), Mass Spectrometry (MS), Matrix Management, Method Validation, Omics, Peptides, Pharmaceutical Research, Proteomics, Scientific Literacy, Stability Testing {+ 1 more}

US And Puerto Rico Residents Only

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities.

Requirements

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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The salary range for this role is $156,900.00 - $247,000.00

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

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully

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

Job Posting End Date

09/21/2026

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