Principal Scientist, Mass Spectrometry

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision benefits

401(k) plan

Job summary

Merck's Analytical Enabling Capabilities in West Point, PA seeks a scientist with mass spectrometry expertise in protein, conjugates, oligonucleotides, or polysaccharide characterization to lead a junior-scientist team and advance vaccine development using MS and proteomics.

The role emphasizes advanced analytical design, collaboration across programs, and external scientific leadership through publications and presentations. A PhD and 10+ years in pharma are required.

Qualifications

• PhD in Analytical Chemistry or Chemistry with 10+ years in pharma.
• Expertise in MS, proteomics, and data analysis.
• Experience mentoring junior scientists and leading projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead a group delivering MS data to advance the pipeline.
• Develop MS methods: peptide mapping, intact/native mass, HDX, glycan, quantitative, HCP.
• Explore new MS technologies and advance the field.
• Represent MS group in project teams and author reports.
• Provide scientific leadership and ensure safety compliance.

Skills

Mass spectrometry

Proteomics

Leadership

Data analysis

Scientific communication

Mentoring

Education

PhD in Analytical Chemistry or Chemistry

Tools

Thermo instruments

Sciex instruments

Waters instruments

Job description

Job Summary

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.
• 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.
• 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}

Compliance and Diversity

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

Equal Opportunity

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

Salary

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.

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.

Other Details

Employee Status: Regular