Scientist II (Analytical Science)

Merck & Co.; Ridgefield (CT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck & Co. in Ridgefield, CT seeks a laboratory scientist to advance therapeutic modality development. You will execute wet-chemistry preparation, perform chromatography, and interpret data to build process knowledge.

The role requires independent execution of routine and non-routine experiments, writing protocols and reports, presenting findings in team meetings, and collaborating across functions while maintaining high integrity and compliance.

Qualifications

• Experience with wet chemistry preparation methods (buffers, mobile phases, formulations).
• Experience with HPLC and other chromatography methods (FFF/AF4, SEC).
• Ability to plan and conduct laboratory experiments, evaluate and report data.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• NMR spectroscopy experience is a plus.
• Particle sizing methods (DLS) or FlowCAM are pluses.
• Fluorescent labelling, microscopy or image analysis are pluses.
• DNA/RNA isolation, electrophoresis, PCR experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Execute lab work for new therapeutic modalities (peptides, oligonucleotides, virus, antibodies, non-viral delivery systems, etc.).
• Lead in implementing experimental studies to build product and process knowledge.
• Initiate and complete routine laboratory procedures independently; troubleshoot equipment and experiments; maintain systems.
• Design and execute non-routine experiments with minimal supervision.
• Contribute to lab organization, reagent tracking and related tasks.
• Independently present scientific findings in project team or Department meetings.
• Actively participate in cross-functional teams/initiatives.
• Independently write protocols, SOPs and technical reports per company policies.
• Apply basic scientific principles, perform literature searches, and stay current with relevant literature.
• Collect, treat and report data with integrity; communicate work orally and in writing; provide input to reports.

Skills

Wet chemistry

Chromatography

Experiment planning

Data interpretation

Scientific communication

NMR spectroscopy

Particle sizing

Fluorescent labelling

Biophysical testing

Education

Master's degree in related field

Bachelor's degree in related field

Job description

Duties

• Execute lab work at a high level for new therapeutic modalities (e.g., peptides, oligonucleotides, virus, antibodies, non-viral delivery systems, etc.).
• Lead in implementing experimental studies to build product and process knowledge.
• Initiates and completes routine laboratory procedures in an independent and efficient manner; Troubleshoots equipment and experiments effectively and solves scientific problems independently; Operates lab equipment and is responsible for maintenance.
• Designs and executes non-routine experiments with minimal supervision.
• Contributes to lab organization, reagent tracking and other tasks as determined appropriate
• Independently presents scientific findings in project team or Department meetings
• Actively participates in cross-functional teams/initiatives
• Independently writes protocols, SOPs, technical reports in accordance with company policies
• Independently applies basic scientific principles and technology. Performs literature searches and keeps abreast of relevant literature.
• Collects, treats and reports data with a high level of integrity and ethics. Effectively communicates work orally and in writing. Write protocols, procedures, and technical documents. Provide input to others for scientific reports.
• Understand appropriate regulations and legal requirements as well as client policies and procedures as relevant to areas of expertise; Apply knowledge to ensure safe and compliant practices, manage risk, and maximize opportunities for projects to succeed.

Skills

• Experience with wet chemistry preparation methods. Buffers, mobile phases, multi-component formulation preparation.
• Experience with traditional chromatography methods such as all modes of HPLC, Field Flow Fractionation (FFF/AF4), SEC, etc.
• Ability to plan and conduct laboratory experiments, evaluate, interpret and report technical data.
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills
• Experience with NMR spectroscopy analysis is a plus
• Experience with sub-micron particle sizing methodologies such as DLS or Flow Cam is a plus
• Experience with fluorescent labelling, microscopy and/or image analysis is a plus
• Experience with biophysical testing; DNA/RNA isolation, electrophoresis, PCR, etc. is a plus

Education

Master's Degree with 4+ years experience in a related field or Bachelor's Degree with 5+ years experience in a related field.