Sr. Scientist, Analytical R&D

MSD Malaysia; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 117,000 - 184,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid holidays

Job summary

MSD Malaysia is seeking a Senior Scientist in Analytical R&D to drive analytical method development and GMP-compliant testing for viral vaccines. You will serve as SME for molecular biology and live virus vaccine potency, leading inline and pipeline optimization with cross-functional teams to deliver quality results.

The role requires a BS (with 3+ years) or MS (with 2+ years) in biology/chemistry related fields, strong GMP experience, and capabilities in cell culture and analytical assays.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, bioengineering, or related sciences with GMP experience.
• Experience in analytical development, validation, and cross-functional teamwork.
• Ability to learn new techniques and manage individual projects.

Responsibilities

• Serve as SME for molecular biology and live virus vaccine potency methods.
• Engage in inline and pipeline method optimization, testing and troubleshooting.
• Collaborate with a large cross-functional team to deliver high-quality results.

Skills

Adaptability

Analytical Method Development

Analytical Testing

Analytical Thinking

Mammalian Cell Culture

Cell-Based Assays

Cell Cultures

Cell Culture Techniques

Data Analysis

GMP Documentation

GMP Environments

Biology

Biopharmaceuticals

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, bioengineering, or related sciences

Minimum 3 years in method development and GMP

Master’s degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, bioengineering, or related sciences

Minimum 2 years in method development and GMP (Master’s)

Job description

Job Description Senior Scientist, Analytical R&D

At our company, we aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company. We are at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. Join our team and use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world.

Summary, Focus and Purpose

The Viral Vaccine Senior Scientist will provide subject matter expertise to support to the Viral Vaccine franchises (and other products, as required) to drive reliable and compliant supply of inline products with a line of sight for pipeline assets into QC.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert supporting molecular biology and live virus vaccine potency methods.
• Engage in inline and pipeline method optimization, testing, and troubleshooting of molecular biology-based and cell-based methods (vaccine and biologic).
• Collaborate with a large team of colleagues to deliver high-quality results for multiple products.

Qualifications

• Required Experience in analytical development and validation.
• Ability to work independently and within a cross-functional team.
• Demonstrated record for managing individual projects.
• Demonstrated record of learning new techniques.
• Strong technical, communication (oral and written), interpersonal, and teamwork skills.
• Self‑motivated with a positive attitude and proven performance record.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture, cell-based assays, and/or vaccine research, including at least one of the following techniques: Viral Infectivity assays (plaque/TCID50/others), Cell Culture, Quantitative PCR, Assays for detection of Adventitious Agents.

Education & Experience Requirements

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements: Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, bioengineering, or related sciences and a minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience in method development and GMP. Master’s degree (MA/MS) in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, bioengineering, or related sciences and a minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience in method development and GMP.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Preferred Experience in regulatory document preparation.
• Knowledge of continuous improvement or lean six sigma methodology.
• Project Management Experience.

Required Skills

• Adaptability
• Adaptability
• Analytical Method Development
• Analytical Testing
• Analytical Thinking
• Antiviral Drugs
• Assay
• Assay Development
• Biochemical Assays
• Biochemistry
• Biological Engineering
• Biologics
• Biology
• Biomedical Sciences
• Biopharmaceuticals
• Cell-Based Assays
• Cell Culture Assay
• Cell Cultures
• Cell Culture Techniques
• Data Analysis
• Experimental Methods
• GMP Documentation
• GMP Environments
• Innovative Thinking
• Mammalian Cell {+ 12 more}

Job Location and Eligibility

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

Employee Status: Regular Relocation: No relocation VISA Sponsorship: No Travel Requirements: 10% Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable Shift: 1st - Day Valid Driving License: No Hazardous Material(s): N/A

Job Posting End Date: 09/4/2026

Benefits

• medical
• dental
• vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family)
• retirement benefits, including 401(k)
• paid holidays
• vacation
• compassionate and sick days

Salary

The salary range for this role is $117,000.00 - $184,200.00 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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

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.