Sr. Scientist, Analytical R&D

MSD Malaysia; West Point (PA); On-site; USD 117,000 - 184,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) Retirement Benefits

Paid Holidays

Vacation

Sick Days

Employee Assistance/Wellness

Job summary

Merck seeks a Senior Scientist, Analytical R&D to advance viral vaccine programs and inline product support from method development through GMP-compliant execution. The role emphasizes cross-functional collaboration and delivering reliable results.

The candidate will lead analytical method development, validation, and troubleshooting for mammalian cell culture and viral assays, contributing to both inline products and pipeline assets.

Qualifications

• Minimum Education and Experience Requirements: 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.
• Minimum Education and Experience Requirements: 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.

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.

Skills

Analytical Method Development

Analytical Testing

GMP Documentation

GMP Environments

Mammalian Cell

Cell Culture

Biologics

Biology

Biochemical Assays

Data Analysis

Experimental Methods

Education

BA/BS in biology or related sciences

MA/MS in biology or related sciences

Job description

Senior Scientist, Analytical R&D

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

• 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.
• 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.
• Minimum Education and Experience Requirements: 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 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

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. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

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

Benefits and Compensation

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.

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.

• 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.

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 *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.

Our company is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines and animal health products. The difference between potential and achievement lies in the spark that fuels innovation and inventiveness; this is the space where we have codified our legacy for over a century. Our success is backed by ethical integrity, forward momentum, and an inspiring mission to achieve new milestones in global healthcare.

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