Sr. Scientist, Analytical R&D

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

Job summary

Merck & Co., Inc. is seeking a Senior Scientist, Analytical R&D to advance methods in viral vaccine research and ensure reliable inline product supply. The role requires leadership in analytical development and GMP, with a track record of cross-functional impact.

The successful candidate will work on mammalian cell culture, cell-based assays, and related molecular biology techniques, contributing to a broad portfolio of vaccines and biologics while aligning with regulatory and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Experience in analytical development and GMP
• Ability to work independently and in cross-functional teams
• Demonstrated project management and learning of new techniques
• Strong technical, communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills
• Experience with mammalian cell culture, cell-based assays, and/or vaccine research techniques such as viral infectivity assays or qPCR

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
• Collaborate with a large team of colleagues to deliver high-quality results for multiple products

Skills

Analytical development

Molecular biology

Vaccine research

Cell culture

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

BA/BS in biology/biochemistry/biomedical sciences

MS in biology/biochemistry/biomedical sciences

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.

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.

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 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}

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.

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:

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.

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.

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

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.

Requisition ID

R413610