Sr. Scientist, Analytical R&D (Onsite)

Merck; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the biopharmaceutical industry is seeking a Senior Scientist to develop large molecule potency assays. The role involves solving complex analytical problems and leading method development for vaccine candidates in a collaborative environment. Candidates should have a strong background in immunoassay development and excellent communication skills.

Qualifications

• Experience in developing analytical immunoassays and antibody binding assays.
• Strong scientific leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to lead complex experimental design.

Responsibilities

• Lead laboratory method development for vaccine candidates.
• Collaborate with teams to develop analytical techniques.
• Drive understanding of vaccine development.

Skills

Immunoassay Development

Analytical Method Development

Collaboration

Communication

Education

Ph.D. in analytical chemistry

M.S. with 4 years experience

Bachelor’s with 7 years experience

Tools

ELISA

Luminex

Biacore

Octet

Job description

Job Description

Our Research Scientists are our Inventors. We identify and target steps in disease mechanisms or pathways that could be inhibited or enhanced. Our goal is to isolate a compound that is effective against a disease target. We deliver robust scientific data and interpretation that drives the development and commercialization of breakthrough therapeutics. Using innovative thinking, state-of-the-art facilities, and robust scientific methodology, we collaborate to discover the next medical breakthrough.

The Analytical Research and Development, Cell Based Sciences Department in West Point, PA is seeking a Senior Scientist with technical expertise in developing large molecule potency assays. The Senior Scientist is a laboratory-based scientific role tasked with solving complex analytical problems at the interface of biology, chemistry, and lab informatics disciplines to enable development of Vaccines, with a focus on supporting process development, formulation development, and method lifecycle management. In this role, an individual will collaborate with a team of scientists to develop state-of-the-art analytical techniques to enable development of Vaccine candidates.

This position will involve leading laboratory method development to drive understanding of vaccine development, partnering across functions and divisions to strategically apply that understanding to deliver the best analytical science in the process and product will be key to success. In this role, an individual will lead the development of state-of-the-art immunoassay and potency related analytical techniques, such as ELISA, Luminex, AlphaLISA, SPR, and BLI.

The individual should also have a deep understanding of aspects of immunoassay development including antigen and antibody selection, antibody matched pair screening and optimization, binding kinetics, multiplexing and cell-based assays. Experience with Lab automation / DOE / informatics is considered a plus.

The successful candidate must function well and be able to collaborate in a fast-paced, integrated, multidisciplinary team environment. Applicants must have effective organizational, multi-tasking, oral/written communications skills, show scientific leadership, and a desire to conduct research and publish. Evidence of strong cross-functional collaboration in an academic or industrial setting is also preferred.

Applicants must have effective organizational and multi-tasking skills, have demonstrated excellent scientific leadership, and have superior written and oral communications skills. The candidate will be expected to effectively communicate with stakeholders in partner organizations and to management and governance teams.

Education Requirements:

• Ph.D. in analytical chemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, virology, or related field;

• OR M.S. with a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in Biopharmaceutical Industry;

• OR Bachelor’s with a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in Biopharmaceutical Industry.

Required Skills and Experience:

• In-depth knowledge and understanding of immunoassay development including antigen and antibody selection, antibody matched pair screening and optimization, binding kinetics, and multiplexing.

• Direct laboratory experience developing analytical immunoassays (e.g., sandwich-based ELISA, multiplexed ELISA) and utilizing antibody binding assays (e.g., Biacore, Octet).

• Demonstrated ability to lead complex experimental design and detailed data analysis concepts related to analytical method development.

• A strong collaborator with excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to work both independently for development of assays and cross-functionally.

• Demonstrated scientific ability through publications and presentations in scientific conferences.

• Excellent verbal and written communications skills.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Experience with qualification, validation, and transfer of assays to a GLP or regulated laboratory environment as listed in ICH Q2 and USP<1033>.

• Experience in representing analytical functional area on cross functional project teams.

• Authoring and reviewing internal technical reports, sections of regulatory filings (e.g., IND, BLA) and external scientific publications.

• Strong ability to deliver complex objectives under aggressive timelines in a rapidly changing environment.

• Ability to design, execute and/or direct development and qualification of release, characterization, and stability assays for testing of clinical material and in support of product and process development.

Please note that this lab-based role is not eligible for our hybrid work model, but we are committed to promoting work-life balance and offer other flexible arrangements where feasible.

#eligibleforERP

#AR&D

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U.S. Hybrid Work Model

Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office-based positions in the U.S. will be working a Hybrid work consisting of three total days on-site per week, Monday - Thursday, although the specific days may vary by site or organization, with Friday designated as a remote-working day, unless business critical tasks require an on-site presence.This Hybrid work model does not apply to, and daily in-person attendance is required for, field-based positions; facility-based, manufacturing-based, or research-based positions where the work to be performed is located at a Company site; positions covered by a collective-bargaining agreement (unless the agreement provides for hybrid work); or any other position for which the Company has determined the job requirements cannot be reasonably met working remotely. Please note, this Hybrid work model guidance also does not apply to roles that have been designated as “remote”.

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:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Required Skills:

Preferred Skills:

Job Posting End Date:

05/26/2025

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFOREthe 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:R348421