Staff Scientist, Protein Production

Default (MSD); Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 88,000 - 134,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) matching

Paid vacation

Paid holidays

Sick leave

Parental leave

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Employee assistance program

Fitness club membership

Pet insurance

Identity theft protection

Home and auto insurance

Job summary

MSD in Gaithersburg, MD seeks an experienced scientist to design and execute complex experiments for reagent and assay development. The role focuses on purification and biochemical characterization of protein-based reagents in a hands-on, lab-based environment.

The ideal candidate has a strong protein biochemistry background, at least 12 years of lab experience, and proven ability to lead a team while delivering data-driven results with clear, actionable recommendations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in life sciences required; Master’s preferred.
• Minimum 12 years hands-on laboratory work experience.
• Strong protein biochemistry and recombinant protein knowledge.
• Experience with purification and conjugation methods.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and guide team members.
• Proficient in MS Excel and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute complex experiments; analyze data.
• Present findings with clear recommendations to groups.
• Guide junior team members and coordinate work.
• Maintain lab inventory, supplies, and reagents.
• Monitor infrastructure and ensure safety compliance.
• Lead lab maintenance and equipment upkeep.

Skills

Protein biochemistry

Recombinant protein tech

Data analysis

MS Excel

Laboratory techniques

Cell culture

FPLC/HPLC

Communication

Team leadership

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in life sciences

Master’s degree preferred

Experience substitutable for graduate degree

12+ years hands-on lab experience

Tools

Column chromatography

Protein purification

Western blot

UV/Vis

HPLC system

Job description

This position is responsible for designing and executing complex experiments and analyzing the resulting data in support of reagent and assay development projects. This is a laboratory-based position to develop methods of purification and biochemical characterization of protein-based reagents.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Independently designs and executes complex experiments and implements plans.
• Analyzes data using spreadsheets and graphing software, including statistical analyses. Prepares clear and concise presentations without supervisor input, including thoughtful summaries andrecommendations for next steps. Presents to peer and supervisor review groups.
• Serves as subject matter expert and provides guidance/expertise to team members on experiments/laboratory procedures.
• Coordinates/manages the work of junior team members.
• Leads and participates in general lab maintenance initiatives including but not limited to maintaining laboratory supplies and equipment, maintaining electronic inventory list database, physical inventory, processing/aliquoting/vialing/labeling materials, and preparing and maintaining reagent inventories.
• May be selected to monitor and report on the infrastructure of a particular lab or functional area.
• Specific duties may vary depending upon departmental requirements.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in life sciences, or related area is required
• Master’s degree is preferred
• Additional experience may be substituted for graduate degree
• A minimum of twelve years hands-on laboratory work experience is required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong knowledge of scientific fundamentals with a protein biochemistry background.
• Strong knowledge of recombinant protein technology.
• Demonstrated aptitude for learning of and adhering to standard laboratory techniques and safety precautions.
• Working knowledge of protein chemistry, protein and/or peptide isolation and purification and conjugation methods.
• Desirable skills/tools may include but are not limited to:
• Vector design and construction for protein expression;
• Cell culture;
• Protein purification through column chromatography, including good working knowledge of FPLC and HPLC instruments;
• Analytical characterization of purified proteins by methods such as PAGE, Western, IEF, UV/Vis, etc.
• Ability to work both independently and as an effective team member.
• Ability to lead and guide other team members.
• Solid communication (written and verbal) skills regardless of the format (e.g., documents, public speaking situations, presentations, etc.).
• Excellent organizational, planning, and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple and often changing priorities and issues of varying complexity, while meeting time-sensitive deadlines and deliverables.
• Attention to detail with demonstrated commitment to excellence and performance.
• Demonstrated propensity to be creative, collaborative, proactive, and self-motivated in the execution and completion of assigned tasks.
• Ability to execute experiments, and to identify issues and propose/execute troubleshooting.
• Strong analytical skills with the demonstrated ability to gather and evaluate complex data and information and develop a recommendation and plan of action.
• Proficient in MS Excel.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• While performing the duties of this job, the individual is frequently required to sit and stand for long periods. The individual is occasionally required to walk; use hands and fingers to operate, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms.
• Up to 75% of the day may be spent at a lab bench.
• There are aspects of the positions duties that require a person in this role to work at heights above four (4) feet on occasion and move/lift up to 25 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Laboratory environment working with chemical reagents and performing some Biosafety Level 2 work
• May involve handling of BSL-2 materials and organisms including human blood and/or blood products.

COMPENSATIONSUMMARY

Theannualbasesalaryforthispositionrangesfrom$88,100.to$134,400.ThissalaryrangerepresentsageneralguidelineasMSDconsidersotherfactorswhenpresentinganofferofemployment,suchasscopeandresponsibilitiesoftheposition,externalmarketfactors,andthecandidate’sknowledge,skills,abilities,educationandexperience.Employeesmayqualifyforadiscretionaryornon-discretionarybonusinadditiontotheirbasesalary.TheseannualbonusesareintendedtorecognizeindividualperformanceandenableemployeestobenefitfromtheCompany'soverallsuccess.

BENEFITSSUMMARY

AtMSD,weofferacomprehensivebenefitspackagetosupportouremployees'well-beingandfinancialsecurity.Inadditiontocompetitivesalaries,ourbenefitsincludemedical,dental,andvisioncoverage,alongwithprescriptionbenefits.Weprovidea401(k)planwithcompanymatching,flexiblespendingaccounts,andcompany-paidshort-andlong-termdisabilityinsuranceaswellasgrouplifeandaccidentaldeathanddismembermentinsurance.Ourofferingsalsoencompasspaidvacation,paidsickleave,paidholidays,andpaidparentalleave,alongwithanemployeeassistanceprogram.Additionalvoluntaryperksincludeafitnessclubmembershipcontribution,petinsurance,identitytheftprotection,homeandautoinsurancediscounts,andoptionalsupplementallifeinsurance.

EEO/AASTATEMENT

MSDisanEqualOpportunity/AffirmativeActionEmployer.Wearecommittedtofosteringadiverseandinclusiveworkplacewhereallindividualsaretreatedwithrespectanddignity.Wewelcomeapplicationsfromallqualifiedcandidates,makingemploymentdecisionswithoutregardtorace,color,religion,creed,sex,sexualorientation,genderidentity,geneticinformation,maritalstatus,nationalorigin,age,protectedveteranstatus,pregnancy,disabilitystatus,oranyotherprotectedcharacteristic.ForourfullEEO/AAandPayTransparencystatement,pleasevisithere.

MesoScaleDiagnosticsusesE-Verifytovalidatetheworkeligibilityofcandidates.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.