Principal Scientist, Vaccine Analytical R&D

Merck & Co. - West Point, PA

Full-time - Senior

Onsite - West Point, PA

Chemical Manufacturing

About the position

The Principal Scientist in Vaccine Analytical Research and Development at Merck Sharp & Dohme will lead a team of scientists in addressing complex analytical challenges related to vaccine development. This role involves defining group strategy, applying advanced analytical methods, and collaborating across functions to enhance vaccine characterization and development processes. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge in separation and biochemical techniques, particularly in the context of vaccines, and demonstrate strong leadership and mentoring abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise a team of scientists applying analytical methods to support vaccine characterization, process development, formulation development, method qualifications and transfers.
• Apply strong analytical capabilities to method development and troubleshooting to provide deep understanding of our vaccines.
• Provide analytical leadership on vaccine development pipeline projects and innovative technology teams shaping analytical methods and tools of the future.
• Lead in authoring and reviewing scientific documents including development reports, analytical method protocols, qualification protocols, and electronic notebooks.
• Collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment and provide technical input to enable team decisions.
• Be a leader within the external scientific community in professional organizations, conferences, and publications.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in analytical chemistry/biochemistry or related field with a minimum of 8 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, or M.S. in analytical chemistry/biochemistry or related field with a minimum of 12 years of experience, or B.S. in analytical chemistry/biochemistry or related field with a minimum of 16 years of experience.
• Strong team player with excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong background in analytical control strategy development and execution.
• Demonstrated ability to develop talent through good mentoring skills.
• Proven record of strong technical problem solving and innovative research experience.

Nice-to-haves

• Hands-on chromatography (e.g. HPLC, CE, LC-MS) method development, analysis, and troubleshooting.
• Familiar with ICH guideline of analytical procedure validation and transfer.
• Experience with assay robustness evaluation, method validation or qualification.
• Established scientific reputation supported by publications and external presentations.

Benefits

• Visa sponsorship
• Flexible work arrangements
• Work-life balance initiatives