Scientist, Vaccines Analytical Research & Development

Merck • Upper Gwynedd Township, PA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

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. Using innovative thinking, state-of-the-art facilities and robust scientific methodology, we collaborate to discover the next medical breakthrough.
We are seeking applicants for a Scientist position to join our Vaccine Analytical Research and Development team located in West Point, PA. The 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.
In this role, an individual will work with a team of scientists to develop state-of-the-art analytical techniques, such as separations of small molecules, polymers, proteins, conjugates and nanoparticles (HPLC, CE), spectroscopic techniques (UV-VIS/IR/Fluorescence) and classical wet chemistry techniques. We are looking for a team player who will be able to collaborate in a fast-paced, integrated, multidisciplinary team environment. The individual should have knowledge of analytical techniques and molecular structure characterization. The candidate will work with a team of scientists applying analytical methods to support vaccine adjuvant process development, formulation development, vaccine investigations, vaccine characterization, method qualifications and transfers. Additionally, this individual must document the execution, procedure, results, and conclusions of experiments in a detailed and organized manner following ALCOA principles.

Requirements

• B.S. or B.A. in analytical chemistry, biology, biochemistry or related field with 2 years of pharmaceutical experience / relevant academic work with publications or M.S. in analytical chemistry/biochemistry or related field with 1 year of pharmaceutical experience.
• Knowledge and understanding of analytical techniques for the analysis of small molecules or vaccines (HPLC, CE, LC-MS).
• Ability to conduct research project activities under supervision and to troubleshoot technical issues related to analytical methods.
• Strong team player with excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Effective organizational, multi-tasking, oral/written communications skills, show scientific leadership, and a desire to conduct research and publish.
• Motivated to learn new skills, willingness to take on new challenges, and scientific curiosity.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with cGMP or cGLP practices and using electronic lab notebooks.
• Familiar with ICH guideline of analytical procedure validation and transfer as described in ICH Q2 and USP <1033>.
• Experience with assay robustness evaluation, method qualification or method validation.
• Authoring and reviewing internal technical reports, and external scientific publications.
• Solid computer skills, experienced with automated laboratory instrumentation, and independent analytical problem-solving capabilities.
• Evidence of strong cross-functional collaboration in an academic or industrial setting is also preferred.

Responsibilities

• work with a team of scientists to develop state-of-the-art analytical techniques, such as separations of small molecules, polymers, proteins, conjugates and nanoparticles (HPLC, CE), spectroscopic techniques (UV-VIS/IR/Fluorescence) and classical wet chemistry techniques.
• collaborate in a fast-paced, integrated, multidisciplinary team environment.
• work with a team of scientists applying analytical methods to support vaccine adjuvant process development, formulation development, vaccine investigations, vaccine characterization, method qualifications and transfers.
• document the execution, procedure, results, and conclusions of experiments in a detailed and organized manner following ALCOA principles.

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level