Associate Principal Scientist, Discovery Analytical Research

About this role

Job Description

We are seeking an Associate Principal Scientist to join our Vaccine Discovery Analytical Research team located in West Point, PA.  In this role, an individual will work with a team of scientists to develop and implement state-of-the-art analytical techniques including numerous chromatographic and electrophoretic separations coupled with absorbance, fluorescence, mass spectrometric, and other detectors.  The ideal candidate will be experienced with all vaccine types, with subject matter expertise in analysis of proteins, peptides and lipids and familiar with wet chemistry techniques applicable to vaccines.      The responsibilities of this role will be to lead assay development, drive scientific contributions at the program level, mentor junior scientists, and engage with partner groups and project teams to help the company select the best candidates to advance from discovery to development, de-risk critical animal studies, and streamline transfer of analytical work to our downstream organizations and external partners.      The successful candidate will have strong analytical capabilities, excellent communication skills, strong presentation skills, an ability and willingness to lead other scientists, and genuine scientific knowledge demonstrated through primary authorship of relevant peer-reviewed journal articles.  This person should also a working knowledge of small molecule chemistry, structural biology, and biochemistry with applications to viruses, virus-like particles, proteins, and DNA/RNA.  The successful candidate must be able to adapt flexibly to shifting priorities and be consistently collaborative within a fast-paced and multidisciplinary team environment.  An outstanding candidate will have experience evaluating and implementing new technologies.     Education Minimum Requirement:   • Ph.D. with at least 3 years experience in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Immunology, or a closely related field. 

   Required Experience and Skills:   • In-depth knowledge and understanding of chemistry and separations (especially UPLC operated with multiple separation types and electrophoretic separations of various types) demonstrated in publications. 

• Experience with detection and analysis of small molecule-protein interactions 

• At least 3 years of experience with analytical method development. 

• Mentoring and leading junior scientists 

• Ability to troubleshoot technical issues related to separation methodologies.  

• Independent analytical problem-solving capabilities. 

• Proven track record of publications with strong verbal and written communication skills.   

• Capable of multi-tasking and managing multiple projects. 

• Motivated to learn new skills, willingness to take on new challenges, and scientific curiosity. 

   Preferred Experience and Skills:   • Experience with analysis of biological molecules.  • Experience with assay robustness evaluation.   • Solid computer skills and ability to create custom code-enabled analysis workbooks. 

• Experienced with automated laboratory instrumentation. 

• Experience with biophysical methodologies. 

Required Skills: Analytical Chemistry, Analytical Thinking, Biological Assay Development, Biologics, Cell-Based Assays, Chemistry, External Collaboration, Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS), Mass Spectrometry Analysis, Process Analytical Technology (PAT), Separation Techniques, Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC), Small Molecules Preferred Skills:

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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. 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:

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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.

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The salary range for this role is $142,400.00 - $224,100.00 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 .

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