Scientist, Vaccine Analytical R&d

Merck Merck · Pharma · PA

Scientist in Vaccine Analytical R&D at Merck, focusing on developing and applying analytical techniques (separations, spectroscopy, immunoassays) for vaccine development, characterization, and investigations. Requires knowledge of analytical techniques, molecular structure, protein chemistry, and biomolecules. Experience with lab automation and digital informatics is a plus. Role involves supporting process and formulation development, method qualifications, and transfers, with a strong emphasis on documentation and collaboration.

What you'd actually do

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

Skills

Required

  • analytical chemistry
  • analytical development
  • analytical method development
  • fluorescence
  • immunoassays
  • immunochemistry
  • immunology
  • interpersonal relationships
  • laboratory information management system (LIMS)
  • laboratory techniques
  • nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)
  • project reviews
  • protein chemistry
  • scientific leadership
  • self motivation
  • spectrometry
  • standard operating procedure (SOP) writing
  • structural biology
  • technical writing
  • troubleshooting
  • virology

Nice to have

  • lab automation
  • digital informatics
  • cGMP or cGLP practices
  • electronic lab notebooks
  • assay robustness evaluation
  • method qualifications
  • validations and transfers
  • compendial guidelines (e.g., USP1220, ICH Q2/Q14)
  • automated laboratory instrumentation
  • independent analytical problem-solving capabilities
  • deliver complex objectives under aggressive timelines

What the JD emphasized

  • analytical techniques
  • molecular structure characterization
  • protein chemistry
  • structural biology
  • biochemistry