Sr. Scientist Biologics Analytical R&d

Merck Merck · Pharma · NJ

Senior Scientist in Biologics Analytical R&D at Merck, focused on developing, qualifying, and implementing analytical methods for biologics drug substances and products. Requires expertise in separations science, UPLC/HPLC, CE, and data analysis for characterization, release, and stability testing. Role involves scientific leadership, collaboration, and contributing to regulatory filings and publications.

What you'd actually do

  1. Development, qualification, implementation, troubleshooting and transfer of analytical methods for monoclonal proteins or other complex therapeutic proteins.
  2. Design, execute and development of methods for release, characterization, and stability testing of clinical trial material and in support of product and process development.
  3. Authoring and reviewing internal technical reports, sections of regulatory filings (e.g., IND, BLA) and external scientific publications.
  4. Plan assay optimization and documentation to meet program deadlines.
  5. Lead small groups of technical personnel and analytical projects.

Skills

Required

  • B.S. with a minimum of 8 years of experience in the Pharmaceutical Industry or M.S. with a minimum of 5 years of experience in the Pharmaceutical Industry or Ph.D. in analytical chemistry/biochemistry
  • Strong background and experience in separations science
  • Extensive experience with UPLC/HPLC analysis of biologics (e.g., SEC, RP, IEX) and CE techniques
  • Experience in process- or impurity-related residual assay development.
  • Background in Analytical Methodologies and sound scientific understanding of Critical Quality Attributes/QbD/DOE principles as well as data analysis and statistics for setting specifications
  • Ability to design, execute and development of methods for release, characterization, and stability testing of clinical trial material and in support of product and process development
  • A strong team player with excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to work both independently for development of assays and cross-functionally for successful transfer of assays.
  • Authoring and reviewing internal technical reports, sections of regulatory filings (e.g., IND, BLA) and external scientific publications
  • Strong ability to deliver complex objectives under aggressive timelines in a rapidly changing environment
  • Demonstrated scientific ability through publications and presentations in scientific conferences.

Nice to have

  • Experience with qualification, validation, and transfer of assays to a GLP or regulated laboratory environment as listed in ICH Q2 and USP<1033>.
  • Experience in representing analytical functional area on project teams.
  • Strong knowledge of protein structure and degradation pathways
  • Mass spectrometry for large molecules
  • Molecular biology (PCR, DNA extraction) and immunoassay (ELISA, gel electrophoresis) techniques
  • Experience in analysis of various Biologic modalities (e.g., mAb, antibody-drug conjugate, fusion protein).

What the JD emphasized

  • Must have effective organizational, multi-tasking, oral/written communications skills, show scientific leadership, and a desire to conduct research and publish.
  • Demonstrated scientific ability through publications and presentations in scientific conferences.
  • Experience leading small groups of technical personnel and analytical projects will aid in distinguishing candidates.
  • Evidence of strong cross-functional collaboration in an academic or industrial setting is also preferred.