Job Description

Principal Scientist Job Description

The Materials and Biophysical Characterization group in Analytical Research and Development is seeking a highly self-motivated and innovative scientist with deep knowledge and problem-solving skills in biotherapeutics characterization with a proven track record.

The Biophysical Characterization team is responsible for building the mechanistic understanding of the interplay between formulation composition, process and stability of drug substance and drug product to ensure robustness, as well as interrogating the higher order structure of biotherapeutics.  As part of the CMC development team,, you will be leading and/or supporting projects in the diverse pipeline by developing and implementing biophysical and particle characterization tools for biotherapeutic drug products as well as mentoring other team members in delivering results collaborating with process, formulation and device.  You are expected to use your scientific expertise to find ingenious and creative solutions to challenging problems which require deep analytical insight and critical thinking. Additional responsibilities include authoring technical reports and regulatory documents, presenting technical data, and project management. You will serve as a senior scientific leader and provide scientific mentorship to members of our research team. You will conduct and lead independent research, publish research findings, present at scientific conferences, and engage with various external scientific societies/organizations. This is an excellent growth and learning opportunity to work in an exciting, collaborative environment with a wide array of scientists from different divisions, and make significant contributions towards our life-saving medicines.

Education Minimum Requirement: 

Ph.D. in Biophysics, Biochemistry, Biomedical/Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related discipline with >8 years’ of industry related experience.

Master’s degree in Biophysics, Biochemistry, Biomedical/Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related discipline with >12 years’ of industry related experience.

Required Experience and Skills:

Fundamental understanding of protein science, protein/peptide stability, and protein-protein interactions and demonstrate understanding of connectivity between the functions supporting the pipeline (i.e.  quality, regulatory, clinical development; chemistry, manufacturing, and control (CMC); supply chain, and human health).

Track-record of independent problem-solving applying deep technical and subject matter expertise and understanding of new product development and commercialization

Hands-on experience with biophysical and particle characterization techniques for biotherapeutics characterization, excellent analytical skills and the ability to analyze and interpret complex data sets

Self-motivated with an outstanding scientific track-record; be able to apply new findings to address project challenges and encourage others to explore alternative ways to view and solve problems in innovative ways to achieve results

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, actively engages in two-way communication to build trusting relationships.

Desire and willingness to mentor, learn and contribute, actively build the best team providing timely feedback and coaching to talent within organizations.

Excellent organizational skills to multi-task and manage multiple projects. Ability to drive operational excellence by clarifying and translating priorities into actionable steps, and monitors progress of the individual or team to ensure deliverables are met aligned with agreed standards and methodologies

Desired Experience and Skills:

Strong background in chemistry/biochemistry with application in biotherapeutics characterization

Experience in working in multi-disciplinary project teams as a lead

Experience/knowledge in BioNMR and Mass spec

Experience/knowledge in formulation development and relevant analytical assay development

Experience with various modalities including peptides, mAbs, ADC, gene therapy, engineered cellular therapies

#AR&D

#EligibleforERP

NOTICE FOR INTERNAL APPLICANTS

In accordance with Managers' Policy - Job Posting and Employee Placement, all employees subject to this policy are required to have a minimum of twelve (12) months of service in current position prior to applying for open positions.

If you have been offered a separation benefits package, but have not yet reached your separation date and are offered a position within the salary and geographical parameters as set forth in the Summary Plan Description (SPD) of your separationpackage, then you are no longer eligible for your separation benefits package. To discuss in more detail, please contact your HRBP or Talent Acquisition Advisor.

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US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

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We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.  For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:

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U.S. Hybrid Work Model

Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office-based positions in the U.S. will be working a Hybrid work consisting of three total days on-site per week, Monday - Thursday, although the specific days may vary by site or organization, with Friday designated as a remote-working day, unless business critical tasks require an on-site presence.This Hybrid work model does not apply to, and daily in-person attendance is required for, field-based positions; facility-based, manufacturing-based, or research-based positions where the work to be performed is located at a Company site; positions covered by a collective-bargaining agreement (unless the agreement provides for hybrid work); or any other position for which the Company has determined the job requirements cannot be reasonably met working remotely. Please note, this Hybrid work model guidance also does not apply to roles that have been designated as “remote”.

The Company is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this job in certain states and cities within the United States. Final determinations with respect to salary will take into account a number of factors, which may include, but not be limited to the primary work location and the chosen candidate’s relevant skills, experience, and education.

Expected US salary range:

$149,400.00 - $235,100.00

Available benefits include bonus eligibility, long term incentive if applicable, health care and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, paid holidays, vacation, and sick days. A summary of benefits is listed here.

San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully 
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company.  No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails. 

Employee Status:

Regular

Relocation:

Domestic/International

VISA Sponsorship:

Yes

Travel Requirements:

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

n/a

Job Posting End Date:

11/22/2024

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.

Requisition ID:R313622