Principal Scientist, Discovery and Translational Bioanalytics

Job Description

Our Clinical Research and Pharmacovigilance team push the boundaries of global healthcare through research and innovation. Through clinical trials and surveillance, we ensure the safety and efficacy of our existing and pipeline products to produce safe, effective, innovative medicine.

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Principal Scientist, a director level position, to join the Discovery and Translational team within the department of Preclinical Development-Bioanalytical (PCD-BA) to support vaccine immunogenicity bioanalytical strategy, assay development, and preclinical and clinical studies. Successful candidates should have extensive experience in the development, optimization, and implementation of vaccine immunogenicity assays capable of meeting clinical exploratory assay requirements. The candidate should be current on state-of-the art bioanalytical assay technologies and champion the evaluation of new equipment, technologies and optimization of assay and data processes. Providing leadership and mentorship to junior staff, building relationships with stakeholders, and providing expert technical representation on multidisciplinary teams will be expected. Candidates without all qualifications will be reviewed and could be successful based on past achievements and a desire for continued learning.

Responsibilities include:

• Provide scientific input to the design and development of immunoassays such as LBA, ELISpot, cell-based and/or molecular assays supporting vaccine discovery and early development programs.

• Represent PCD BA in vaccine discovery and/or early development teams and influence bioanalytical strategies together with stakeholders. Communicate results effectively to project teams and upper management.

• Lead and mentor scientists up to Ph.D. level by providing direction, scientific feedback, and by encouraging ideas and experimentation.

• Design, pressure-test, and implement novel approaches, such as new technology, automation, and workflows hands-on.

• The candidate is expected to remain current in the field and maintain an external presence in the field of vaccine immunogenicity.

Qualifications:

• PhD in Biological Sciences such as Immunology, Virology, and Biochemistry, or related area with 8+ years, a MS degree with 10+ years, or BS degree with 14+ years of relevant experience.

• Has in-depth understanding of the vaccine discovery and/or development process and comprehensive knowledge of the principles and concepts of bioanalytical and/or vaccine clinical testing.

• Experience in bioanalytical immunogenicity assays across multiple platforms. Deep knowledge and expertise in development, validation, and troubleshooting of ligand binding assays (LBA). Experience with multiple assay platforms such as electrochemiluminescence, Luminex, AlphaLISA or similar is preferred.

• Experience with cell-based assays in the context of immune response characterization such as virus neutralization, ELISpot, or multi-color flow cytometry is highly preferred. Additional experience with molecular assays (qPCR, digital PCR, RNAseq, NGS) is preferred.

• Track record of innovation. Experience implementing new technology or automation platforms.

• Proficiency utilizing statistical software for design of experiments.

• Demonstrated supervision and mentorship of small teams.

• A team player with excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to work independently and as a scientific mentor for development and validation of assays.

• Strong ability to deliver complex objectives under aggressive timelines in a rapidly changing environment. Excels at working cross-functionally and gaining alignment of new ideas or strategies.

• Record of peer-reviewed scientific publications.

We are a research-driven biopharmaceutical company. Our mission is built on the simple premise that if we “follow the science” that great medicines can make a significant impact to our world. We believe that a research-driven enterprise dedicated to world-class science can succeed by inventing medicine and vaccine innovations that make a difference for patients across the globe.

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 separation package, then you are no longer eligible for your separation benefits package. To discuss in more detail, please contact your HRBP or Talent Acquisition Advisor.

Who we are …

We are known as Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey, USA in the United States and Canada and MSD everywhere else. For more than a century, we have been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world's most challenging diseases. Today, our company continues to be at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions and advance the prevention and treatment of diseases that threaten people and animals around the world.

What we look for …

Imagine getting up in the morning for a job as important as helping to save and improve lives around the world. Here, you have that opportunity. You can put your empathy, creativity, digital mastery, or scientific genius to work in collaboration with a diverse group of colleagues who pursue and bring hope to countless people who are battling some of the most challenging diseases of our time. Our team is constantly evolving, so if you are among the intellectually curious, join us—and start making your impact today.

Employees working in roles that the Company determines require routine collaboration with external stakeholders, such as customer-facing commercial, or research-based roles, will be expected to comply not only with Company policy but also with policies established by such external stakeholders (for example, a requirement to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to access a facility or meet with stakeholders). Please understand that, as permitted by applicable law, if you have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 and an essential function of your job is to call on external stakeholders who require vaccination to enter their premises or engage in face-to-face meetings, then your employment may pose an undue burden to business operations, in which case you may not be offered employment, or your employment could be terminated. Please also note that, where permitted by applicable law, the Company reserves the right to require COVID-19 vaccinations for positions, such as in Global Employee Health, where the Company determines in its discretion that the nature of the role presents an increased risk of disease transmission.

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We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing diverse, talented, and committed people together. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when diverse ideas come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.

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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.

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Requisition ID:R200881