Scientist, Biologics and Vaccines Formulations

Job Description

Vaccine Drug Product Development, a part of our Company’s Research Laboratories in West Point, PA, is seeking a Scientist or Engineer to join our department. The selected candidate will work as part of a team responsible for the design and development of vaccine drug products from preclinical through Phase III with a line of sight to commercialization. Primary responsibilities include the design, execution, and documentation of laboratory activities supporting formulation of novel vaccine antigens (e.g., smRNA, live virus vaccines, subunit, conjugate etc.), adjuvants, and delivery systems.

Experience with skills related to drug product development is desirable (analytical/biochemical/biophysical characterization, filtration, formulation, etc.) and a drive to learn new techniques while working in a laboratory setting is required. The selected candidate will be expected to work in a hands-on and dynamic laboratory environment while also working collaboratively within cross-functional teams responsible for developing the next generation of vaccine drug products at our company.

Main Responsibilities:

The design, execution and documentation of laboratory-based activities to develop, characterize and optimize vaccine formulations.

Minimum Education Requirement:

• B.S. in Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Chemical/Biochemical engineering, Virology, or related discipline with 2-5 years of relevant experience

-or-

• M.S. in Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Chemical/Biochemical engineering, Virology, or related discipline with 0-2 years of relevant experience

Required Experience and Skills:

• Experience designing, driving, and interpreting results from experiments

• Excellent communication, writing and collaboration skills

• Effective organizational and technical problem-solving abilities

• Ability to work in a dynamic team environment

Desired Experience and Skills:

• Experience with analytical characterization of biotherapeutics including protein biochemistry and analytical characterization (e.g., particle size analysis and other biophysical methodologies)

• Formulation development experience with biotherapeutics including carbohydrate, protein and/or live viral vaccines for parenteral administration

• Demonstrated proficiency in aseptic technique

• Understanding of the drug product manufacturing process and scale-up considerations

• General knowledge and/or experience with lyophilization, including techniques to examine residual moisture and the physical properties of lyophilized formulations

• Ability to contribute and innovate across pipeline, strategy and science

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.

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.

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.

Residents of Colorado

Click here to request this role’s pay range.

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.

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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.

For more information about personal rights under Equal Employment Opportunity, visit:

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EEOC GINA Supplement​

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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.

Residents of Colorado:

Click here to request this role’s pay range.

Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts

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:

Relocation:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Requisition ID:R223949