Senior Scientist, Vaccine Drug Product Development

Job Description

Vaccine Drug Product Development in our Company's Research Labs, West Point, PA is seeking a Senior Scientist to join our department. The successful candidate will be expected to work as part of a team that is focused on the development of vaccine drug products from preclinical through Phase III with a line of sight to commercialization. The main responsibilities include the design, execution, and documentation of lab activities towards formulation of novel delivery systems for Vaccine Adjuvant (PAMP-agonists, Immunomodulators, etc.) and Antigens (mRNA, live virus vaccines, subunit, etc.).

The candidate should possess scientific knowledge and / or experience related to various aspects of drug product development (i.e., biochemical/biophysical characterization, formulation/ process development, lyophilization, etc.) with a drive to learn/ develop new methodologies. The successful candidate will be expected to work independently in a hands-on, dynamic laboratory environment engaged in development and technology transfer to enable manufacturing of drug products, while also working collaboratively within the group and across functional groups and with external partners. This position is expected to communicate data both verbally at group meetings and through written documents and reports.

Required Experience and Skills:

• Ph.D. + 0-2 years, M.S. +4 years, or B.S. +6 years in chemical/biochemical engineering, chemistry, biochemistry or related discipline of related experience in process development

• Experience in development and characterization of lipid and/or polymeric nanoparticle-based formulations for dosing adjuvants and antigens ( Proteins, mRNA, VLPs)

• Understanding of drug product (liquid/lyophilized) manufacturing process and scale-up considerations

• Proven written and verbal communication skills

• Strong organizational and technical problem-solving abilities

• Ability to work in a dynamic team environment

Desired Experience and Skills:

• Experience in development/characterization of aseptic fill/finish unit operations (freeze/thaw, mixing, sterile filtration, filling, stoppering, visual inspection, etc.) to define critical process parameters

• Experience with using engineering principles to design scale up studies and interpreting results

• Understanding of process related stresses that impact the quality and stability of vaccines

• Experience with manufacturing of clinical supplies.

• Familiarity with Quality by Design (QbD) principles, cGMPs, regulatory filings, and compliance issues for sterile injectable products manufactured by aseptic processing

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.

For positions located in the United States and Puerto Rico – Subject to applicable law, all new hires (including internal transfers) must demonstrate that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or that they qualify for a medical or religious exemption to this vaccination requirement. New hires (including internal transfers) to a position that, as determined by the Company, requires routine collaboration with external stakeholders (such as roles in health services or customer-facing commercial or research-based roles) (“Customer-Facing Role”) who are not vaccinated must qualify for a medical or religious exemption and be in a position that the Company determines can accommodate unvaccinated employees without causing an undue burden to business operations. If, following dialog with the candidate as appropriate, it is determined that the candidate either a) does not qualify for a religious or medical exemption or, b) for candidates applying for Customer-Facing roles, it is determined that allowing the candidate to work without vaccination would cause an undue burden to the Company, the candidate will be ineligible for hire or transfer, or any offer of employment or transfer (if applicable) will be revoked. Please note that notwithstanding the approval of any reasonable accommodation, the Company reserves the right to monitor, modify, or revoke any such accommodation if it is determined, following dialog with the employee, that the accommodation is no longer effective or results in an undue burden to the Company.

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:

EEOC Know Your Rights

EEOC GINA Supplement​

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination

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):

Number of Openings:

Requisition ID:R223952