Job Description

Applications are sought for an Associate Scientist opportunity in the our Research & Development Division Vaccine High-throughput Development & Innovation Organization based in West Point, Pennsylvania.

The primary responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Serve as an individual scientific contributor to deliver high throughput process development (HTPD) solutions to process teams and to conduct microscale screening experiments as needed to drive vaccine development.
• Contribute to a range of specific activities including, but not limited to: (1) developing HTPD workflows and associated high-throughput analytics; (2) supporting screening experiments for cell/virus culture, reaction chemistry, and chromatography development; (3) identifying opportunities to utilize HTPD to enhance process understanding; (4) implementing and maintaining robotic systems with liquid-handling hardware and (5) programming of robotic systems, user interfaces, and automated data analysis operations.
• Actively interacts with internal and external counterparts in cross functional teams that are engaged in novel vaccine development.
• Occasional travel and off hour/weekend work may be required.

The candidate should be self-motivated, well-organized, have strong problem-solving skills, and be able to think strategically. They should also be adaptable, and demonstrate a willingness and ability to learn new techniques. The Associate Scientist will be expected to demonstrate the ability to work both independently and as part of a team, and have excellent communicate skills in both verbal and written formats. In addition to the core responsibilities outlined above, the candidate will be expected to keep careful notes, comply with all required training, and maintain a focused attention on laboratory safety.

Education:

• BS in Chemical Engineering or Biological Sciences

Required Experience and Skills:

• Technical background /working knowledge of cell culture, chromatography, membrane filtration, and common biochemical analytical techniques.
• Hands-on laboratory experience in an academic research or industrial setting (e.g. undergraduate research project, intern, co-op, or other job experience).
• Ability to understand and execute experiments independently in fulfillment of assigned program objectives in a manner that meets quality and timeline expectations.
• Well-developed organizational, record-keeping, and problem-solving skills, with an attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work in a cross-functional team environment.

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• At least 1 year of bioprocess development experience (cell culture and/or purification of proteins, viruses, VLPs, or other biological molecules).
• At least 6 months of experience with an automated liquid-handling workstation (e.g. Tecan, Hamilton)
• Familiarity with established safety practices for working with live viruses including hands-on experience with Biosafety Level 2 operations.
• Background in programming (e.g. Visual Basic, Python, MatLab) and/or with statistical or visualization software (e.g. Spotfire, JMP).
• Communication of scientific information through oral presentations and written documents.

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., Kenilworth, 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 …

In a world of rapid innovation, we seek brave Inventors who want to make an Impact in all aspects of our business, enabling breakthroughs that will affect generations to come. We encourage you to bring your disruptive thinking, collaborative spirit and diverse perspective to our organization. Together we will continue Inventing For Life, Impacting Lives while Inspiring Your Career Growth.

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.

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.

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.

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully
Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Kenilworth, 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

VISA Sponsorship:

No

Travel Requirements:

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Work Week

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Number of Openings:

1

Requisition ID:R135136