Senior Scientist, Vaccines Analytical Research & Development

Position Overview

Merck is seeking a Senior Vaccine Analytical Research & Development Scientist to join our Vaccines Analytical Research and Development team located in West Point, PA. The Senior Scientist is a laboratory-based scientific role tasked with solving complex analytical problems at the interface of biology, chemistry, and lab informatics disciplines to enable the development of vaccines.

• Develop state-of-the-art analytical techniques such as separations of small molecules, polymers, proteins, conjugates and nanoparticles (FPLC, HPLC, CE), spectroscopic techniques (NMR, UV‑VIS/IR/Fluorescence), virology, immunoassay and classical wet chemistry.
• Apply analytical methods to support vaccine process development, formulation development, vaccine investigations, characterization, method qualification and transfers.
• Document execution, procedure, results, and conclusions of experiments in a detailed and organized manner following ALCOA principles.
• Provide technical guidance to other scientists and evaluate new technologies to drive innovation and influence industry trends.
• Prepare technical documents to support regulatory submissions.
• Prioritize and work collaboratively in a fast‑paced, integrated multidisciplinary team environment.

• Ph.D. degree in analytical chemistry, chemistry, biochemistry, biomedical engineering, or related field (expected completion no later than May
  2026) OR Master of Science with four years experience in the Biotech/Pharmaceutical Industry OR Bachelor of Science with seven years experience in Biotech/Pharmaceutical Industry.
• Knowledge of analytical techniques and molecular structure characterization.
• Experience leading small groups of technical personnel and analytical projects.
• Evidence of strong cross‑functional collaboration in an academic or industrial setting.
• Understanding of protein chemistry, structural biology, and biochemistry with applications to viruses, virus‑like particles, proteins, and DNA/RNA.
• Lab automation and digital informatics experience is considered a plus.
• Strong oral and written communication skills and ability to work independently and cross‑functionally.

• Extensive experience with chromatography or capillary separation methods (HPLC, CE, LC‑MS) demonstrated by method development and troubleshooting.
• Experience with assay robustness evaluation, method qualification, validation, and transfers; familiarity with relevant compendial guidelines (USP
  1220, ICHQ2/Q14).
• Authoring and reviewing internal technical reports, regulatory filings (IND, BLA) and external scientific publications.
• Experience with automated laboratory instrumentation and analysis of large data sets.

• Salary range: $ – $.
• Eligible for annual bonus and long‑term incentive, if applicable.
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and other insurance benefits (for employee and family); retirement benefits including 401(k); paid holidays, vacation, compassionate and sick days.

• Employee status:
  Regular.
• Relocation:
  Domestic.
• Visa sponsorship:
  Yes.
• Travel requirements: 10%.
• Flexible work arrangements:
  Not applicable.
• Shift: 1st – Day.
• Valid driving license:
  No required.
• Hazardous material(s):
  None.
• Job posting end date: 07/29/2026.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or other legally protected characteristics. In addition, as a federal contractor we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.