Principal Scientist, Biologics Analytical Research & Development

Job DescriptionThe Biologics Analytical Research & Development department of our company's Research Laboratories Division is seeking applicants for a Principal Scientist position available at our company's research facility. The Principal Scientist is a senior scientific role tasked with working closely with the group Director to define group strategy and to lead a team of scientists in solving complex analytical problems at the interface of biology, chemistry, and lab informatics disciplines to enable development of biologics active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). We are looking for a team player with strong leadership skills and the passion for mentoring and working along others in a laboratory setting.  Applicants must have effective organizational and multi-tasking skills, have demonstrated excellent scientific leadership, and have superior communications skills, both written and oral.  A track record of delivering impactful solutions to complex problems, and evidence of strong cross-functional collaboration is expected. Experience in leading small groups of technical personnel, leading projects, and defining group or departmental strategy will aid in distinguishing candidates.  An established reputation for scientific excellence supported by publications and external presentations is expected. QualificationsEducation Minimum Requirements:Ph.D. in analytical chemistry/biochemistry or related field with a minimum of 8 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, M.S. in analytical chemistry/biochemistry or related field with a minimum of 12 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, or B.S. in analytical chemistry/biochemistry or related field with a minimum of 16 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry. Required Experience and Skills:Extensive experience in analysis of biologics (separation methods such as Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC), Ion Exchange Chromatography (IEX) and Capillary Electrophoresis (CE) techniques, and immunoassays such as residual and PCR-based assays).Strong background in analytical control strategy development and execution.Demonstrated ability to develop talent through good mentoring skills.Demonstrated ability for taking initiative, creativity, and innovation in problem solving.Background in Analytical Methodologies and sound scientific understanding of Critical Quality Attributes/QbD/DOE principles as well as data analysis and statistics for setting specifications.Ability to design, execute and/or direct the development and qualification of release, characterization, and stability assays for testing of clinical trial material and in support of product and process development.A strong team player with excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to work both independently for development of assays and cross-functionally for successful transfer of assays. Plan assay optimization and documentation to meet program deadlines.Authoring and reviewing internal technical reports, sections of regulatory filings (e.g., IND, BLA) and external scientific publications.Experience with matrix management and peer to peer coachingStrong ability to deliver complex objectives under aggressive timelines in a rapidly changing environment.Preferred Experience and Skills:Understanding of protein degradation mechanisms and link between analytical methodologies for analysis.Experience with qualification, validation, and transfer of assays to a GLP or regulated laboratory environment as listed in ICH Q2 and USP<1033>.Experience with complex glycan analysis and link to mechanisms of actions.Experience in analysis of various Biologic modalities (e.g., mAb, antibody-drug conjugate, fusion protein).Knowledge and experience in Antibody Drug Conjugate method development.Established scientific reputation supported by publications and external presentations.Strong external network to benchmark competitors and equipment vendors.Experience in high-throughput experimentation and data-rich experimentation.#AR&DNOTICEFORINTERNALAPPLICANTSIn 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 separationpackage, then you are no longer eligible for your separation benefits package. To discuss in more detail, please contact your HRBP or Talent Acquisition Advisor.Current Employees apply HERECurrent Contingent Workers apply HEREUS 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.We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.  For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:EEOC Know Your RightsEEOC GINA Supplement​Pay Transparency NondiscriminationWe 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. Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State ActsU.S. Hybrid Work ModelEffective September 5, 2023, employees in office-based positions in the U.S. will be working a Hybrid work consisting of three total days on-site per week, Monday - Thursday, although the specific days may vary by site or organization, with Friday designated as a remote-working day, unless business critical tasks require an on-site presence.This Hybrid work model does not apply to, and daily in-person attendance is required for, field-based positions; facility-based, manufacturing-based, or research-based positions where the work to be performed is located at a Company site; positions covered by a collective-bargaining agreement (unless the agreement provides for hybrid work); or any other position for which the Company has determined the job requirements cannot be reasonably met working remotely. Please note, this Hybrid work model guidance also does not apply to roles that have been designated as “remote”.The Company is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this job in certain states and cities within the United States. Final determinations with respect to salary will take into account a number of factors, which may include, but not be limited to the primary work location and the chosen candidate’s relevant skills, experience, and education.Expected US salary range:$149,400.00 - $235,100.00Available benefits include bonus eligibility, long term incentive if applicable, health care and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, paid holidays, vacation, and sick days. A summary of benefits is listed here.San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance OrdinanceLos Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring OrdinanceSearch 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: RegularRelocation:Domestic/InternationalVISA Sponsorship:YesTravel Requirements:10%Flexible Work Arrangements:Not ApplicableShift:Not IndicatedValid Driving License:NoHazardous Material(s):N/AJob Posting End Date:12/31/2024*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date. SummaryLocation: USA - New Jersey - RahwayType: Full time