Job DescriptionWe are actively seeking an enthusiastic individual to join our North Wales, PA team as a Senior Scientist (R3) in Biologics Analytical Research & Development (AR&D) GMP Operations, to support ELISA and cell-based potency methods. In this role, the selected candidate will be responsible for phase-appropriate validations, late-stage transfers, SoftMax Pro template validations, analytical life cycle management, troubleshooting, and release and stability testing. The successful candidate must be able to work in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment and will play a pivotal role supporting Biologics to advance commercialization efforts.
The incumbent will collaborate closely with various stakeholders, including Analytical Development, Large Molecule Assay Validation, Quality Assurance, Technical Operations, and CMC Regulatory Affairs, to address technical challenges, provide scientifically sound guidance at each stage of development, and effectively manage deliverables to progress the pipeline.
Responsibilities- Execute Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) activities such as release, stability, and in-process testing of Biologics Drug Substance (DS) and Drug Product (DP) using both traditional and advanced analytical tools.
- Validate and implement analytical methods to support release and stability testing of clinical materials.
- Support critical reagent qualifications and SoftMax Pro template validation activities.
- Act as subject matter expert (SME) across various franchises and analytical platforms.
- Support biologics registrations, product launches, and troubleshooting activities.
- Develop and manage project timelines and deliverables.
- Support compliance audits, inspection activities, and investigations/CAPAs.
- Advance strategic initiatives across matrixed teams.
- Document activities in a detailed and organized manner following ALCOA principles and SOPs.
- Author and review technical documentation including regulatory submissions.
- Additional responsibilities as assigned to support the evolving needs of the department.
Position Qualifications:Education Minimum Requirement:- Bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry or related science with 7 years of relevant experience in analytical development, validation, and/or quality control (QC)
- Master's degree in biology, biochemistry or related science with 3 years of relevant experience in analytical development, validation, and/or quality control (QC)
- PhD in biology, biochemistry or related science
Required Experience and Skills:- Experience in the area of large molecules (vaccines, biologics) immunochemical and cell-based analytical methods.
- Deep technical expertise with ELISA and cell-based potency methods.
- Proficiencies with mammalian cell culture.
- Experience with residual ELISA methods.
- Strong organizational skills with proven ability to manage timelines and deliverables.
- Ability to proactively identify and communicate risks.
- Demonstrated capability of finding innovative solutions to technical issues.
- Capability to work independently and within a matrixed team.
- Effective communication (oral and written) and leadership skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills with adeptness to lead by influencing others.
- Self-motivated with a positive attitude and proven performance record.
- Willingness to occasionally work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed.
- Experience with deviation management and change control processes.
Preferred Experience and Skills:- At least 1 year experience working in a GMP environment.
- Experience with LIMS, SoftMax Pro, electronic notebook, and/or other data analytics platforms.
- Knowledge of cGxP operation, USP, EP, ICH, and FDA guidelines.
- Experience with analytical method validation and life cycle management.
- Experience with method development or regulatory submissions.
- Experience with SoftMax Pro template creation is highly preferred.
- Experience with qPCR or compendial methods is desirable.
Required Skills: Assay Development, Bioanalytical Analysis, Biochemical Assays, Biochemistry, Cell-Based Assays, Change Control Processes, Chromatographic Techniques, GMP Compliance, GMP Environments, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Immunoassays, Innovative Thinking, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Analysis, Process Analytical Technology (PAT), Strategic Initiative
Preferred Skills: 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.
The salary range for this role is
$117,000.00 - $184,200.00
This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.
The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.
You can apply for this role through https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.
San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
Los 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 Ordinance
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: Regular
Relocation:Domestic
VISA Sponsorship:No
Travel Requirements:10%
Flexible Work Arrangements:Not Applicable
Shift:1st - Day
Valid Driving License:No
Hazardous Material(s):n/a
Job Posting End Date:07/16/2026
*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.