Merck & Co, Inc

Senior Scientist, Vaccines Analytical Research & Development

Merck & Co, Inc$117K — $184K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, or biomedical engineering, or equivalent experience.
  • Demonstrated expertise in separation science techniques such as HPLC, CE, and LC-MS.
  • Strong communication skills for collaboration and presentation in a scientific setting.
  • Proven publication record in scientific journals.
  • Ability to work well in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary team environment.

Responsibilities

  • Solve analytical problems in vaccine development and characterization.
  • Develop advanced analytical techniques for biomolecular analysis.
  • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior scientists.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally to support regulatory submissions and evaluations.
  • Document experimental procedures and results meticulously following ALCOA principles.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and families.
  • 401(k) retirement plan with employer contributions.
  • Paid holidays and vacation days.
  • Sick leave and compassionate leave benefits.
Full Job Description

Job Description

We are seeking a Growth and Improvement minded Senior Vaccine Analytical Research & Development Scientist that can help drive our Strategic Operating Priorities.

  • Invent | Pursue the Most Promising Internal and External Science to Address Significant Unmet Medical Needs

  • Execute | Prioritize Resources Behind Our Key Growth Drivers (Oncology, Vaccines, Select Specialty Areas, Animal Health) While Optimizing Our Base Business)

  • Adapt | Develop Our People, Culture and Business Model to Evolve with a Dynamic Landscape

  • Talent | We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment with supporting leadership behaviors because having a high-performing, engaged workforce is critical to our ability to deliver innovative solutions to patients and customers around the world

  • Values and Standards | Our Steadfast Commitment to Our Values and Standards will Continue to Guide Us as We Take on New Challenges and Will Always be Fundamental to Our Success – They are a Competitive Advantage for Us

Summary, Focus and Supply

We are seeking applicants for a Senior Scientist position 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 development of Vaccines.

In this role, an individual will work with a team of scientists to 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 techniques. The individual should have knowledge of analytical techniques and molecular structure characterization. Lab automation and digital informatics is considered a plus.

The candidate will work with a team of scientists applying analytical methods to support vaccine process development, formulation development, vaccine investigations, vaccine characterization, method qualifications and transfers. Experience leading small groups of technical personnel and analytical projects will aid in distinguishing candidates. Evidence of strong cross-functional collaboration in an academic or industrial setting is also preferred. Additionally, this individual must document the execution, procedure, results, and conclusions of experiments in a detailed and organized manner following ALCOA principles.

In addition to analytical capabilities, the incumbent should have knowledge in protein chemistry, structural biology, and biochemistry with applications to biomolecules such as viruses, virus like particles, proteins, and DNA/RNA. The candidate must be able to prioritize and work in collaborative manner in a fast-paced, integrated, multidisciplinary team environment. Additional responsibilities include providing technical guidance to other scientists, evaluating new technologies, driving innovation to influence trends in industry, and preparing technical documents to support regulatory submissions. Applicants must be motivated to conduct research and publish.

Education

  • Ph.D. degree in analytical chemistry, chemistry, biochemistry, biomedical engineering or related field (with expected completion no later than May 2026) or Master of Science degree with four years experience in the Biotech/Pharmaceutical Industry, or Bachelor of Science degree with seven years experience in Biotech/Pharmaceutical Industry

Experience | Skills | Knowledge

Required

  • Work Independently and as a Team member with Integrity | Precision | Accomplishment | Motivational Ambition | Respect | Inclusion

  • In-depth knowledge and understanding of separation science (HPLC, CE, LC-MS, SDS-PAGE, & WB) demonstrated by publications

  • Extensive experience with chromatography or capillary separation methods (e.g. HPLC, CE, LC-MS) as demonstrated by method development and troubleshooting

  • A strong team player with excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to work both independently and cross-functionally for development of assays

  • Demonstrated scientific ability through publications and presentations in scientific conferences

  • Motivated to learn new skills, willingness to take on new challenges, and scientific curiosity

Preferred

  • Evidence of strong cross-functional collaboration in an academic or industrial setting

  • Experience with automated laboratory instrumentation and analysis of large data sets

  • Experience with assay robustness evaluation and method qualifications, validations and transfers and familiar with relevant compendial guidelines (e.g., USP1220, ICH Q2/Q14)

  • Authoring and reviewing internal technical reports, sections of regulatory filings (e.g. IND, BLA) and external scientific publications

  • Strong ability to deliver complex objectives under aggressive timelines in a rapidly changing environment

#EBRG

#AR&D

Required Skills:

Accountability, Accountability, Adaptability, Analytical Method Development, Assay Development, Bioanalytical Analysis, Biochemical Assays, Biomedical Engineering, Biomedical Sciences, Chemistry, Chromatographic Techniques, Chromatography, Data Analysis, GMP Environments, Immunoassays, Immunochemistry, Immunology, Innovative Thinking, Oncology, Process Analytical Technology (PAT), Protein Chemistry, Scientific Research, Strategic Thinking, Structural Biology, Technical Writing {+ 1 more}

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply

Current Contingent Workers apply

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

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 employees 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 .

You can apply for this role through (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:

Yes

Travel Requirements:

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

1st - Day

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

n/a

Job Posting End Date:

07/29/2026

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFOREthe listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.

About Merck & Co, Inc

Schering-Plough Corporation is a major U.S.-based manufacturer of pharmaceuticals. It operates in three segments: Prescription Pharmaceuticals, Animal Health, and Consumer Health Care. Schering-Plough develops products targeting on allergy, cancer, hepatitis, cardiovascular, central nervous system, respiratory system, and more.  It was founded in 1851 by Ernst Christian Friedrich Schering as Schering AG in Germany. Schering-Plough manufactured several pharmaceutical drugs, the most well-known of which were the allergy drugs Claritin and Clarinex, an anti-cholesterol drug Vytorin, and a brain tumor drug Temodar. It also developed drugs targeting on central nervous system and the respiratory system. Schering Plough also owned and operated the major foot care brand name Dr. Scholl's and the skin care line Coppertone. These also became a part of the new company. Schering-Plough was a full member of the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA), a membership which is also maintained by the new Merck.

Merck & Co, Inc Careers

Join the visionary team at Merck & Co, Inc, a global leader in healthcare dedicated to advancing the world of medicine. As part of our professional community, you'll find dynamic job opportunities that foster innovation and leadership across various fields. Merck & Co, Inc is not just a company; it's a place where you can make a difference.

Work You’ll Do

At Merck & Co, Inc, we are committed to improving global health through groundbreaking research and innovative healthcare solutions. Our team is at the forefront of developing new therapies and vaccines that significantly impact public health worldwide. By joining us, you will collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry, using your skills to contribute to projects that save and improve lives around the globe.

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Whether you're seeking an internship, a graduate opportunity, or a professional position, Merck & Co, Inc offers a range of career paths in environments that promote rapid professional growth and development. Explore job opportunities in research, digital transformation, manufacturing, and more, all while benefiting from a culture that supports diversity and inclusion.

Innovate and Lead

Merck & Co, Inc is an ideal environment for those who lead with curiosity and the drive to innovate. Our leadership is committed to fostering a culture where inventive thinking and collaboration are encouraged, making it a perfect place for professionals who seek to make an impact through their work.

Develop Your Skills

With Merck & Co, Inc, you are not just getting a job; you're gaining access to unparalleled career development opportunities. Enhance your skills through diverse training programs, workshops, and continuous learning courses designed to help you grow at every stage of your career.

Benefits and Culture

We understand that our employees are our greatest asset, which is why we offer competitive benefits designed to support the health and well-being of you and your family. From comprehensive health care coverage and retirement plans to flexible working conditions and wellness programs, our benefits package is designed to meet the diverse needs of our team members.

Join Our Team

Ready to advance your career at Merck & Co, Inc? Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are continuously hiring and looking for passionate, creative, and solution-driven team players. Prepare your resume, sharpen your interview skills, and become part of a company that's dedicated to making a difference.

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Learn more about Merck & Co, Inc
Size
68,000 employees
Market Cap
$282.6 billion
Industry
Net Income
$7 billion
Founded
1668
5 Year Trend
+4.1%
Revenue
$47.9 billion
NASDAQ

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