Principal Scientist, Analytical R&D

The Data-Rich Measurements (DRM) Group within Analytical R&D Enabling Capabilities organization is seeking a highly motivated individual as a Principal Scientist at its West Point, Pennsylvania location.

The DRM group is responsible for executing a modality-agnostic, integrated analytics strategy across our Company's Research Laboratories' Division. This includes proactively assessing enabling opportunities as programs enter the development pipeline and progress towards late-stage and supply phases.

In this role, you will provide technical leadership to a team of 5 scientists within the vaccines-facing DRM organization, collaborating with process development scientists and engineers in vaccine process development and drug product development. This is a laboratory-based role where you will partner with a diverse team to integrate process analytical technologies (PAT) into pipeline programs, aiming to develop robust, cost-effective processes and influence process control strategies. You will serve as a PAT subject matter expert, applying tools such as online UPLC, Raman, FTIR, coupled with chemometric methodologies, supporting programs from early to late stages.

You will advocate for PAT use to enable business outcomes, collaborating across departments to identify opportunities. Responsibilities also include developing, optimizing, and executing validation strategies for online/in-line/at-line methods to monitor and control drug substance and drug product quality attributes, facilitating seamless transfer to commercialization. Maintaining a network to identify and evaluate novel technologies is also expected.

Applicants must have effective organizational, multi-tasking, and communication skills, demonstrate scientific leadership, and have a desire to publish research. As part of our team, you will join scientific problem solvers dedicated to creating life-changing medicines.

Education Minimum Requirements:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, or related field with 7-10 years of bio-pharmaceutical industry experience.

Required Experience and Skills:

• Scientific supervisory or mentorship experience.
• Knowledge of vaccine process development and pilot-scale manufacturing.
• Proficiency in data-driven qualitative and quantitative chemometric modeling (MVDA).
• Hands-on experience with PAT tools such as online UPLC, Raman, FTIR, Capacitance, Solo VPE, Flow VPX.
• Experience with continuous monitoring, lab automation, or informatics.
• Ability to deliver complex objectives under tight timelines in a dynamic environment.
• Strong publication and presentation record in scientific forums.
• Excellent communication skills, creativity, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to learn new measurement science concepts and apply them to problem-solving.
• Teamwork and influencing skills in cross-functional settings.
• Proven collaboration in an industrial setting.

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Experience with CMC analytical deliverables, GMP validation, and tech transfers.
• Experience with continuous monitoring, automation, or informatics.

#AR&D

#EligibleforERP

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

We are committed to inclusion. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application process.

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, providing equal opportunities and prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, or other protected characteristics. For more rights information, visit:

EEOC Know Your Rights

EEOC GINA Supplement

We value diverse experiences and perspectives, believing they foster innovation. We encourage respectful challenge and collective problem-solving.

Learn more about your rights under various US State Acts

U.S. Hybrid Work Model

Effective September 5, 2023, U.S. office-based employees will work a hybrid schedule: three days on-site (Monday-Thursday) and Friday remote, unless business needs dictate otherwise. Specific roles may vary.

San Francisco Residents Only: We consider applicants with arrest and conviction records per local ordinances.

Los Angeles Residents Only: We consider all qualified applicants consistent with local laws and ordinances.

Search Firm Representatives: Merck & Co., Inc. does not accept unsolicited agency resumes. No fee is paid unless a formal agreement is in place.

Additional Details:

• Employee Status: Regular
• Relocation: Not specified
• VISA Sponsorship: Not specified
• Travel Requirements: Not specified
• Flexible Work Arrangements: Not applicable
• Shift: Not specified
• Valid Driving License: Not specified
• Hazardous Materials: Not specified

Job Posting End Date: 05/11/2025