Associate Principal Scientist, Discovery Analytical Research

Job Description

The Discovery Analytical Research group in West Point, Pennsylvania is seeking application for an Associate Principal Scientist position to drive innovation in analytical measurement technologies, enabling the discovery of new drug candidates across various modalities. Key deliverables will include the development, implementation, and execution of analytical measurement technologies that accelerate the pace of discovery research and influence molecular design. The successful candidate must be able to collaborate in a dynamic, integrated, and multidisciplinary team environment. The primary role of the successful candidate will be to lead the development and application of advanced analytical and biophysical characterization strategies for our early-stage vaccines pipeline, playing a critical role in influencing molecular design, candidate selection, and manufacturability through data-driven insights and the deployment of novel technologies.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Represent the discovery analytical research group in project teams, provide technical guidance, and drive scientific strategy.

• Develop, implement, and troubleshoot advanced analytical methods, primarily separation-based techniques and biophysical techniques utilizing automation.

• Solve complex problems and drive innovation in analytical measurement technologies.

• Collaborate in multidisciplinary teams, foster partnerships with discovery groups, and contribute to organizational goals.

• Mentor and develop junior scientists and promote a culture of learning and innovation.

• Ensure high standards of data integrity and documentation.

• The successful candidate must be able to effectively collaborate in a fast-paced, integrated, multidisciplinary team environment. 

  

Education Minimum Requirements: 

• Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry or related field with 4+ years of biopharmaceutical industry experience.

Required Experience and Skills: 

• Deep expertise in separation techniques (UPLC, LC-CAD, CE-SDS, SEC, BCA, Western) for vaccines.

• Strong experience in biophysical techniques (e.g. DLS, SLS, MFI, DSC, SAXS) for vaccines.

• Experience with automation workflows, including liquid handling platforms (e.g., Tecan, Bravo, NIMBUS)

• Demonstrated scientific ability through publications in peer reviewed journals and presentations in scientific conferences.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, demonstrated creativity, and strong interpersonal skills. 

• Ability to deliver complex objectives under challenging timelines in a rapidly changing environment.

• Ability to work in a team environment with cross-functional interactions.

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• ​Experience with electronic laboratory notebook applications and good documentation practices.

• Familiarity with coding/scripting (e.g., Python, R) for automation or data analysis

Why Join Us?

Be part of a dynamic, innovative team. Lead impactful research and contribute to drug discovery. Opportunities for professional growth and publication.

#AR&D

Required Skills:

Adaptability, Adaptability, Analytical Chemistry, Analytical Method Development, Assay Development, Automation, Biological Assay Development, Biopharmaceutical Industry, Biopharmaceuticals, Biopharmaceutics, Cell-Based Assays, Chromatographic Techniques, Cross-Functional Teamwork, Drug Discovery Process, External Collaboration, Foster Innovation, High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS), Laboratory Documentation, Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS), Mass Spectrometry Analysis, Multidisciplinary Collaboration, Optimism, Pharmaceutical Biology, Process Analytical Technology (PAT), Protein Analysis {+ 2 more}

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.

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 applicable legally protected characteristics.  As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.  For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:

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We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.

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The salary range for this role is

$142,400.00 - $224,100.00

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:

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

n/a

Job Posting End Date:

07/8/2026

*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.