Associate Principal Scientist - Biology-Discovery

Associate Principal Scientist - Biology-Discovery

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Job Description

Associate Principal Scientist:

We are seeking a highly skilled Scientist with advanced expertise in analytical assay development and optimization for the physicochemical characterization of monoclonal antibodies. The Individual will work as part of a rapidly growing team focusing on lead selection for new projects and development of leads from established discovery pipeline. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in protein characterization techniques, solid understanding of developability assessment for monoclonal antibodies and experience working with Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (CDMOs). This role will be critical in supporting our therapeutic monoclonal antibody development programs.

Responsibilities:

Design, develop, and optimize analytical assays for the physicochemical characterization of monoclonal antibodies, including but not limited to Size exclusion chromatography (SEC), Ion exchange chromatography (IEX), Hydrophobic Interaction Chromatography (HIC), cIEF, Reverse Phase HPLC (RP-HPLC) and Capillary electrophoresis (CE)

Conduct experiments to support developability assessments of monoclonal antibodies to evaluate their suitability for therapeutic use, including assessment of solubility, aggregation propensity, and formulation compatibility

Conduct comprehensive characterization studies to assess the purity and stability of monoclonal antibodies

Ensure all analytical methods comply with industry best practices

Work closely with CDMOs to transfer analytical methods, troubleshoot issues, and ensure timely delivery of results

Analyze experimental data, prepare technical reports, and present findings to cross-functional teams and stakeholders

Identify opportunities for process improvements and implement best practices in assay development and validation.

Provide guidance and mentorship to junior scientists and laboratory staff

Develop and manage project specific milestones and timelines

Manage the R D relationships with external service providers

Prepare progress reports and make presentations to stakeholders

Stay informed of external advances & technologies to enhance the product development portfolio.

Communicate progress and plans to a variety of stakeholders with diverse expertise.

Provide support, coaching or assistance to other team members.

Education Minimum Requirement:

Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or a related discipline

Required Experience and Skills:

A minimum of 5 years of experience in analytical characterization of antibody therapeutics.

Proficiency in various protein characterization techniques (SEC, IEX, CE, HIC, cIEF, CE-SDS)

Deep understanding of biophysical properties of proteins and their implications for therapeutic development

Experience with antibody developability assessment methodologies and tools

Familiarity with regulatory requirements for biologics

Proven ability to work effectively in a team-based environment

Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail

Strong communication skills, both written and verbal

Ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment

Ability to manage two or more projects simultaneously

Preferred Experience and Skills:

8-10 years of experience working in a field relevant to discovery or development of antibody therapeutics

Creativity and a proven track record

Strong background in R D of antibody or other biologics with experience in their identification and selection

Strong knowledge in antibody structure-function relationship is an asset

Experiences with the characterization of antibodies across a variety of therapeutic areas

Knowledge of ICH guidelines and regulatory submission requirements is a plus

Experience in collaboration with external partners, including CDMOs is a plus

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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U.S. Hybrid Work Model

Effective 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 salary range for this role is

$139,600.00 - $219,700.00

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

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:

No

Travel Requirements:

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

N/A

Required Skills:

Anion Exchange Chromatography, Anion Exchange Chromatography, Antibodies, Antibody Characterization, Antibody Therapeutics, Assay Development, Biochemical Assays, Biochemistry, Capillary Electrophoresis (CE), Cell Biology, Communication, Detail-Oriented, Ethical Compliance, High-Throughput Screening, Mammalian Cell Culture, Molecular Biology, Monoclonal Antibodies, Process Improvements, Product Development, Professional Networking, Protein Analysis, Protein Expression, Science, Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC), Social Collaboration {+ 1 more}

Preferred Skills:

Job Posting End Date:

06/17/2025

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