Senior Research Scientist Job in West Point, Pennsylvania US
Senior Research Scientist
Merck is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines and consumer health products, as well as animal health products. Today, we are building a new kind of healthcare company - one that is ready to help create a healthier future for all of us. Our ability to excel depends on the integrity, knowledge, imagination, skill, diversity and teamwork of people like you. To this end, we strive to create an environment of mutual respect, encouragement and teamwork. As part of our global team, you'll have the opportunity to collaborate with talented and dedicated colleagues while developing and expanding your career. Vaccine Manufacturing Sciences Commercialization (VMSC) is seeking a highly motivated individual to partner with Vaccine Product Technology Operations, Merck Research Laboratories, Bio-Sterile Validation and the Bio-CMC groups to meet the targeted process development and commercialization initiatives. VMSC is the process steward and provides technical support and process improvements for bulk manufacturing processes. The processes supported represent recombinant, viral, and bacterial bulk vaccines both in traditional and emerging markets. Within the VMSC group there is a leadership opportunity to develop new products and innovate new processes for the current vaccine portfolio. The Research Biochemist will be responsible for various activities necessary for technical support on new and existing product support projects. The primary focus of this position will be as follow: Development of experimental plans to assess viral inactivation/clearance in vaccine manufacturing processes Development/execution of experimental plans to assess influence of raw materials on vaccine production Performing viral and microbial risk assessments to support vaccine and biological manufacturing. Other projects and responsibilities to be defined based on manufacturing and compliance needs. This work may support GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) manufacturing activities, so work in a GMP environment is a plus. Due to the nature of the job, a background in virology and strong critical thinking/problem solving skills is a required. Extensive cell culture and purification experience is a desired qualification. Responsibilities include and are not limited to the following: Establishing, leading and executing laboratory studies Overseeing studies conducted at contract laboratory facilities Utilize primary data and literature to develop adventitious agent risk assessments for raw materials, vaccine products, and vaccine processes Intermittent analytical testing/assay development to support viral clearance/inactivation Execution of projects against key timing commitments, with appropriate documentation and change control Support complex investigation / troubleshooting teams Provide technical leadership and ownership of assigned raw materials and/or viral clearance/inactivation methods