• Job Description

  Req#: R265748

  Job Description

  The Vaccine Process Development organization is seeking an innovative, highly motivated, and experienced scientist to join our research site in West Point, PA. The candidate will be responsible for conceiving, designing, and implementing experiments to advance the development of RNA-based vaccines and therapeutics. This will require collaboration with cross-functional teams including colleagues in Discovery, Analytical, Formulation, GMP Operations and Enabling Technologies. The candidate should have a strong background in one or more of the following areas: E coli fermentation, plasmid and/or RNA purification, in vitro transcription, lipid nanoparticle formulation and understanding various purification modalities including but not limited to column chromatography (SEC, IEX, Affinity, MMC, HIC, etc.) and tangential flow filtration as well as advanced knowledge in RNA handling and purification techniques. The candidate will be expected to independently design, execute, and analyze experiments.

  The candidate must demonstrate well-developed skills for effective communication of scientific information and should have a strong history of publication in peer-reviewed journals. We value creative-thinking, teamwork, and independent analytical problem solving. If you are a highly motivated team player with a strong desire to impact basic research and translational medicine, we invite you to consider joining our team.

  Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • E coli fermentation process optimization

  • Evaluation/optimization of purification strategies for different nucleic acid vaccine technologies including DNA, mRNA, SAMs, circular RNA.

  • In vitro transcription process optimization

  • Lipid nano particle formulation and process development

  • Collaborate on the evaluation/optimization of upstream and downstream process unit operations

  • Data interpretation and presentation, manuscript/patent preparation

  Required or Preferred Experience and Skills**:

  • Experience in microbial fermentation unit operations using AMBR250 system

  • Experience in purification unit operations using AKTA or similar system

  • Experience in mRNA, circRNA and/or other biological molecules

  • Knowledge of RNA Biology (e.g., structure, function, immunology), and cutting-edge methodologies related to nucleic acid design

  • Ability to understand and execute experiments independently in fulfillment of assigned program objectives in a manner that meets quality and time line expectations

  • Well-developed organizational, record-keeping, and problem solving skills

  • Ability to work independently and/or in a team environment and is results oriented

  Education Minimum Requirement:

  • BS in Chemical Engineering or Biological Sciences or related discipline with at least 6 years’ of industrial experience or hands-on, laboratory work in the field of bioprocess and nucleic acid development or

  • MS in Chemical Engineering or Biological Sciences or related discipline with at least 3 years’ of industrial experience or hands-on, laboratory work in the field of bioprocess and nucleic acid development or

  • PhD in Chemical Engineering or Biological Sciences or related discipline with at least 1 year of industrial experience or hands-on, laboratory work in the field of bioprocess and nucleic acid development. (expected graduation by June 2024)

  We are a research-driven biopharmaceutical company. Our mission is built on the simple premise that if we “follow the science” and that great medicines can make a significant impact to our world. And we believe that a research-driven enterprise dedicated to world-class science can succeed by inventing medicine and vaccine innovations that make a difference for patients across the globe.

  NOTICE FOR INTERNAL APPLICANTS

  In accordance with Managers' Policy - Job Posting and Employee Placement, all employees subject to this policy are required to have a minimum of twelve (12) months of service in current position prior to applying for open positions.

  If you have been offered a separation benefits package, but have not yet reached your separation date and are offered a position within the salary and geographical parameters as set forth in the Summary Plan Description (SPD) of your separation package, then you are no longer eligible for your separation benefits package. To discuss in more detail, please contact your HRBP or Talent Acquisition Advisor.

  #EBRG

  #Vetjobs

  #PRD

  #BPRD

  Employees working in roles that the Company determines require routine collaboration with external stakeholders, such as customer-facing commercial, or research-based roles, will be expected to comply not only with Company policy but also with policies established by such external stakeholders (for example, a requirement to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to access a facility or meet with stakeholders). Please understand that, as permitted by applicable law, if you have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 and an essential function of your job is to call on external stakeholders who require vaccination to enter their premises or engage in face-to-face meetings, then your employment may pose an undue burden to business operations, in which case you may not be offered employment, or your employment could be terminated. Please also note that, where permitted by applicable law, the Company reserves the right to require COVID-19 vaccinations for positions, such as in Global Employee Health, where the Company determines in its discretion that the nature of the role presents an increased risk of disease transmission.

  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.

  We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:

  EEOC Know Your Rights

  EEOC GINA Supplement

  Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination

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

  Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts

  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, generally Tuesday, Wednesday and either Monday or 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”.

  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:

  On-Site, Work Week

  Shift:

  1st - Day

  Valid Driving License:

  No

  Hazardous Material(s):

  N/A

• About the company

  Merck & Co., Inc.,

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