Associate Principal Scientist, Protein Mass Spectrometry

Job Description

Our Scientists are our Inventors. We deliver robust scientific data and interpretation that drives the commercialization of breakthrough therapeutics using innovative thinking, state-of-the-art facilities and modern equipment. 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 your career.

The Analytical Research and Development Mass Spectrometry group in Rahway, NJ is seeking an experienced and highly motivated scientist with strong technical expertise in mass spectrometry-based protein characterization. This role offers the opportunity to influence analytical strategies for the characterization of biotherapeutics, including novel modalities, and to help shape approaches for the analysis of process-related residuals and formulation excipients.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of advancing biotherapeutic development through the application of mass spectrometry, as well as a demonstrated commitment to scientific excellence through external presentations and peer-reviewed publications. As an Associate Principal Scientist, this individual will serve as a collaborative partner in problem solving, contribute to leadership development, and drive effective collaboration both internally and externally.

Primary Responsibilities

• Perform assays including peptide mapping, intact mass, glycan characterization, host cell protein analysis and quantitation by MRM, PS80 characterization, in support of biologics development.
• Represent the mass spectrometry group in cross functional project teams, provide technical guidance, and drive scientific strategy.
• Author regulatory submission sections and responses, technical reports and scientific presentations.
• Develop, implement, and troubleshoot advanced analytical methods (e.g., high-resolution mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, ion chromatography, size-exclusion chromatography, two-dimensional techniques, and HDX) to solve complex problems and advance mass spectrometry and biologics characterization.
• Demonstrate effective prioritization and problem-solving skills in the planning and execution of experiments.
• Support junior scientists and promote a culture of learning and innovation
• Ensure high standards of data integrity and documentation. Champion compliance and safety as a leader both within and outside the laboratory.

Education Minimum Requirement:

• PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, or a related field with 5+ years of relevant pharmaceutical industry experience; or
• MS in Chemistry with 8+ years of relevant industry experience; or
• BS in Chemistry with 12+ years of relevant industry experience.

Required Experience and Skills

• Extensive hands-on experience with high-resolution mass spectrometry for large molecules (e.g., proteins, mAbs, ADCs) and associated separation science techniques.
• Demonstrated expertise in the design and execution of biologics characterization and proteomics studies, including sample preparation, mass spectrometer operation, and data analysis.
• Advanced knowledge of mass spectrometry data analysis software and informatics platforms.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, demonstrated through high-quality scientific publications, regulatory documentation
• Proven ability to deliver complex objectives under challenging timelines in a rapidly changing environment.
• Strong collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively on cross-functional teams.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Expertise in proteomics and protein and small molecule quantitation of low-abundance analytes.
• Experience with complex glycan analysis, or HDX-MS.
• Strong understanding of biologics development across multiple modalities, including mAb, fusion proteins, and ADCs.
• Advanced knowledge of electronic laboratory notebook systems and best practices for scientific documentation.

#AR&D

Required Skills:
Accountability, Accountability, Adaptability, Analytical Chemistry, Analytical Method Development, Anion Exchange Chromatography, Assay Development, Biochemical Assays, Biological Assay Development, Capillary Electrophoresis (CE), Cell-Based Assays, Chromatographic Techniques, Chromatography, Cross-Functional Teamwork, External Collaboration, High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS), Laboratory Documentation, Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS), Mass Spectrometry (MS), Mass Spectrometry Analysis, Mentorship, Optimistic Attitude, Pharmaceutical Guidelines, Prioritization, Process Analytical Technology (PAT) {+ 5 more}

Preferred Skills:

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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
$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:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:
Not Applicable

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Job Posting End Date:
03/25/2026
*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.

Requisition ID:R385373