Associate Principal Scientist, Materials and Biophysical Characterization

Job Description The Materials and Biophysical Characterization group in the Pharmaceutical Analysis and Digital Technologies organization seeks a highly self‑motivated and innovative scientist with deep knowledge and problem‑solving skills in biotherapeutics characterization. The team builds mechanistic understanding of the interplay between formulation composition, stability, device, and process to ensure robustness and quality of drug substances and drug products in the biotherapeutics pipeline. As an Associate Principal Scientist, you will contribute to projects across a diverse biotherapeutics pipeline by developing and implementing biophysical and particle characterization tools and collaborating with process, formulation and device functions as part of the CMC development team. You are expected to use your scientific expertise to find creative solutions to challenging problems, author technical reports and regulatory documents, present technical data, and manage projects. You will have the opportunity to conduct independent research, publish findings, present at scientific conferences, and engage with external scientific societies and organizations. Education Minimum Requirement Ph.D. in Biophysics, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related discipline with a minimum of 4 years of relevant industry experience. M.S. in Biophysics, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related discipline with a minimum of 8 years of relevant industry experience. Required Experience and Skills Hands‑on experience in biophysical characterization of proteins and peptides (e.g., Circular Dichroism (CD), Infrared Spectroscopy (IR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Analytical Ultracentrifugation (AUC)). Experience in analysis of biologics, protein/peptide stability, and protein–protein interactions. Experience with subvisible and submicron particle characterization tools (e.g., flow imaging microscopy, backgrounded membrane imaging, flow cytometry, dynamic light scattering). Experience with biological formulation development and analytical method development. Understanding of protein aggregation mechanisms and linkage between analytical methodologies for analysis. Ability to deliver complex objectives under aggressive timelines in a rapidly changing environment. Demonstrated initiative, creativity, and innovative problem‑solving. Strong team player with excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to work independently and cross‑functionally. Desired Experience and Skills Experience with characterization of lyophilized protein formulations. Experience with characterization of protein–interface interactions (e.g., interfacial rheology, QCMD). Experience with characterization of combination products for protein therapeutic delivery (e.g., autoinjectors). Experience with molecular modeling. Experience with various biologics modalities including peptides, mAbs, ADCs, fusion proteins. Salary $142,400.00 – $224,100.00 per year, plus annual bonus and long‑term incentive where applicable. Benefits Medical, dental, vision, and other healthcare insurance; retirement benefits including 401(k); paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. Equal Employment Opportunity This is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with federal, state, and local laws, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability status, or any other protected characteristic. We comply with affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. #J-18808-Ljbffr Merck & Co.