Scientist, Vaccines and Advanced Biotechnologies (VAX) Process R&D

Job Description Job Overview Vaccines and Advanced Biotechnologies (VAX) Process R&D is responsible for the development and clinical manufacturing of Drug Substance (DS) and Drug Product Intermediates (DPI) for the vaccine and advanced therapy pipeline. The downstream process development team creates safe, scalable, robust, and cost‑effective processes that enable clinical and commercial manufacture of vaccines and adjuvants across all modalities. We are seeking a highly motivated, experienced Scientist to join our West Point, PA site. The candidate will lead bioconjugation process development and play a critical role in cross‑functional program and project teams. Responsibilities Independent design, execution, and analysis of process development experiments to maximize conjugate vaccine production, de‑risking later stage development and technology transfer. Lead downstream process design and development for conjugate vaccine candidates. Represent the functional area in cross‑functional and strategic teams engaged in vaccine development. Lead technology transfer of vaccine drug substance processes for clinical and commercial manufacture. Serve as a scientific/technical mentor, providing guidance in downstream bioprocess/bioconjugation development. Support strategic initiatives and innovation in vaccine and advanced biotechnology process development. Analyze experiments using analytical techniques including HPLC, light scattering, and spectroscopy. Interpret and present data, and prepare manuscripts or patents. Qualifications Education Minimum Requirement BS, MS, or PhD in engineering or bio/chemical sciences (Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology). For BS candidates: at least two (2) years of experience in a pharmaceutical or biotechnology position. For MS candidates: at least one (1) year of post‑graduate experience in bioprocess/biotechnology or relevant academic research thesis. Required Experience and Skills Scientific understanding of downstream bioprocess purification processes. Understanding of purification operations for large complex molecules. Technical understanding of bioprocess scaling principles. Hands‑on bioprocess development experience through academic or industry work. Willingness to work with infectious agents and/or pathogens. Availability for occasional travel and off‑hour/weekend work. Strong understanding of downstream bioprocess/bioconjugation unit operations and scale‑up principles. Ability to work effectively independently and in a team‑focused environment. Preferred Experience and Skills Experience with purification bioprocesses such as Tangential Flow Filtration, Dead‑End Filtration, Chromatography, or Homogenization. Experience in process technology transfer to production facilities. Experience with biomolecule conjugation (e.g., conjugate vaccines, antibody‑drug conjugates) and downstream bioconjugate processing. Strong understanding of, or hands‑on experience in, cGMP manufacturing. Eligibility US and Puerto Rico residents only. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement 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 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 EEOC Know Your Rights and EEOC GINA Supplement. Compensation & Benefits Salary range: $87,300.00 – $137,400.00. Compensation will be based on relevant education, qualifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs. Successful candidates will be eligible for an annual bonus and long‑term incentive, if applicable. 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. Job Details Employee Status: Regular Relocation: No relocation assistance available. Visa Sponsorship: None Travel Requirements: None Flexible Work Arrangements: Not applicable Contact & Application Apply through the company’s job portal. The application deadline will be noted in the posting. Please note that we do not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. #J-18808-Ljbffr Merck & Co.