Associate Principal Scientist, Analytical R&D

MSD

Associate Principal Scientist developing and implementing analytical strategies for commercial vaccine transition. Collaborating with internal and external partners for consistent laboratory execution and innovation.

Posted 5/17/2026full-timeWest Point • North Carolina, Pennsylvania • 🇺🇸 United StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $142,400 - $224,100 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Work with APLs to develop and implement the commercialization analytical strategy across testing nodes.
Participate in significant investigations across the viral vaccines franchise.
Provide Subject Method Expertise to QC analysts and supervisors, assess impact of proposed changes and deviations.
In partnership with the AWG and network QC labs, support definition of the opportunities for improvement/investment in equipment and technology required to drive assay modernization and implement harmonized network solutions.
This includes working with our Digital manufacturing Division and LMAS team for assay digitization with harmonized data capture.
In partnership with the BCR hub, develop short and mid-term strategy for sustainability in BCR inventory and antisera generation needed to support all testing laboratories in the network and connect BCR performance with assay performance as noted above.
Provide SME support to APLC gap assessments of key methods to drive improved and sustainable robustness.
Ensure method performance data are presented, discussed and actions developed at analytical working group meetings as appropriate.
Collaborate across the internal network, external partners, international governments and/or contract manufacturing and research organizations (CMO/CRO) to ensure uninterrupted supply
Escalate key assay challenges to management in a timely and concise manner.
Support RTQs, PAI readiness and audit observations

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s Degree (BA/BS) with a concentration in sciences with six (6) years of experience working in the field of analytical testing, development, transfer, and/or validation; OR Master’s Degree (MA/MS) with a concentration in sciences with four (4) years of experience working in the field of analytical testing, development, transfer, and/or validation; OR PhD with a concentration in sciences with two (2) years of experience working in the field of analytical testing, development, transfer, and/or validation.
Demonstrated experience with analytics for commercial vaccine and/or microbiological products.
Effective communication and teamwork.
Experience with large molecule GMP testing, including drug substance and drug product stability and release testing.
Experience with analytical comparability.
Experience leading a cross-functional team.
Strong technical expertise in general large molecule analytical laboratory operations, equipment, and techniques.

Benefits

Comp & perks

medical
dental
vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family)
retirement benefits, including 401(k)
paid holidays
vacation
compassionate and sick days

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

analytical testingdevelopmenttransfervalidationlarge molecule GMP testingdrug substance stability testingdrug product stability testinganalytical comparabilityassay modernizationdata capture

Soft Skills

effective communicationteamworkcollaborationleadershipproblem-solvingstrategic planningpresentation skillsinterpersonal skillsorganizational skillstimeliness