Principal Scientist, Discovery Protein Analytics, Discovery Biologics

Company:  Merck Sharp & Dohme
Location: Boston
Closing Date: 04/11/2024
Salary: £150 - £200 Per Annum
Hours: Full Time
Type: Permanent
Job Requirements / Description

Job Description

We are on a quest for cures and are committed to being the world’s premier, most research-intensive biopharmaceutical company. Our teams combine leading drug discovery capabilities and world-class R&D with the purpose of turning breakthrough science into life-changing medicines.

We are seeking an exceptional and experienced scientist in the role of Principal Scientist of Discovery Protein Analytics in the Boston Discovery Biologics group. The Principal Scientist will be responsible for leading a team of discovery scientists focused on advanced analytical characterization of protein therapeutics including mass spectrometry (intact, peptide mapping for glycoform and other post-translational modification analyses), liquid chromatography including SEC and HIC, CE-SDS, cIEF, thermal stability techniques, and other analytical approaches to advance discovery programs from hit-to-lead-to-candidate. They should have demonstrated experience applying fit-for-purpose, high-throughput analytical characterization techniques in the early drug discovery setting. The scientific leader will be responsible for continued expansion of early developability workflows in Boston in collaboration with the broader Discovery Biologics organization and with downstream organizations at our company.

In collaboration with project teams and as a member of department working groups, they will drive the advancement of hits and leads through the biologics pipeline. The role is a key interface within the Boston group and the global Discovery Biologics network, as well as with our process development colleagues at the interface of protein therapeutics discovery and development and other drug discovery functions within our company, as well as with external academic and industrial partners.

As a people manager, they will invest in the growth and development of current and future staff to create a culture of collaboration and accountability to enable shared success. The leader will work closely with their team members to leverage strengths and identify opportunities to continually expand skillsets, leadership, and enterprise thinking. We recognize that the diversity in our team is our strength, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Successful candidates must demonstrate inclusive behaviors in working with a diverse group of researchers to drive our core mission.

What you will do:

  • Provide scientific leadership to a team of scientists focused on analytical characterization of a wide variety of protein therapeutic molecules to identify strong candidate molecules for development.
  • Drive optimization and expansion of protein analytics capabilities and workflows, including advancement of automated solutions for characterization workflows for mass spectrometry, chromatography, and other biophysical characterization methods.
  • Execute on early developability workflows to advance complex protein therapeutics beyond traditional mAbs, including alternative non-Ig scaffolds, bi- or multispecifics, fusion proteins, and ADCs, to quickly identify the most promising lead molecules.
  • Manage priorities, resources, and investments aligned with the Discovery Biologics strategy.
  • Lead and participate in cross-functional project teams to deliver impactful protein therapeutics from discovery to development.
  • Foster a high-performance culture of collaboration, engagement, self-accountability, and inclusion.
  • Stay abreast of external advancements in relevant scientific fields.
  • Promote the external reputation of our company’s Discovery Biologics department.

What you will need to be successful in this role:

Qualifications & Experience

  • PhD in life sciences or related field with 8+ years of applied experience in a biopharmaceutical setting, MS and 10+ years of experience, or BS and 14+ years of experience.
  • Experience in protein analytical characterization in the early drug discovery setting (prior to candidate selection).

Required skills:

  • Deep scientific knowledge of the workflows required for the discovery and analysis of protein therapeutics.
  • Strong technical knowledge of in-depth analytical characterization techniques for biologics, including mass spectrometry (intact, peptide mapping for glycoform and other post-translational modification analyses), SEC, HIC, RP, CE-SDS, cIEF, thermal stability.
  • Significant project team experience for programs across drug discovery stages, from tool-molecule generation through preclinical development of therapeutic candidates.
  • Prior direct people management of 2+ FTEs, with demonstrated experience in career development.
  • Champion for a diverse and inclusive culture.

Preferred skills:

  • Strong presentation and publication record.
  • Experience executing early developability assessments of protein therapeutics.
  • Ideal candidate will have experience in protein therapeutics beyond traditional mAbs including alternative non-Ig scaffolds, bi- or multispecifics, fusion proteins, and ADCs.
  • Prior program leadership experience.
  • Prior experience working at the discovery-development interface to facilitate the transition of preclinical candidate molecules into downstream process development-related functions and activities.
  • Experience in lab automation, including automated analytical data acquisition and analysis workflows.
  • Experience in outsourcing and managing external collaborations.

Your role at our company is integral to helping the world meet new breakthroughs that affect generations to come, and we’re counting on your skills and inventiveness to help make meaningful contributions to global medical advancement. At our company, we’re inventing for life.

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 for the common good. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.

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 the 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.

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Current Employees apply HERE

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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.

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.

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.

Requisition ID: R315445

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