Merck’s Vaccine Drug Product Development team, part of our Research Laboratories in West Point, PA, is seeking two Scientists/Engineers to support the design and development of vaccine drug products from preclinical through Phase III, with a line of sight to commercialization.
The successful candidates will work hands-on in a fast-paced laboratory environment and collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to advance the next generation of vaccine formulations and delivery systems.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and perform hypothesis-driven formulation and process development experiments for sterile vaccine drug products (buffers, stabilizers, antigens/adjuvants, vials, syringes) across multiple vaccine modalities (subunit, conjugate, live-attenuated, etc.).
- Prepare formulations and perform aseptic filling of vials and syringes for characterization and animal studies, following Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).
- Conduct stability and forced-degradation studies, analyze data, summarize results, and author technical reports and electronic notebook entries.
- Operate and troubleshoot benchtop unit operations (mixing, filtration, pumping, lyophilization) and analytical tools (DLS, SLS, KF, DSC, DSF).
- Support analytical characterization of formulated products (e.g., osmolality, viscosity, pH, particle size).
- Collaborate with discovery, analytical, manufacturing, and regulatory teams to meet project goals and timelines.
- Contribute to protocol drafting, review, and execution for batch manufacturing activities.
- Maintain a safe and organized laboratory environment and adhere to all safety and compliance procedures.
- Stay current on emerging literature, technologies, and best practices to continuously enhance formulation and process development.
Qualifications
Minimum Education Requirement
- B.S. in Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Chemical/Biochemical Engineering, Virology, or related discipline with 3–5 years of relevant experience
- or
- M.S. in Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Chemical/Biochemical Engineering, Virology, or related discipline with 1–2 years of relevant experience
Required Skills and Experience
- Hands-on laboratory experience (academic or industry) in experimental design, execution, and data interpretation.
- Excellent communication, writing, and collaboration skills.
- Strong organizational and technical problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and adapt to change.
- Team-oriented, motivated to learn, and able to manage multiple priorities under technical supervision.
- Ability to provide critical input into experimental planning and strategy.
Desired Skills and Experience
- Experience in analytical characterization of biotherapeutics, including protein biochemistry and biophysical methods (e.g., particle size analysis).
- Formulation development experience with RNA, carbohydrate, protein, or live viral vaccines and adjuvants for parenteral administration.
- Demonstrated proficiency in aseptic technique.
- Understanding of drug product manufacturing processes and scale-up considerations.
- Experience preparing or manufacturing safety assessment or clinical supplies.
- Experience authoring source documents for regulatory submissions.
- Familiarity with lyophilization and methods to assess residual moisture and physical properties of lyophilized products.
Preferred
Candidates with direct experience in drug product development techniques (formulation, filtration, analytical/biochemical/biophysical characterization, and process development) are strongly encouraged to apply.
