Principal Scientist, Analytical R&D

Job Description

Our Research Scientists are our Inventors. We identify and target steps in disease mechanisms or pathways that could be inhibited or enhanced. Our goal is to isolate a compound that is effective against a disease target. We deliver robust scientific data and interpretation that drives the development and commercialization of breakthrough therapeutics. Using innovative thinking, state-of-the-art facilities, and robust scientific methodology, we collaborate to discover the next medical breakthrough.

The Analytical Research and Development, Cell Based Sciences Department in West Point, PA is seeking a Principal Scientist with technical expertise in developing, characterizing, and implementing critical reagents to support large molecule programs from early development through commercialization. In this role, an individual will work, closely, with the group Director leading a team of scientists to develop technical, scientific, and regulatory driven strategies related to critical reagents supporting the development of our Company's biologics and vaccines products. The ideal candidate will be an expert in developing critical reagents for analytical methods supporting monoclonal antibodies, recombinant proteins, or other large molecule products like live viral vaccines.

We are looking for a collaborator with strong leadership skills, a passion for mentoring and working with others in a laboratory setting. This position will involve leading laboratory development and providing oversight of internally and externally sourced reagent development, production, and implementation into pipeline support.

The successful candidate is expected to provide scientific leadership, expertise, and creativity to solve complex project problems across the large molecule portfolio. Applicants must have effective organizational, project management and multi-tasking skills, have demonstrated excellent scientific leadership, and have superior written and oral communications skills. The candidate will be expected to effectively communicate with stakeholders in partner organizations and to management and governance teams. Experience leading small groups of technical personnel, leading projects, and defining group or departmental strategy will aid in distinguishing candidates. An established reputation for scientific excellence supported by publications and external presentations is expected.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead, supervise, and mentor a team of scientists developing critical reagents to support our Company's Research Laboratories Large Molecule Development portfolio.

• Represent or provide technical oversight of team members on product development working groups. Collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment and provide technical input to enable team decisions.

• Lead and provide technical oversight on the authoring and reviewing of critical reagent documents including reagent development reports, technical summaries, and reagent qualification protocols.

• Be a leader within the external scientific community in professional organizations, conferences, and publica­tions as well as analytical technology and regulatory sciences related focus groups and consortia. 

Education Requirements:

• Ph.D. in analytical chemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, virology, or related field with a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in Biopharmaceutical Industry.

• OR M.S. with a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in Biopharmaceutical Industry.

• OR bachelor’s with a minimum of 14 years of relevant experience in Biopharmaceutical Industry.

Required Skills and Experience:

• In-depth knowledge and understanding of developing and characterizing critical reagents for monoclonal antibodies, recombinant proteins, and/or other large molecule vaccine modalities.

• Relevant experience should include molecular biology and biochemistry techniques, such as cloning, PCR, gene expression analysis, protein purification, antibody engineering, and ligand binding assays to determine protein structure and function.

• Demonstrated project management skillset to oversee, prioritize and deliver on critical reagents large molecule portfolio of projects.

• Demonstrated ability to lead complex experimental design and detailed data analysis concepts related to critical reagent development to enable robust analytical method development.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with cross-functionally in a team-based environment, partnering and influencing in a professional and effective manner.

• Deep working knowledge of regulatory guidance and qu