Principal Scientist/Director, Adjuvant Development, Analytical Research & Development

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. Using innovative thinking, state-of-the-art facilities and robust scientific methodology, we collaborate to discover the next medical breakthrough.

We are seeking a Principal Scientist/Director to join our Vaccine Analytical Research and Development team located in West Point, PA. In this role, an individual will work closely with the group Director to define group strategy and lead a team of scientists in solving complex analytical problems to facilitate the development of adjuvants across the vaccine portfolio. The individual should have in-depth knowledge of analytical techniques with specific experience related to vaccine adjuvants, small molecule drug substance or product development. We are looking for a team player with strong leadership skills and ability and passion for mentoring and working with others in a laboratory setting. This position will involve leading laboratory development and execution of methods to drive understanding of adjuvant development. In addition, partnering across functions and divisions to strategically apply that understanding to deliver the best science in the process and product will be a key responsibility. Applicants must have effective organizational and multi-tasking skills, have demonstrated excellent scientific leadership, and have superior written and oral communications skills. A track record of delivering impactful solutions to complex analytical problems, and evidence of strong cross-functional collaboration is expected. 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 and supervise a team of scientists applying analytical methods to support adjuvant characterization, process development, formulation development, method qualifications and transfers. 

• Apply strong analytical capabilities and experience for the analysis of vaccine adjuvants, small molecule adjuvant components, analytical method development and troubleshooting to provide deep understanding of our adjuvants. 

• Provide analytical leadership not only on vaccine development pipeline projects, but also innovative technology teams shaping analytical methods and tools of the future. ​

• Lead in authoring and reviewing scientific documents including development reports, analytical method protocols, qualification protocols, and electronic notebooks.

• Work and collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment and provide technical input to enable team decisions.

• 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. 

Qualifications

Education Minimum Requirements ​

• Ph.D. in analytical chemistry/biochemistry or related field with a minimum of 8 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, M.S. in analytical chemistry/biochemistry or related field with a minimum of 12 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, or B.S. in analytical chemistry/biochemistry or related field with a minimum of 16 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry.

Required Experience and Skills 

A strong team player with excellent written and oral communication skills, as well as strong leadership and interpersonal skills are necessary to qualify for this role. Additional skills:

• Strong background in analytical control strategy development and execution.

• Demonstrated ability to develop talent through good mentoring skills.

• Demonstrated ability for taking initiative, creativity, and innovation in problem solving.

• Strong ability to deliver complex objectives under aggressive timelines in a rapidly changing environment.

• Experience with analytical method development of small molecule adjuvants, drug substance of drug product.

• A proven record of strong technical problem solving and innovative research experience.