Lead Scientist, HT Analytics (all genders)

Role level 3, based in Vevey. Your roleThe Drug Substance Development (DSD) Process Design department develops and characterizes the drug substance bioprocesses of Merck’s biotech pipeline. Our team is co-localized in the Biotech Development Center (BDC) in Switzerland together with all CMC functions that collaborate to bring new drugs faster to patients. DSD Process Design relies on cutting edge development capabilities leveraging end-to-end robotics platforms for the execution of the development workflows. These platforms include integrated “on-deck” analytics for the measurement of process performance and quality attributes As the Lead Analytical Expert in the DSD Process Design department, you will report to the Head of DSD process design, your role will be :  Contribute to the establishment of the high throughput and robotized analytics capabilities integrated into the robotic platforms used for Drug Substance Process development. This works will occur in close collaboration with the Technology and Innovation (DSD TI) team as well as the Global Analytical Development group (GAD). The analytical capabilities will cover liquid chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, ELISA. Mass Spectrometry capabilities especially Multiple Attribute Mass Spectroscopy (MAM) should integrate the analytical panel midterm as well as any other relevant method based on project needs. Develop data analysis procedures to maximize automatized reporting of analytical results and reduce variability in data interpretation. Innovative approaches such as AI assisted data analysis should be leveraged in close cooperation with the Technology and Innovation and the Global Analytical Development group. Establish the robotic analytical workflow including execution, coding, planning and data orchestration to allow seamless process design work in the highly connected digital environment of the BDC. Ensure time to results to support the CMC process development activities on robotics platforms. As an expert, you will oversee and provide guidance to the operational team, especially for the interpretation of the results. You will guide process experts in the proper use of analytical results for process design decisions. Based on method performance in GDSD and potential new needs for new projects identified jointly with GAD team trigger further analytical developments / method optimization by Global Analytical Development as a key contact person with this group. Who you are :

• you hold a PhD in in Chemistry, Biology or Biotechnology (or equivalent) or M.Sc / Engineering degree with relevant industry and analytical experience
• Highly motivated scientist with ability to work with limited supervision in a matrix project environment.
• you have a proven track record in analytics for bio- and / or small molecules.
• you have advanced capabilities in Mass Spectrometry.
• you hold advanced knowledge of robotics systems
• Coding skills are a plus
• you have leadership experience with small, non-complex team or significant projects
• You are proficient in English and master interactions with international colleagues