About the Job

We are an innovative global healthcare company that helps the world stay ahead of infectious diseases by delivering more than 500 million vaccine doses a year. Across different countries, our talented teams are exploring new technologies to protect people and promote healthy communities. We chase the miracles of science every single day, pursuing progress to make a real impact on millions of patients around the world.

As a Principal Scientist and mRNA Process Analytics Unit Head within the Drug Substance Process Development function, you will provide hands on leadership to a small team of research associates and contractors focusing on mRNA analytics to characterize Drug Substance (DS) in support of process development activities. The Principal Scientist will be responsible for method transfer of core RNA characterization methods from Analytical Sciences, establishing and training the new unit, building strong relationships with Analytical Sciences and Process Development Unit Heads to ensure robust analytical results are generated to help drive process development initiatives. The unit head will need a deep scientific understanding of multiple different analytical methods (HPLC, MS, NGS, CGE, ELISA) and be capable of working with Analytical Science and Process Development (PD) leaders on method troubleshooting and automation.

• Build/lead a team (initially up to 3) capable of meeting Process Development (PD)-Drug Substance (DS) analytical testing needs
  
• Develop a robust sample testing strategy including sample tracking and data reporting, using the available electronic laboratory notebook system.
  
• Act as the liaison between PD-DS and the Analytical Sciences groups and build strong working relationships with key stakeholders to ensure methods are fully aligned between to two teams and improvements are incorporated in real time.
  
• Working with Research, Analytical Sciences or alone if needed, to bring advanced analytical testing capabilities in house to support PAT and advance characterization methods to gain a deeper understanding of mRNA quality attributes.
  
• Provide budget forecasting, Opex/CapEx and FTE requirements to meet all team initiatives
  
• Coach and mentor direct reports to ensure continued development of platform competencies
  
• Establish criteria for measurable performance of the team and monitor with KPIs
  

• Molecular Biology or Biochemistry degree and relevant experience (BS/MS with 10+years or PhD with 5+ years of analytical development/testing industrial experience)
  
• Experience in mRNA characterization highly preferred.
  
• Chromatography (Analytical HPLC/UPLC) experience required.
  
• Deep understanding of ELISA development and sample testing highly desired.
  
• Experience leading teams preferred.
  
• Excellent oral communication, management, and interpersonal skills
  
• Results-oriented, collaborative, innovative thinker with passion for developing people
  
• Ability to travel domestic and international 10%
  

• Bring the miracles of science to life alongside a supportive, future-focused team.
  
• Discover endless opportunities to grow your talent and drive your career, whether it's through a promotion or lateral move, at home or internationally.
  
• Enjoy a thoughtful, well-crafted rewards package that recognizes your contribution and amplifies your impact.
  
• Take good care of yourself and your family, with a wide range of health and wellbeing benefits including high-quality healthcare, prevention and wellness programs and at least 14 weeks' gender-neutral parental leave.