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Principal Scientist, Analytical R&D - Job Opportunity at MSD

Schachen, Switzerland
Full-time
Senior
Posted: August 4, 2025
On-site
CHF 140,000 - 180,000 annually (approximately USD 155,000 - 200,000). This estimate reflects the senior leadership nature of the role, Switzerland's high compensation standards, and MSD's position as a leading pharmaceutical company. The combination of extensive experience requirements, leadership responsibilities, and specialized PAT expertise commands premium compensation in the Swiss market.

Benefits

Certified as Top Employer Switzerland and Top Employer Europe, demonstrating exceptional commitment to employee development and workplace excellence
Access to cutting-edge facilities across four Lucerne locations plus Zurich, providing diverse collaborative opportunities
Opportunity to work at one of only three global drug counterfeiting investigation laboratories, offering unique specialized experience
Direct involvement in global clinical trial supply chain, providing international exposure and impact

Key Responsibilities

Drive strategic scientific leadership for Process Analytical Technology (PAT) initiatives across BAR&D GMP Operations, directly influencing the development pipeline of complex biotherapeutics
Lead cross-functional collaboration to define and implement business processes for PAT applications throughout the entire product lifecycle from early development to commercial manufacturing
Mentor and develop scientific talent across the organization, building capabilities in cross-disciplinary collaboration and regulatory strategy for advanced analytical applications
Establish and maintain scientific excellence standards both internally and externally, serving as a subject matter expert and building strategic peer relationships
Build and manage high-performing teams while setting departmental goals, performance objectives, and driving talent development initiatives
Facilitate strategic execution and coordination across key stakeholders, ensuring alignment and follow-through on critical analytical development objectives

Requirements

Education

PhD in relevant scientific discipline with 8+ years' experience; MS in relevant scientific discipline with 12+ years' experience; BS in relevant scientific discipline with 16+ years' experience

Experience

8+ years (PhD), 12+ years (MS), or 16+ years (BS) in relevant scientific discipline

Required Skills

Experience in analysis of biologics (e.g. Liquid Chromatography, Bioassay methods) Sound scientific understanding of Critical Quality Attributes/Quality by Design/Design of Experiments principles as well as data analysis and statistics for setting specifications Understanding of technical problem solving, innovative research experience and demonstrated ability to communicate scientific concepts through publications, patents, presentations, or other professional/scientific achievements Strong background in analytical control strategy development and execution Demonstrated understanding of automation, data engineering and data visualization in pharmaceutical manufacturing Demonstrated ability to develop talent through good leadership and mentoring skills Demonstrated ability for taking initiative, creativity, and innovation in problem solving Deep working knowledge of regulatory guidance and quality standards, with experience authoring and reviewing regulatory submissions and responses Strong ability to deliver complex objectives under aggressive timelines in rapidly changing environment Effective collaboration with ability to work both independently and in cross-functional teams Excellent scientific communication skills, demonstrated creativity, and effective interpersonal skills
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Industry Trends

The biopharmaceutical industry is experiencing unprecedented growth in complex biologics development, with monoclonal antibodies, cell and gene therapies, and biosimilars driving demand for sophisticated analytical capabilities. Process Analytical Technology (PAT) implementation has become critical as companies seek real-time manufacturing control and regulatory compliance. The shift toward continuous manufacturing processes in biologics production requires advanced analytical leaders who can bridge traditional batch testing with innovative real-time characterization methods. Regulatory agencies globally are emphasizing Quality by Design (QbD) principles and advanced analytics, creating demand for scientists who can navigate complex regulatory pathways while implementing cutting-edge technologies. The FDA's Process Validation Guidance and ICH Q8-Q12 guidelines are driving pharmaceutical companies to invest heavily in analytical leadership roles that can ensure compliance while accelerating product development timelines. Digital transformation in pharmaceutical manufacturing is creating new opportunities for data-driven analytical approaches, with artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced data visualization becoming standard tools. Companies are seeking leaders who can integrate traditional analytical expertise with modern data engineering capabilities to optimize manufacturing processes and accelerate regulatory submissions.

Role Significance

Based on the scope of responsibilities across BAR&D GMP Operations, this role likely involves direct leadership of 15-25 scientists and indirect influence over 50-100+ professionals across multiple analytical teams. The position requires matrix management skills to coordinate across various business units and functional areas involved in the analytical application lifecycle.
This is a senior leadership position reporting directly to the Director level, with significant strategic influence over analytical development across the entire biologics portfolio. The role combines deep technical expertise with organizational leadership, positioning the incumbent as a key decision-maker in scientific strategy and technology implementation. The responsibility for setting scientific strategy across multiple teams and departments indicates executive-level influence within the analytical organization.

Key Projects

Implementation of next-generation PAT systems for continuous biologics manufacturing processes, requiring integration of spectroscopic methods, multivariate data analysis, and real-time process control Development and validation of novel analytical methods for complex biologics including antibody-drug conjugates, cell therapies, and multi-specific antibodies Strategic regulatory submissions for biologics license applications (BLA) requiring comprehensive analytical control strategies and method lifecycle management Cross-functional initiatives to establish automated analytical platforms for high-throughput characterization and stability testing of clinical-stage biologics

Success Factors

Exceptional technical depth in biologics analytical chemistry combined with strategic business acumen to drive organizational transformation and technology adoption. Success requires the ability to translate complex analytical concepts into business value propositions that resonate with executive leadership and regulatory authorities. Outstanding leadership and change management capabilities to guide teams through technology transitions while maintaining operational excellence in GMP environments. The ability to inspire innovation while ensuring regulatory compliance is critical for success in this role. Strong external network and industry reputation to benchmark competitive practices, evaluate emerging technologies, and represent the organization in regulatory interactions and scientific conferences. Thought leadership in the PAT and biologics analytical community is essential for maintaining competitive advantage. Advanced project management and cross-functional collaboration skills to coordinate complex initiatives across multiple business units, regulatory affairs, manufacturing, and quality organizations. Success depends on the ability to align diverse stakeholders around common analytical objectives.

Market Demand

Very High - The convergence of increasing biologics complexity, regulatory emphasis on advanced analytics, and the critical shortage of experienced PAT leaders creates exceptional demand for this role profile. Switzerland's position as a global pharmaceutical hub further intensifies competition for senior analytical science talent.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Process Analytical Technology (PAT) expertise is absolutely essential as the pharmaceutical industry transitions toward continuous manufacturing and real-time quality control. This specialized knowledge is rare in the market and directly impacts manufacturing efficiency, regulatory compliance, and product quality. Companies are investing heavily in PAT capabilities, making this expertise highly valuable and career-defining. Deep regulatory knowledge and BLA submission experience are critical differentiators in the biologics space, where regulatory pathways are complex and constantly evolving. The ability to author regulatory submissions and interact with health authorities directly impacts product approval timelines and commercial success, making this expertise invaluable to pharmaceutical companies. Leadership and mentoring capabilities are essential for this senior role, as the pharmaceutical industry faces a significant talent shortage in analytical sciences. The ability to develop and retain scientific talent while driving organizational transformation is crucial for long-term success and career advancement. Cross-functional collaboration skills are critical in modern pharmaceutical development, where analytical scientists must work seamlessly with manufacturing, regulatory, quality, and clinical teams. The complexity of biologics development requires leaders who can coordinate diverse stakeholders and translate technical concepts across functional boundaries.

Beneficial Skills

Advanced data engineering and visualization skills are increasingly valuable as the industry embraces digital transformation and data-driven decision making. Proficiency in these areas enables more sophisticated analytical approaches and accelerates regulatory submissions through enhanced data presentation and analysis. Mammalian cell culture processing knowledge provides valuable context for analytical method development and helps build stronger partnerships with manufacturing teams. This understanding enables more effective analytical strategies that align with manufacturing realities and process constraints. High-throughput experimentation experience is beneficial for accelerating method development and supporting the industry trend toward automated, data-rich analytical approaches. This capability enhances productivity and enables more comprehensive analytical characterization of complex biologics. Strong external network and vendor relationships are valuable for technology assessment, competitive benchmarking, and accessing emerging analytical capabilities. These connections enable faster adoption of innovative technologies and provide strategic advantages in method development and technology implementation.

Unique Aspects

Opportunity to work at one of only three global laboratories specializing in drug counterfeiting investigation, providing unique forensic analytical experience that is highly specialized and internationally recognized
Direct involvement in real-time characterization of novel biologics during manufacturing, representing cutting-edge application of PAT technologies in one of the industry's most advanced facilities
Strategic responsibility for PAT implementation across the entire clinical development continuum, from early-stage development through commercial manufacturing, providing comprehensive lifecycle experience
Access to MSD's global network of analytical experts and regulatory professionals, enabling benchmarking against industry best practices and participation in worldwide scientific initiatives

Career Growth

Career progression to Director level typically occurs within 3-5 years given the senior nature of this role, with VP-level opportunities emerging within 5-8 years for high performers who demonstrate exceptional business impact and organizational leadership. The specialized PAT expertise and regulatory experience provide accelerated pathways to executive roles in the rapidly growing biologics sector.

Potential Next Roles

Director of Analytical Sciences or Director of Science & Technology, leading larger analytical organizations across multiple therapeutic areas and geographical regions Vice President of Analytical Development, with enterprise-wide responsibility for analytical strategy, technology roadmaps, and regulatory policy across the entire pharmaceutical portfolio Chief Scientific Officer roles at mid-size biotechnology companies, leveraging deep analytical expertise to guide overall scientific strategy and product development Senior Director positions at contract research organizations or analytical services companies, leading client-facing technical organizations and business development initiatives

Company Overview

MSD

MSD (known as Merck & Co. in the United States) is a leading global pharmaceutical company with a strong heritage in vaccine development and innovative therapeutics. The company has established Switzerland as a critical hub for biologics development and manufacturing, with significant investments in advanced analytical capabilities and regulatory expertise. MSD's commitment to biologics innovation is evidenced by their substantial R&D investments and portfolio of breakthrough therapies in oncology, immunology, and infectious diseases.

MSD consistently ranks among the top 5 global pharmaceutical companies by revenue and R&D investment, with a market capitalization exceeding $200 billion. The company's strong financial position enables continued investment in cutting-edge analytical technologies and attracts top-tier scientific talent. MSD's reputation for scientific excellence and regulatory expertise makes it a preferred destination for senior analytical professionals seeking to impact global healthcare outcomes.
Switzerland serves as MSD's European headquarters for biologics operations, with over 1,000 employees across five locations and significant manufacturing capabilities. The Schachen facility's role as one of only three global drug counterfeiting investigation laboratories demonstrates MSD's commitment to the region and provides unique technical capabilities. This regional importance ensures strong local leadership opportunities and career stability for senior scientific professionals.
MSD's certification as a Top Employer in both Switzerland and Europe reflects a culture that prioritizes employee development, scientific innovation, and collaborative excellence. The company's mission-driven approach to improving global health creates an environment where scientific leaders can pursue meaningful work with significant societal impact. The emphasis on cross-functional collaboration and external partnerships provides rich networking opportunities and exposure to diverse therapeutic areas.
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