Senior Scientist I (Mass Spectrometry)

Merial is a world-leading, innovation-driven animal health company, providing a comprehensive range of products to enhance the health, well-being and performance of a wide range of animals. Merial employs approximately 5,000 people and operates in more than 150 countries worldwide. Its 2006 sales were in excess of $2.2 billion. Merial Limited is a joint venture between Merck & Co., Inc. and sanofi-aventis. For more information, please see www.merial.com.

Job Description:
To maintain, manage and utilize triple quadrupole mass spectrometers in the LC-MS laboratory for quantitative bioanalytical projects and metabolite characterization in the PKDM department at the Merial North Brunswick site, and to collaborate closely with others in the running of the laboratory and the completion of studies. Under limited supervision, the incumbent will provide expertise in mass spectrometry to develop, validate and use bioanalytical methods for the quantification and characterization of drugs present in various biological matrices, and will conduct and assist with pharmacokinetic, tissue residue and drug metabolism studies following GLPs.

Major Responsibilities include:
• Operate and maintain, as well as directing others in the operation and maintenance of mass spectrometry instrumentation in close collaboration with others. Provide technical expertise to recommend approaches and equipment to develop/maintain a state-of-the art laboratory. Work with outside vendors to assure needed services are available to maintain laboratory operations.
• Provide expertise to develop, validate and utilize innovative, state of the art bioanalytical LC-MS/MS methods for the determination of drug residues in biological and/or environmental matrices and to train and assist others in the same, in compliance with current global regulatory requirements. Develop and follow protocols with little guidance to conduct studies for product registration needs. Serve as Study Director or Investigator for pharmacokinetic and drug metabolism studies, some involving radiolabeled compounds, in accordance with GLPs. May participate in presentations to regulatory agencies.
• Record, evaluate, interpret and summarize technical data in reports, memos or other documents for regulatory filings with little guidance. Document activities in technical notebooks or validated approved electronic media. Plan projects and daily activities to meet project timetables and departmental goals. Understand and comply with GLPs, SOPs, Safety and other Company policies and procedures.
• Interact well with other personnel both within and outside the department and company to participate effectively in teams and facilitate completion of objectives. Use good communications skills of listening, writing, and speaking to be effective, and be able to take and give constructive criticism. Be able to shift priorities and projects as Company needs change.
• Ensure a safe working environment in the laboratory and office according to HSE practices and government regulations, including compliance with site radiation safety policies.
• Pursue opportunities to develop technical knowledge and skills. Function as in-house consultant in areas of expertise. Enhance individual and corporate recognition through presentations and publications to internal and external audiences.

Qualifications:
Ph.D. in chemical or biochemical sciences with two or more years of industrial experience, or M.S. with 4 or more years of extensive industrial experience. Requires advanced knowledge of a specialized technical field, e.g., LC-MS bioanalytical techniques, separation sciences and modern analytical methods, and sound knowledge of related fields. Requires use of computers for word processing, data analysis, and instrument operations. Requires excellent interpersonal and collaborative skills and the ability to interact with teams of diverse personalities to achieve project goals.

EEO/AA/M/F/D/V