Molecular Discovery Scientist

Help develop analytical tests and diagnostic assays that advance next‑generation vaccines, improve animal welfare and support global food security. Apply to join us as a:

Welcome to our team

The Discovery and Technology (D&T) department performs proof-of-concept research on novel vaccine technologies and therapies and works with external R&D partners to find promising leads for animal health. Based in Boxmeer, D&T is part of a major animal health bioscience center and one of the few large companies in the Netherlands active in early research, development and manufacturing.

D&T teams handle pre-development and early development of vaccines and therapies for viral, bacterial and parasitic diseases in animals (chickens, horses, pigs, cattle, cats and dogs). The multidisciplinary teams include specialists in virology, bacteriology, antigen discovery, vaccine formulation, molecular biology, immunology, assay development and cell biology.

Purpose of the role
Under the project leader’s guidance, you will run experiments to develop analytical tests that characterize vaccine components for both early research and product development, helping expand our animal health product range, ultimately to improve animal welfare and help feed the planet.

Tasks and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Design and perform experiments to develop and optimize analytical tests for vaccine component characterization (early-stage research and product development).
• Execute laboratory assays to evaluate vaccine quality, potency and efficacy for experimental and in-development candidates.
• Develop, validate, and troubleshoot novel or improved assay methodologies and analytical tools.
• Support automation and implementation of diagnostic assays to streamline R&D and Quality Control workflows.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data; document results and prepare technical reports.
• Collaborate with project leaders and cross-functional teams (R&D, Quality Control, formulation, bioprocessing) to align assay development with project goals.
• Maintain laboratory compliance with safety, quality and documentation standards (GLP/GMP where applicable).
• Contribute to continuous improvement of processes to expand the organization’s product portfolio and support animal health objectives.

Your profile

• Bachelor (BSc) or Master (MSc) in Biochemistry, Biology, Molecular Biology or related field.
• Significant experience in immunological assay development and ligand generation.
• Solid background in biochemistry and physical/chemical characterization of biological/chemical components.
• Familiarity with high-end instrumentation, key analytical assays or molecular diagnostics (preferred).
• Proven ability to learn and apply new research areas and techniques quickly.
• Strong communication skills and proven team-player attitude.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Eligible to work in the Netherlands.

Required Skills:

• Assay Development
• Automated Liquid Handling Systems
• Biochemistry
• Biophysical Characterization
• Chromatography
• Detail-Oriented
• Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)
• Expression Vectors
• Flow Cytometry
• High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
• Molecular Biology
• Molecular Biology Techniques
• Protein Purifications

Preferred Skills:

• Bioscience

What we offer

We welcome you to a truly global, dynamic and challenging environment with great opportunities for personal development. Our benefits are very competitive, and the summary below will give you an idea of what you can expect.

• Competitive salary and a 3% year-end allowance;
• 35.5 days of leave;
• Attractive collective health care insurance package with considerable reduction rates;
• Solid Pension Plan;
• Annual bonus based on own and company performance;
• Travel allowance for commuting;
• Numerous training, coaching and e-learning modules for long term job opportunities and development.

Animal Health

Our Animal Health Division is a trusted global leader in veterinary medicine, dedicated to preserving and improving health, well-being, and performance of animals and the people who care for them. We are a global team of professionals working together to make a positive difference in animal care and the world’s food supply and have a deep sense of responsibility towards our customers, consumers, animals, society, and our planet.

Through our commitment to The Science of Healthier Animals®, we offer veterinarians, farmers, pet owners and governments one of the widest ranges of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services as well as an extensive suite of digitally connected identification, traceability and monitoring products. We invest in dynamic and comprehensive R&D resources and a modern, global supply chain. We are present in more than 50 countries, while our products are available in some 150 markets.

For questions about this vacancy

Please send an email including the vacancy number and job title to the following email address: RecruitmentNL@MSD.com.