Field Application Scientist, Protein XI

The Field Application Scientist, Protein XI (FAS), will play a critical role in supporting the launch and ongoing success of a new, cutting-edge proteomic technology platform. This individual will serve as a scientific expert for customers, combining deep knowledge of immunoassays and next-generation sequencing (NGS). The Protein XI FAS will provide technical support and engage in hands-on method development during an initial rotation at MSD headquarters. The role also involves contributing to the development of customer-facing content, including training materials, workflows, and best-practice guides.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Customer Support
• Serve as the primary technical expert for customers using a new proteomic platform, providing pre- and post-sales scientific support.
• Conduct product demonstrations, technical presentations, and workflow consultations for prospective and existing customers.
• Troubleshoot complex assay challenges, data interpretation questions, and workflow issues involving both immunoassays and NGS.
• Guide customers on experimental design, sample preparation, assay selection, data analysis, and best practices.
• Partner with bioinformatics/software teams on data delivery, interpretation, and user workflow; communicate limitations clearly and propose workarounds.
• Manage and document customer interactions, opportunities, and case updates using CRM tools such as Salesforce.
• Drive adoption by delivering customer training plans and best-practice rollouts.
• Internal Launch Support
• Spend several months onsite at MSD gaining hands-on proficiency with the platform, working closely with R&D, Operations, and Product Development teams before commercialization.
• Participate in method development, prototype evaluation, and early-access testing to deeply understand platform performance and limitations.
• Provide field-centric feedback to internal teams to inform product improvements, documentation, and usability.
• Early Access Program (EAP) Leadership
• Serve as field lead for the EAP in partnership with Product Management: site selection, onboarding, study design support, timeline management, and executive-ready readouts.
• Own customer cadence (weekly/biweekly check-ins), risk tracking, issue triage, and escalation to R&D/Operations.
• Define success criteria and capture Voice-of-Customer (VOC) systematically (requirements, defects, desired features), translating into actionable inputs for Product Management.
• Content Development & Customer Materials
• Contribute to the development of customer-facing materials such as quick reference guides, application notes, slide decks, workflow diagrams, and troubleshooting resources.
• Partner with Marketing to ensure scientific accuracy in customer-facing documentation, campaigns, and launch materials.
• Contribute to the creation and maintenance of internal knowledge bases.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Collaborate with Sales to identify customer needs and support technical discussions during the sales cycle.
• Provide field insights to Product Management regarding customer requirements, competitive trends, and product opportunities.
• Represent the company at scientific conferences, workshops, and seminars.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Immunology, Biochemistry, or related field required. Master’s degree with equivalent experience considered.
• A minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience working in a molecular biology lab, clinical lab, discovery lab, or biochemistry lab in a research or clinical setting is required.
• Hands-on experience with NGS workflows, including library prep, sequencing platforms, and basic data interpretation.
• Previous experience as a Field Application Scientist or customer-facing technical role is preferred.
• Experience contributing to application notes, SOPs, or other scientific collateral preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated expertise with immunoassays (e.g., multiplexed platforms, ELISA, proximity extension/ligation assays).
• Strong troubleshooting skills with complex workflows involving both wet-lab and software components.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills; comfortable interacting with customers at all levels.
• Proficiency with CRM systems such as Salesforce for documenting customer interactions and supporting sales processes.
• Familiarity with cloud-based analysis tools and data visualization platforms.
• Comfortable reviewing NGS-derived QC metrics, basic pipeline outputs, and communicating results to bench + computational stakeholders.
• Ability and willingness to travel approximately 50% of the time.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• This position requires the ability to communicate and exchange information, utilize equipment necessary to perform the job, and move about the laboratory.
• Requires use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when accessing laboratory areas.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• This position may require up to 50% travel within the designated territory to customer sites and events up to four/five days a week. These visits may include work in a laboratory environment (which can include work with chemicals and hazardous materials).