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).

COMPENSATION SUMMARY:

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $88,100 to $134,400. This salary range represents a general guideline as MSD considers other factors when presenting an offer of employment, such as scope and responsibilities of the position, external market factors, and the candidate’s knowledge, skills, abilities, education and experience. Employees may qualify for a discretionary or non-discretionary bonus in addition to their base salary. These annual bonuses are intended to recognize individual performance and enable employees to benefit from the Company's overall success.

BENEFITS SUMMARY:

At MSD, we offer a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees' well-being and financial security. In addition to competitive salaries, our benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with prescription benefits. We provide a 401(k) plan with company matching, flexible spending accounts, and company-paid short- and long-term disability insurance as well as group life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance. Our offerings also encompass paid vacation, paid sick leave, paid holidays, and paid parental leave, along with an employee assistance program. Additional voluntary perks include a fitness club membership contribution, pet insurance, identity theft protection, home and auto insurance discounts, and optional supplemental life insurance.

EEO/AA STATEMENT:

MSD is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, age, protected veteran status, pregnancy, disability status, or any other protected characteristic.

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