Forensic Chemist

Reporting to the Supervisory Forensic Chemist, the Forensic Chemist is responsible for the direct level of professional forensic science analysis at our Company’s Forensic Services Laboratory in Schachen, Switzerland. The Forensic Chemist will provide the necessary level of forensic capacity and capability to identify, characterize, and report on suspected counterfeit and other illicit our Company products in a manner consistent with the Product Integrity mission and in compliance with associated scientific and forensic standards.

**Description of Duties**:
Provide expert level of forensic analysis on the testing of suspected counterfeit, diverted, tampered, and other illicit Merck products.

Evaluate evidence submitted to the Forensic Services Laboratory to provide the best professional scientific examinations.
Support the development of new analytical methods for counterfeit drug detection and characterization, including research and validation of new or existing techniques, procedures, methods, and instruments used in the laboratory.
Participate in the quality management system and in the quality assurance evaluations through internal and external quality system audits; competency and proficiency testing; and facilitate in the improvement of the laboratory systems.
Maintain internal and external cooperative working relationships through effective written and oral communication.
Maintain and support evidentiary admissibility standards.
Compile statistical data and maintain records; write scientific reports; and present and interpret analytical results.
Coordinate and collaborate with investigators.

**Laboratory Management and Organizational Leadership**:
Consult with the Laboratory Supervisor to assess instruments, equipment, and tools are appropriately well maintained and operational to allow for maximum efficiency and protection from evidence contamination. Document proper operation, calibration, and maintenance of instruments, equipment, and tools.
Consult with the Laboratory Supervisor regarding the operation of the Forensic Services Laboratory; ensuring the examination, analysis, and interpretation of physical evidence meets the appropriate standards in the scientific investigation of pharmaceutical crimes.
Consult with the Laboratory Director and Laboratory supervisor to develop short
- and long-term planning strategies based on forensic standards and best scientific practices.
Capable of self
- and time management, independence, and prioritization
Develop core competencies.
Develop emotional intelligence core competencies.
Model leadership behaviors within GSAG.

**Qualifications**:
**Requirements**:
Bachelor’s degree in forensic science, chemistry, or related scientific field plus 2 years of relevant laboratory experience -OR- a completion of a graduate degree in a relevant scientific field.
Strong commitment to safety and compliance requirements and laboratory accreditation standards.
Must possess and demonstrate strong oral and written communication, and analytical skills.
Ability to work in highly collaborative and matrixed environment.
Must be innovative, independent, and able to manage an aggressive workload in a high performing environment.
Pass a background investigation, including drug screening, for the handling of controlled substances.

**Preferred Experience and Skills**:
Advanced degree (MS, PhD) preferred
Experience in Forensic Sciences
Knowledge of pharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution operations (GxP, etc) and counterfeit drug detection and investigations Demonstrates an expert ability to plan, direct, organize, and coordinate projects. Makes effective decisions or recommendations to resolve and mediate conflicts. Initiates and follows through on projects.
Demonstrates an ability to identify and analyze problems, identify, and evaluate alternative solutions, make decisions or recommendations, resolve problems, and consult with appropriate staff and resources as needed, based on knowledge, experience, and expertise.
Demonstrated experience interacting with and supporting senior leadership.
Ability to champion new ideas or positions to meet key laboratory goals and initiatives.

THE COMPANY

Our company has had a presence in Switzerland since 1963. With a regional office and manufacturing/packaging facility, Lucerne is considered the center of operations. Approximately 1,000 people work collaboratively at the four Lucerne locations (Weystrasse, Citybay, Schachen and Kriens). A fifth location has been recently established in Zurich, aimed at accelerating the development and commercialization of many of our company’s medicines and vaccines, which supports our mission to save and improve lives around the world. The new location has a target date of 2021 for operational readiness.

We are proud to be certified as a “Top Employer Switzerland” and “Top Employer Europe” showing the company’s commitment to our employees and the community around us.

Our Werthenstein