Biologics Process Research & Development , Senior Scientist

Job Description

Biologics Process Research & Development (BPR&D) within our Company's Research Laboratories is on a mission to rapidly deliver biotherapeutics to patients by efficiently developing innovative, robust manufacturing processes and technologies. To achieve this, we work closely with colleagues in Discovery, Pre-clinical, Early Development, Analytical, Formulation, and Commercial Manufacturing while providing an inclusive environment for all. Beyond process development for pipeline biologics, we innovate and build next generation biomanufacturing technologies. Examples include investments for development of continuous manufacturing, green and sustainable processes, and proprietary technology platforms. We actively publish and engage with the scientific community to influence the field.

Biologics Process Research & Development  (BPR&D) includes three lab-facing technical functional areas: Process Cell Sciences (PCS), Upstream and Downstream Process Development & Engineering. The latter two together form our Biologics’ Process Development (BPD) group. This job posting covers opportunities for the BPD group.  We are actively looking for highly motivated people with a passion for innovation and interest in contributing to upstream and/or downstream bioprocessing.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Innovation

Develop innovative and disruptive technologies for next-generation biologic manufacturing processes

Apply rigorous scientific principles and data analyses to solve challenging problems related to developing robust, cost-effective processes

Experimental Design and Problem-Solving

Develop and characterize robust processes for delivering multi-kilogram quantities of life-changing medicines

Design and conduct lab and/or pilot-scale studies to support mechanistic understanding, scale-up, and transfer of processes to manufacturing

Collaboration and effective communication:

Work with a collaborative, cross-functional team of talented scientists and engineers to advance the biologics pipeline from early- to late-stage development

Partner with groups in both research and manufacturing divisions

Represent your functional area in cross-functional teams

Coaching and Mentoring

Train and mentor junior scientists in experimental design, execution, and data interpretation

Safety and Compliance

Contribute to a safe and compliant laboratory work environment

MINIMUM EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor's Degree with 4 years, or Master's Degree with 3 years or PhD with 0+ years of relevant experience (or expected PhD graduation within 6 months from date of application) in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Biology, Microbiology, or related fields

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:

A proven ability to design and execute hands-on lab and/or in silico experiments

Proficiency with statistical design and analysis tools

Excellent communication skills, ability to work in matrixed teams and collaborate with partners cross-functionally

A demonstrated ability to think critically with excellent problem solving and troubleshooting skills

In addition to the required skillsets above, relevant experience is needed in either upstream and/or downstream bioprocessing as described below.

Upstream

Knowledge of recombinant protein expression, metabolic pathways, biochemistry, and cell culture

Understanding of basic bioreactor principles, mass transfer kinetics

Understanding of cell & molecular biology

Downstream

Sound scientific knowledge of protein properties and purification

Understanding of unit operations such as chromatography, filtration, crystallization, precipitation, adsorption, mixing etc.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:

History of external presentations and/or publications in peer-reviewed journals

Data science, modeling, machine learning, and artificial intelligence; proficiency with programming languages

Evaluating and introducing novel technologies and analytical tools in process development and manufacturing

Knowledge of protein biochemistry, biophysics, conjugation techniques

Vector construction, Genetic Engineering, and Systems Biology

Knowledge of cell-line development for protein expression in mammalian systems and suspension cell culture

Hands-on experience with RNA and whole-genome (re)sequencing, and bioinformatics analysis

High throughput experimentation using automation platforms

Familiarity with feed and media development for large-scale recombinant protein expression in mammalian systems

Knowledge of Quality by Design, Process Characterization and Control Strategy development

#BPRD #PRD

Required Skills:

Biomanufacturing, Biomedical Engineering, Bioprocessing, Chemical Engineering, Data Analysis, Drug Delivery Technology, Flow Cytometry, High-Throughput Screening, Interpersonal Relationships, Microbiology, Molecular Biology Techniques, Molecular Microbiology, Multi-Color Flow Cytometry, Preformulation, Process Optimization, Production Process Development, Protein Biochemistry, Protein Expression, Protein Purifications

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.  As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.  For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:

EEOC Know Your Rights

EEOC GINA Supplement​

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.

Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts

The salary range for this role is

$117,000.00 - $184,200.00

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.

The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits.  Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits .

You can apply for this role through https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.

San Francisco Residents Only:  We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles Residents Only:  We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully 

Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company.  No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.

Employee Status:

Regular

Relocation:

Domestic

VISA Sponsorship:

Yes

Travel Requirements:

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

N/A

Job Posting End Date:

09/1/2026 *A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE  the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.

Requisition ID:R396511