Job Description

Associate Principal Scientist – Fermentation, Novel Expression Systems

The Novel Expression Systems (NES) team is seeking an Associate Principal Scientist with experience in fermentation engineering and process development. Our team is part of the Continuous & Expression Technologies group within the Process Research & Development Enabling Technologies organization. We are tasked with introducing and advancing expression systems across a range of organisms that will be applied to discovery and development of novel biologics and vaccines, as well as to our engineered enzymes. Our all-modality team works closely with scientists across our company to advance science and technologies with the goal of improving human health.

This Associate Principal Scientist will be a subject matter expert in the area of microbial fermentation process development and is expected to lead and drive innovation in this area to enhance critical capabilities within this world-class organization. The candidate will help execute the group’s strategy and lead or co-lead cross functional teams for technology development initiatives. Working collaboratively with our partner groups and thought leaders across the Process R&D department, the candidate will identify high impact cross-functional projects, set priorities and goals, and work across functional boundaries to execute those plans experimentally to enhance our company’s pipeline. They will draw on their expertise in the field to develop and optimize the fermentation process for different microbial hosts across scales according to project needs. They will also work with and manage CROs/CMOs for a variety of project related tasks to meet the required timeline. The candidate will also help to identify, develop, and implement novel technologies to broaden and enhance our fermentation capabilities. They will engage externally through presentations, publications, chairing sessions, and participating in external consortia. As a leader in the group, they will mentor, coach, and train scientists at the bench, inspiring scientific rigor and disruptive approaches. The successful candidate will join a diverse group of innovative scientists who are driving the next revolution in bioengineering.

Requirements:

• Extensive experience and knowledge in fermentation process development and optimization, as well as process scale-up and scale-down, preferably on microbes such as Bacillus subtilis.

• In-depth knowledge and experience in microbial fermentations at bench and pilot scales.

• Knowledge and experience with downstream process development (such as flocculation, microfiltration, and ultrafiltration) strongly preferred.

• Demonstrated experience working and managing CROs/CMOs is highly preferred.

• Familiarity with biocatalysis, protein engineering, biotherapeutics, and/or vaccines is a plus.

• Demonstrated ability to lead collaborative multi-disciplinary teams for successful outcomes.

• Demonstrated ability to coach and mentor other researchers.

• Excellent communication and organizational skills.

• Strong track record of peer-reviewed publications and research presentations.

Education Minimum Requirements:

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Synthetic Biology or a related field with 3+ years of relevant industry experience. Candidates with B.S. and/or M.S. degree plus 7+ years relevant industry experience will also be considered.

#PR&D #PRD

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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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:

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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.

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U.S. Hybrid Work Model

Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office-based positions in the U.S. will be working a Hybrid work consisting of three total days on-site per week, Monday - Thursday, although the specific days may vary by site or organization, with Friday designated as a remote-working day, unless business critical tasks require an on-site presence.This Hybrid work model does not apply to, and daily in-person attendance is required for, field-based positions; facility-based, manufacturing-based, or research-based positions where the work to be performed is located at a Company site; positions covered by a collective-bargaining agreement (unless the agreement provides for hybrid work); or any other position for which the Company has determined the job requirements cannot be reasonably met working remotely. Please note, this Hybrid work model guidance also does not apply to roles that have been designated as “remote”.

The salary range for this role is

$139,600.00 - $219,700.00

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:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Required Skills:

Adaptability, Adaptability, Analytical Chemistry, Analytical Development, Biodesign, Biological Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemical Synthesis, Clinical Judgment, Collaborative Development, Communication, Computational Chemistry, Computer Science, Cross-Cultural Awareness, Data Analysis, Enzymology, Experimental Development, Flocculation, Foster Innovation, Interdisciplinary Collaboration, Lead Optimization, Microbiology, Molecular Structure, Process Scale Up, Professional Networking {+ 5 more}

Preferred Skills:

Job Posting End Date:

10/14/2025

*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.