Job Description

Associate Principal Scientist – Continuous & Expression Technologies in Large Molecule Downstream Processing

The Continuous & Expression Technologies (CET) Group within the Process Research & Development, Enabling Technologies department is seeking motivated and creative individuals. This is an opportunity to positively impact our company’s manufacturing platforms, while actively supporting drug development in the biologics and vaccine arenas. Specifically, CET is seeking an Associate Principal Scientist specializing in bioprocessing purification technologies for multiple therapeutic classes – at our site in Rahway, NJ.

Our Scientists are our Inventors. As a member of the CET Group, you will drive scientific innovation and critically evaluate opportunities to implement enabling technologies. We are seeking a collaborative, self-directed learner with a penchant for problem-solving and expertise in downstream bioprocessing to join the CET group. Our group is tasked with identifying, developing, and deploying continuous manufacturing tools aimed at improving production processes in our company's drug candidate pipeline. Knowledge of intensified unit operations such as multi-column chromatography, single-pass ultrafiltration and in-line diafiltration in addition to applied knowledge of hardware/software integration, process automation systems, and process analytical technologies (PAT) are valued skills within the group. Demonstrated expertise in process development, whether biologics, vaccines, or both, is particularly desirable.

As an Associate Principal Scientist, you will have the opportunity to influence the future direction of our company's downstream processing for biologics. You will work with an immensely creative and collaborative team of scientists and engineers to design purification processes while developing technical strategies related to continuous processing and process intensification. As an experienced downstream scientist in the group, you will mentor and coach junior upstream scientists. The chosen candidate should also have excellent interpersonal communication and collaboration skills and exhibit strength in delivering results on firm deadlines. We actively publish and engage with the scientific community to influence the field.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• As an impactful contributor, shape and realize innovation across biologics’ pipeline, strategy, and science

• Advance best science incorporation into pipeline by collaborating with cross-functional teams, from Research & Manufacturing, in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment

• Lead development of robust and scalable technologies for downstream processes for biologics

• Identify areas for downstream process innovation/intensification and expand our technologies toolbox to address challenges at different stages of development (clinical, process characterization and commercialization)

• Contribute to strategic initiatives; partner with senior leaders to set overall project strategy, and guide teams towards its execution

• Conceptualize, plan, and execute projects with effective organizational, prioritization and problem-solving skills

• Stay abreast of scientific and regulatory landscape; actively present (premier conferences), publish (peer-reviewed journals) and patent

• Serve as Subject Matter Expert for intensified and/or continuous bioprocessing

• Mentor and actively share expertise; guide career development; build strong, collaborative teams

MINIMUM EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Ph.D. with 3+ years, MS with 5+ years, or BS with 8+ years of industry experience and background in Chemical/Biochemical engineering, or a related field

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, AND COMPETENCIES

• Strong fundamental knowledge and subject matter expertise in downstream process development

• Experience in continuous biomanufacturing and experimentation with integrated purification steps

• Expertise in independently conducting and directing the design, execution, analysis, and documentation of all stages of downstream process development

• Track record of accomplishments in downstream bioprocessing with a history of peer-reviewed publications and presentations

• Adaptability and agility to prioritize and deliver complex objectives, often on tight timelines, in a rapidly changing environment

• Experience and aptitude to lead, work, and collaborate in internal and external cross-functional, matrixed teams

• Action-oriented, mindset for creativity; ability to take initiative, innovate, iterate, and problem-solve

• Demonstrated commitment to coach and mentor staff to maximize talent development and utilization

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE & SKILLS:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

• Experience with purification steps integrated with process-analytical technologies

• High-throughput experimentation, automation, and process control

• Experience with single-pass ultrafiltration and in-line diafiltration

• Experience with high throughput experimentation using automation platforms such as TECAN

• Experience using and/or programming process control systems such as DeltaV or PCS 7

• Experience with multi-column chromatography systems (BioSMB, PCC, or similar)

• Experience with statistical data analysis tools and design of experiments (JMP, Design Expert)

• Experience with multivariate data analysis, machine learning, artificial intelligence

• Experience with process modeling packages such as BioSolve Process, gPROMS, SuperPro Designer, or similar

#ET

#PRD

#eligibleforERP

To learn more about the PRD team, click: Join Our Process Research & Development Team.

Required Skills:

Accountability, Accountability, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Automation, Biomanufacturing, Career Development, Cell Line Development, Column Chromatography, Continuous Deployment, Detail-Oriented, Downstream Process Development, Drug Delivery Technology, Drug Development, Expression Vectors, Innovation, Interpersonal Relationships, Leading Project Teams, Machine Learning (ML), Molecular Biology, Pharmaceutical Formulations, Pharmaceutical Process Development, Physical Characterization, Process Automations, Project Prioritization, Software Integration {+ 4 more}

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:

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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.

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

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:

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:

01/16/2026

*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.