Biologics Process Research & Development, Associate 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.

As an Associate Scientist in Biologics’ Process Development (BPD) you will work with a highly collaborative team of scientists and engineers to design, develop and execute robust processes in support of early- to late-stage biological products. You will apply rigorous scientific principles to solve challenging problems focused on developing the best processes to deliver life-changing medicines to patients worldwide. You will also have an opportunity to contribute to additional areas of interest such as biophysical, process, economic and/or multivariate modeling as we are committed to leveraging digital ways of working to enhance our ability to design robust processes.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

•            Contribute to the development of innovative and disruptive technologies for next-generation biologic manufacturing processes

•            Develop and characterize robust clinical processes capable of delivering multi-kilogram quantities of drug substance

•            Independently design and conduct experiments for individual unit operations using relevant operational parameters and analytical inputs

•            Integrate unit operations both physically and with relevant process control and monitoring platforms for concurrent operations

•            Collaborate across the department, process analytics, and other functional teams in both Research & Development and manufacturing to advance the biologics pipeline

•            Conduct laboratory-scale and/or pilot-scale studies to support scale-up and tech transfer of processes

•            Contribute to a safe and compliant laboratory work environment

MINIMUM EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

Education:

 BS (or expected completion within 6 months of application) in Chemical/Biochemical/Biomedical Engineering, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Structural biology, or related fields

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:

•            Scientific understanding of the engineering principles for recombinant protein production unit operations.

•            Knowledge with aseptic technique, protein biophysical properties, and general protein laboratory practices

•            Strong passion and commitment to integrate science and innovation into biologics’ process development

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:

•            Experience with molecular biology, protein expression, mammalian cell culture, protein purification, biochemical engineering, or protein analytical technologies 

•            Knowledge of statistical data analysis tools such as the design of experiments and multivariate data analysis

#BPRD #PRD

Required Skills:

Bioprocesses, Biotechnology, Cell Cultures, Centrifugation, Chromatographic Techniques, Cross-Functional Teamwork, Data Analysis, Downstream Process Development, Evaluating New Technologies, Experimentation, Innovation, Laboratory Scales, Mammalian Cell, Mammalian Cell Culture, Membrane Filtration Systems, Microbiology, Molecular Microbiology, Process Scale Up, Protein Biochemistry, Protein Expression, Protein Purifications, Scientific Methods, Structural Biology, Technology Transfer

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

$71,900.00 - $113,200.00

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:

No

Travel Requirements:

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

N/A

Job Posting End Date:

05/15/2026

*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.