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Assoc. Scientist, Engineering

Merck

North Wales, PAOnsitePosted 1 day ago$71,900.00 - $113,200.00
Full TimeEntry LevelManufacturing & CMCPharmaceuticalH1B sponsorship
Original posting ↗

Summary

We are seeking an eager and adaptable scientist to play a central role in pilot plant operations, supporting the scale-up and commercialization of our dynamic late-stage biologics pipeline within the expansive Biologics S&T portfolio.

Job description

Role Summary

We are seeking an eager and adaptable scientist to play a central role in pilot plant operations, supporting the scale-up and commercialization of our dynamic late-stage biologics pipeline within the expansive Biologics S&T portfolio.

As an Associate Scientist in Cell Culture Pilot Operations & Commercialization, you will be at the forefront of translating process development into manufacturing reality. You will gain hands-on experience operating pilot-scale bioreactors and supporting scale-up activities, while collaborating across functions to enable successful drug substance commercialization.

Your Work Will Directly Support

  • Pilot-scale execution of cell culture processes
  • Process scale-up and technology transfer
  • Process characterization and validation
  • Preparation for PPQs and regulatory filings

Key Responsibilities

  • Pilot Operations (Primary Focus): Execute and support pilot-scale mammalian cell culture runs, including bioreactor setup, operation, monitoring, sampling, and troubleshooting. Ensure safe, compliant, and efficient execution of pilot activities.
  • Scale-Up & Commercialization: Support scale-up of cell culture processes from lab to pilot and manufacturing scale, contributing to robust drug substance commercialization strategies.
  • Technical Execution: Assist with process characterization studies, process validation (PPQ-enabling work), and regulatory filing support.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with process development, manufacturing, quality, and regulatory teams to ensure seamless tech transfer and alignment.
  • Problem Solving: Troubleshoot pilot equipment, bioreactor performance, and cell culture process deviations.
  • Communication: Maintain clear documentation and communicate results effectively to stakeholders.
  • Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Support initiatives to improve pilot efficiency, process robustness, and operational excellence.

Education & Experience

Minimum High School Diploma/GED with 5 years of relevant experience or Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biological Engineering, or a related field with 0–2 years of relevant experience

What You Bring

  • Hands-on or academic experience in mammalian cell culture
  • Aseptic technique
  • Bioreactor operations (bench or pilot scale preferred)
  • Media/buffer preparation
  • Strong interest in pilot plant operations and scale-up activities
  • Strong attention to detail and data integrity
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills
  • A collaborative, ethical, and resilient mindset with a commitment to excellence

Requirements

  • Minimum High School Diploma/GED with 5 years of relevant experience OR Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biological Engineering, or a related field with 0–2 years of relevant experience
  • Hands-on or academic experience in mammalian cell culture
  • Aseptic technique
  • Bioreactor operations (bench or pilot scale preferred)
  • Media/buffer preparation
  • Strong interest in pilot plant operations and scale-up activities
  • Strong attention to detail and data integrity
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills
  • Collaborative, ethical, and resilient mindset with a commitment to excellence

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental & Vision
  • Other Insurance Benefits
  • 401(k) Retirement Benefits
  • Paid Holidays
  • Vacation
  • Compassionate & Sick Days
  • Annual Bonus
  • Long-Term Incentive

Company overview

Merck & Co., Inc., known as Merck in the United States and Canada and MSD (Merck Sharp & Dohme) internationally, is a premier American multinational pharmaceutical company headquartered in Rahway, New Jersey. Founded in 1891 as the U.S. subsidiary of the German Merck Group, the company became independent following World War I and has since grown into one of the world's largest biomedical companies, ranking fourth globally by revenue. Merck operates across three core business segments: pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and animal health products. The company is renowned for its groundbreaking research and development, having brought numerous life-saving medicines to market including Keytruda (pembrolizumab), a leading immunotherapy for cancer treatment that generated $29.5 billion in 2024 revenue, and Gardasil, a revolutionary HPV vaccine. With approximately 75,000 employees worldwide, Merck maintains a robust pipeline of innovative therapies focused on oncology, vaccines, hospital acute care, cardiology, neuroscience, virology, immunology, and diabetes. The company invests heavily in R&D, spending $17.9 billion in 2024 alone, demonstrating its commitment to advancing scientific discovery. Merck's legacy spans over 130 years of bringing hope to humanity through important medicines and vaccines, operating with a purpose to use leading-edge science to save and improve lives globally while fostering an inclusive workforce and responsible business practices.

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