Biologics Process Research & Development, Associate Scientist
Merck
Summary
Biologics Process Research & Development (BPR&D) within our Research & Development Division is on a mission to rapidly deliver diverse biotherapeutics to patients by efficiently developing innovative, robust manufacturing processes and technologies. This job posting covers opportunities for the Process Development (PD) group, which works on both the early- and late-stage pipeline.
Job description
As an Associate Scientist, 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.
Responsibilities
- 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 BPR&D, process analytics, and other functional teams in both R&D 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
BS degree (or expected completion by June 2027) 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
Requirements
- BS degree (or expected completion by June 2027) in Chemical/Biochemical/Biomedical Engineering, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Structural biology, or related fields
- 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
- 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
Benefits
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- 401(k) Matching
- Retirement Benefits
- Paid Holidays
- Vacation
- Sick & Compassionate 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.