R&D Scientist - Protein Purification

Merck Life Science; Livingston; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck Life Science is seeking an R&D Scientist for our Livingston site to support reagent development and manufacturing. You will perform protein expression and purification, develop immunoassays, and help ensure quality and regulatory compliance in a cGMP/ISO environment.

The role requires a Life Sciences degree with relevant lab experience and strong data interpretation, documentation, and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences with 2+ years lab experience OR MSc with 1+ year experience OR PhD in Life Sciences.
• Experience in protein expression systems (bacterial/mammalian), protein purification, immunoassays, and molecular biology techniques.
• Excellent oral and written communication and ability to work independently or in a team.

Responsibilities

• Perform lab operations including fermentation, protein expression, purification, and immunoassays (ELISA, SDS-PAGE, HPLC).
• Develop and control method design for new products and contract manufacturing, ensuring smooth transfer to routine manufacture.
• Collect, analyze and interpret data to confirm specifications; maintain documentation and cGMP/ISO compliance.

Skills

Protein expression

Protein purification

Immunoassays

Molecular biology

Serology & biochemistry techniques

Oral & written communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences

Master's degree in Life Sciences

PhD in Life Sciences

Tools

HPLC

FPLC

ELISA

Western blot

SDS-PAGE

PCR

Nucleic acid isolation

Job description

Work Your Magic with us!

Ready to explore, break barriers, and discover more? We know you've got big plans - so do we! Our colleagues across the globe love innovating with science and technology to enrich people's lives with our solutions in Healthcare, Life Science, and Electronics. Together, we dream big and are passionate about caring for our rich mix of people, customers, patients, and planet. That's why we are always looking for curious minds that see themselves imagining the unimaginable with us.

Your Role

Working as an R&D Scientist at our Livingston site, you will perform laboratory operations supporting reagent development and manufacturing in compliance with quality and regulatory requirements. Responsibilities include protein expression, fermentation, purification, filtration, and immunoassay development; developing protocols and manufacturing procedures; analyzing and reviewing methods; meeting deadlines; and maintaining documentation in accordance with applicable cGMP, FDA, ISO, and Quality System requirements.

Essential Job Functions

• Perform laboratory operations such as fermentation, protein expression, protein purification, and immunoassays (eg, ELISA, SDS-PAGE, liquid chromatography)
• Develop and control method design with respect to new products and contract manufacturing projects, and ensure smooth transition to routine manufacture
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data from verification testing to ensure that products meet all specifications
• Develop, write, and update documents pertaining to lab procedures and product manufacturing to maintain cGMP and ISO compliance; write lab reports or project summaries as requested
• Contribute ideas and suggestions to improve standard laboratory techniques, improve protocols, processes, and equipment.
• Provide customer support and direct customer communication as part of business development and ongoing customer interaction.
• Support the Quality Management System to meet applicable Regulatory requirements (US FDA CFRs, IVD 98/79/EC, and any other applicable regulations) and International Quality Standards (ISO9001, ISO13485 and any other applicable standards).
• Assist in the timely closure of all non-conformances, failure investigation reports and corrective/preventative actions, and help develop strategies for continuous improvement.

Who You Are

• BSc in a Life Sciences discipline (Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, etc.) with 2+ years of post graduate relevant laboratory experience - OR - MSc in a Life Science discipline with 1+ year of post graduate relevant laboratory experience - OR - PhD in a Life Science Discipline.
• Experience in any of the following areas, with a preference of protein experience: protein expression systems (bacterial and/or mammalian), protein purification (eg, HPLC, FPLC), immunoassays (eg, ELISA, Western, SDS-PAGE), molecular biology techniques (eg, cloning, PCR, nucleic acid isolation); serological and biochemistry techniques
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Can work independently, but also works well in group setting/team mentality

Preferred Additional Qualifications

• Experience working in regulated environments (eg, GMP, ISO13485 and/or FDA-filings).
• Good organizational, time management, and project management skills.
• Multi-tasker who can handle multiple projects at one time.
• Ability to troubleshoot problems in experimental design.

What we offer:

We are curious minds that come from a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. We believe that this variety drives excellence and innovation, strengthening our ability to lead in science and technology. We are committed to creating access and opportunities for all to develop and grow at your own pace. Join us in building a culture of inclusion and belonging that impacts millions and empowers everyone to work their magic and champion human progress!