Downstream Process Science Lab Technical Lead (Mgr.)

Merck Gruppe - MSD Sharp & Dohme; Dunboyne; Remote; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck Gruppe - MSD Sharp & Dohme in Dunboyne, Co. Meath, is seeking a Downstream Process Science Lab Technical Lead to oversee the Process Sciences Lab activities and collaborate across site.

You will lead a team of downstream scientists, drive scale-down studies, support technology transfer and lifecycle changes, ensure GMP and data integrity, and champion safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Degree in Science/Technical field; MSc/PhD desirable.
• At least 6 years in biopharmaceutical development, MS&T, or related areas.
• Strong GMP, regulatory, data integrity knowledge for lab and manufacturing support.
• Ability to interpret complex data and translate findings into manufacturing actions.
• Effective communicator; capable of working under pressure in cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Manage a team of Downstream scientists; plan and execute scale-down studies and improvement work.
• Oversee design and execution of small-scale studies for technology transfer, process characterisation, lifecycle changes.
• Provide technical leadership for downstream purification, filtration, viral clearance, UF/DF, formulation, and process optimization.
• Support new product introductions across Drug Substance programs at the site.
• Lead and coach colleagues; promote learning, improvement and problem solving.

Skills

Biopharma development

GMP knowledge

Data interpretation

Cross-functional teamwork

Problem solving

Education

Science/Technical degree

MSc or PhD desirable

Job description

Job Description

An exciting new opportunity has arisen for a Downstream Process Science Lab Technical Lead in Dunboyne, Co. Meath.

This role is part of the Manufacturing Science and Technology (MS&T) group at our state-of-the-art, single-use, multi-product facility in Dunboyne. The Lab Technical Lead (Downstream) is responsible for contributing to the overall running of the Process Sciences Laboratory and working across site as part of a diverse and interdisciplinary team to build capability and knowledge in the manufacture of biologics at the site.

Key Responsibilities

• Management of a team of Downstream scientists involving the design, planning and execution of scale-down model establishment, satellite, and improvement studies in the Process Sciences Lab.
• Oversee the design and execution of small-scale studies which support Dunboyne site and CMO technology transfer, facility fit, process characterisation, and lifecycle change.
• Provide technical leadership for downstream studies supporting purification, filtration, viral clearance-related activities, UF/DF, formulation, and associated process optimisation work.
• Provision of technical expertise and leadership to support successful new product introduction across all Drug Substance programs at the site.
• Lead and coach others to solve problems and take new perspectives on existing solutions with a desire to continuously learn, improve and develop.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills as well as influencing, collaboration skills and teamworking ability to represent MS&T on global and interdisciplinary teams.
• Champion a proactive safety, quality, and compliance culture within all laboratory activities within an open and inclusive team culture.

Qualification & Experience Requirements

• A degree qualification in a relevant field (Science/Technical). An Advanced Degree (MSc or PhD) qualification is desirable.
• A minimum of 6 years’ experience working in biopharmaceutical development, manufacturing support, MS&T, process sciences, or technical operations, with experience in Downstream biologics operations.
• Strong understanding of GMP, regulatory expectations, data integrity, and quality systems relevant to laboratory and manufacturing support activities.
• Proven ability to interpret complex datasets, solve technical problems, and convert scientific findings into practical manufacturing actions.
• Effective communicator with the ability to think logically and be proactive under pressure and work as part of a cross-functional team.

Our facility in Dunboyne is a premier, state-of-the-art facility that enables and advances our best work. By integrating leading-edge technology with a dynamic, activity-based workspace, the facility supports seamless connection and collaboration within and across teams and functions. Our Dunboyne facility provides Biologics Drug Substance manufacturing for Clinical Supply, Registration, and Commercial Launch.

Additional location(s) Compensation Information:

Required Skills: Biologics, Biopharmaceuticals, Cell Cultures, Downstream Operations, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Lab Processing, Manufacturing, Technology Transfer

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:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable

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Job Posting End Date: 11/13/2026

*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.

Requisition ID: R424686