Upstream 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, Ireland is seeking an Upstream Process Science Lab Technical Lead to drive technical leadership in the Process Sciences Lab and enable biologics manufacturing at the site.

The role leads a team of Upstream scientists, designs and executes scale-down studies, supports technology transfer, and ensures GMP, data integrity, and quality systems are embedded across laboratory and manufacturing activities while collaborating across global MS&T

Qualifications

• 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 extensive experience in Upstream 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.

Responsibilities

• Management of a team of Upstream 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 network technology transfer, facility fit, process characterisation, and lifecycle change.
• Provide technical leadership for laboratory studies supporting upstream unit operations such as cell culture, harvest, and process scale-down model execution.
• Provision of technical expertise and leadership to support successful new product introduction across all Drug Substance and Cell Banking 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.

Skills

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Effective communication

GMP/regulatory understanding

Education

Degree in Science/Technical

Advanced Degree (MSc/PhD) desirable

Job description

Job Description

An exciting new opportunity has arisen for an Upstream 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 (Upstream) 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 Upstream 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 network technology transfer, facility fit, process characterisation, and lifecycle change.
• Provide technical leadership for laboratory studies supporting upstream unit operations such as cell culture, harvest, and process scale-down model execution.
• Provision of technical expertise and leadership to support successful new product introduction across all Drug Substance and Cell Banking 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 extensive experience in Upstream 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.

We keep the patient at the very heart of all that we do and strive to find solutions and treatments for some of the world’s most challenging healthcare needs. So, if you are ready to: Invent solutions to meet unmet healthcare needs, Impact the future by driving one of the world’s leading healthcare companies, and inspire your team to reach their full potential and push the boundaries of science and technology,

Additional location(s) Compensation Information:

Required Skills:

• Biologics, Biopharmaceuticals, Cell Cultures, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Lab Processing, Manufacturing, Technology Transfer, Upstream Processing

Employee Status: Regular

Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable

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: R424691