Upstream Process Science Lab Technical Lead (Mgr.)

Merck; Ireland; On-site; EUR 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck in Dunboyne, Co. Meath, is seeking an Upstream Process Science Lab Technical Lead to drive the performance of the Process Sciences Lab. You will lead a cross-functional team, conduct scale-down studies, and support technology transfer and lifecycle changes across Drug Substance programs.

The role emphasizes leadership, problem solving, and a proactive safety and quality culture within an innovative biologics manufacturing site.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Science/Technical field required.
• Minimum 6 years' experience in biopharmaceutical development or MS&T.
• Strong GMP, data integrity and quality systems understanding.
• Proven ability to interpret data and drive manufacturing actions.

Responsibilities

• Manage Upstream scientists: plan and execute scale-down and improvement studies.
• Oversee small-scale studies supporting tech transfer, fit, and lifecycle changes.
• Provide technical leadership for upstream unit operations: cell culture, harvest, scale-down.
• Lead new product introduction across Drug Substance and Cell Banking programs.
• Mentor colleagues to solve problems and foster continuous learning and collaboration.
• Promote proactive safety, quality, and compliance across labs and teams.

Skills

Biologics

Biopharmaceuticals

Cell Cultures

GMP

Lab Processing

Manufacturing

Technology Transfer

Upstream Processing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Science/Technical field

Advanced degree (MSc/PhD) desirable

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,

Required Skills

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

Employee Status: Regular

Relocation:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

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.