Associate Principal Scientist – Upstream Biologics

MSD Malaysia; Rahway (NJ); On-site; USD 142,000 - 224,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Paid holidays

Vacation

Sick days

Job summary

Merck & Co., Inc. in Rahway, NJ is seeking an Associate Principal Scientist for Biologics Process Development to design, develop, and optimize mammalian cell culture processes for first-in-human and commercial products.

You will collaborate across Discovery, Downstream, Analytical Sciences, and Manufacturing to deliver robust CMC-ready processes. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership, excellent communication, and a track record in upstream bioprocess development, including tech

Qualifications

• Technical background with hands-on mammalian cell culture and fed-batch processes for recombinant protein production.
• Strong CHO cell biology knowledge, metabolism, and large-scale bioreactor experience.
• Experience with DOE and multivariate data analysis tools.
• Proven upstream process and technology development accomplishments with publications.
• Ability to plan, execute, and document cell culture process development.

Responsibilities

• Lead upstream process development for high-yield, robust, scalable cell culture processes.
• Drive process development, characterization, and regulatory filings for PPQs and BLAs.
• Collaborate with Discovery, Cell Line, Downstream, Analytical Sciences, and Manufacturing.
• Advance upstream platform processes through improvement initiatives to reduce costs.
• Engage with academia, industry partners, and vendors to drive new technologies.
• Monitor external patents/literature; pursue publishing and patenting opportunities.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Fed-batch processes

Bioprocess scale-up

Cell line development

Statistical methods (DOE, MVA)

Education

Ph.D. in chemical engineering / bioengineering / biological engineering or related field

Master's degree with 8+ years' experience

Bachelor's degree with 12 years' experience

Tools

SIMCA

JMP

Job description

Merck & Co., Inc. in Rahway, NJ is seeking an Associate Principal Scientist for Biologics Process Development to design, develop, and optimize mammalian cell culture processes for first-in-human and commercial products.

You will collaborate across Discovery, Downstream, Analytical Sciences, and Manufacturing to deliver robust CMC-ready processes. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership, excellent communication, and a track record in upstream bioprocess development, including tech