Associate Scientist, Post Doc Fellow- Biologics Research & Development

Merck & Co.; Rahway (NJ); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck & Co. invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Biologics Process Research & Development (BPR&D) in Rahway, NJ.

This multidisciplinary role blends laboratory research with industry-scale process insights to advance biologics manufacturing and product quality understanding. The candidate will work within the Biologics Upstream Process Development group, contributing to mechanistic studies on metabolism, process conditions, and product attributes, and may publish findings

Qualifications

• Must currently hold a Ph.D. or receive a Ph.D. no later than June 2027.
• Ph.D. in Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Systems Biology, Molecular Biology, or related discipline.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and interpret research studies related to biologics manufacturing and process development.
• Develop and manage an independent research project while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
• Investigate relationships among process conditions, cell culture performance, and product characteristics.
• Apply analytical, molecular, and biological methods to generate and interpret data.
• Integrate and analyze multiple data types using statistical and computational tools to identify trends, hypotheses, and process insights.
• Develop mechanistic hypotheses and experimental strategies to support process improvement.
• Present research findings at internal and external scientific forums and in peer-reviewed journals.
• Stay current with scientific literature and emerging developments in the field.

Education

Ph.D. in Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Systems Biology, Molecular Biology, or related discipline.

Job description

Job Description

Join the Legacy: Biologics Research & Development Department's Postdoctoral Research Fellow Opportunity

Our Research Laboratories' Postdoctoral Research Fellow Program is designed to provide postdoctoral researchers with an academic focus in a commercial environment. With the resources, reach, and expertise of a leading pharmaceutical company, postdoctoral researchers are positioned to excel in an institution committed to breakthrough innovation in research and discovery.

Biologics Process Research & Development (BPR&D) within our Research & Development Division is hosting this multi-year Posdoctoral Research Fellow. BPR&D is on a mission to rapidly deliver biotherapeutics to patients by efficiently developing innovative, robust manufacturing processes and technologies. To achieve this, we work closely with colleagues in Discovery, Pre-clinical, Early Development, Analytical, Formulation, and Commercial Manufacturing while providing a inclusive environment for all. Beyond process development for pipeline biologics, we innovate and build next generation biomanufacturing technologies. Examples include investments for development of continuous manufacturing, green and sustainable processes, and proprietary technology platforms. We actively publish and engage with the scientific community to influence the field.

This job posting covers opportunities for the Biologics Upstream Process Development group. We are actively looking for a highly motivated candidate with a passion for applying systems biology tools and process development methods to help us improve process understanding for a key pipeline project.

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated scientist to fill a postdoctoral fellowship position in Biologics Process Research & Development. This is an exciting opportunity to conduct research in an industry setting at the intersection of process development, systems biology, and analytical science.

The successful candidate will work on a multidisciplinary research program aimed at improving understanding of biologics manufacturing processes and their impact on process performance and product quality. Specifically, this project seeks improved mechanistic understanding of the effect of process mode differences on cellular metabolism, product quality attributes, and process performance. The role will involve collaboration with scientists across multiple functions and the use of experimental and data-driven approaches to generate actionable insights.

This position offers the opportunity and expectation to contribute to scientific publications and presentations while gaining valuable experience in biologics development and process science. The successful candidate will deepen the team's scientific understanding of biologics process development while preparing for a successful career in biotechnology and pharmaceutical development. The duration of this project could extend up to 3 years depending on the progress demonstrated.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Design, execute, and interpret research studies related to biologics manufacturing and process development
• Develop and manage an independent research project while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams
• Investigate relationships among process conditions, cell culture performance, and product characteristics
• Apply analytical, molecular, and biological methods to generate and interpret data
• Integrate and analyze multiple data types using statistical and computational tools to identify trends, hypotheses, and process insights
• Develop mechanistic hypotheses and experimental strategies to support process improvement
• Present research findings at internal and external scientific forums and in peer-reviewed journals
• Stay current with scientific literature and emerging developments in the field

Education Minimum Requirement:

• Must currently hold a Ph.D. or
• Receive a Ph.D. no later than June 2027
• Ph.D. in Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Systems Biology, Molecular Biology, or related discipline.

Required Experience and Skills:

• 0+ years of post-PhD relevant academic or industrial experience.