Biologics Process R&D Scientist

MSD Malaysia; Rahway (NJ); On-site; USD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Paid holidays

Vacation

Medical, dental, vision

Job summary

Merck is seeking a Research Scientist in Biologics Process Research & Development to design and develop robust manufacturing processes for next-generation biologics. You will work with teams across discovery, development, analytics, and manufacturing to deliver scalable, compliant workflows and contribute to innovative biomanufacturing technologies.

The role emphasizes hands-on experimentation in cell-line development, upstream and downstream processing, with a focus on integrating processes and

Qualifications

• BS with 2+ years of relevant experience or MS in Chemical/Biochemical/Biomedical Engineering, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related fields with research background in molecular biology, cell culture or protein purification
• Experience with molecular biology, protein expression, mammalian cell culture, protein purification, biochemical engineering, or analytical technologies
• Ability to comprehend and execute experiments independently
• Ability to organize, communicate, analyze, and present experimental data to drive conclusions and further study designs
• Knowledge of aseptic technique, protein biophysical properties, and general protein laboratory practices
• Demonstrated ability to prepare technical documents and scientific presentations to capture development progress
• Basic understanding of statistical methods and data analysis tools
• Strong passion to integrate science and innovation into biologic process development
• Ability to excel in a collaborative and matrix environment

Responsibilities

• Develop innovative and disruptive technologies for next-generation biologics manufacturing processes
• Develop and characterize robust clinical processes capable of delivering multi-kilogram quantities of therapeutics
• Design and conduct experiments related to cell-line development, upstream or downstream bioprocessing
• Integrate unit operations with process control and monitoring platforms
• Collaborate across BPR&D, process analytics, and other functional areas to advance the biologics pipeline
• Conduct laboratory- and/or pilot-scale studies to support scale-up and technology transfer to manufacturing sites
• Contribute to a safe and compliant laboratory work environment

Skills

Molecular biology

Protein expression

Mammalian cell culture

Protein purification

Biochemical engineering

Data analysis

Statistical methods

Independent experimentation

Scientific communication

Team collaboration

Education

BS with 2+ years of relevant experience or MS in related field

Tools

Automated bioreactor systems

Liquid handling systems

Process transfer

Job description

Job Description Our Research Scientists are our Inventors. Using innovative thinking, state-of-the-art facilities, and robust scientific methodology, we partner to deliver the next medical breakthrough. Biologics Process Research & Development (BPR&D) within our Research & Development Division is on a mission to rapidly deliver diverse 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 diverse and 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. BPR&D includes three lab-facing technical functional areas: Process Cell Sciences (PCS), Upstream Process, and Downstream Process Development & Engineering. The latter two together form our Process Development (PD) group that works on both the early- and late-stage pipeline. This job posting covers opportunities for the PD group. We are actively looking for highly motivated people with a passion for innovation and interest in contributing to upstream and/or downstream bioprocessing. As a Scientist in BPR&D, you will work with immensely creative and collaborative team members to design and develop robust processes in support of early- and late-stage biologics. You will innovate to support our company's biologics pipeline and production platforms through rigorous scientific principles. You will have the opportunity to apply and integrate innovation into biologic process sciences to establish our company as the industry leader in next-generation biologics manufacturing. You may also be expected to contribute to additional areas of interest such as biophysical, reactor, process, economic and/or multivariate modeling as we are committed to leveraging digital ways of working to enhance our ability to design robust processes.

Responsibilities

• Develop innovative and disruptive technologies for next-generation biologics manufacturing processes
• Develop and characterize robust clinical processes capable of delivering multi-kilogram quantities of therapeutics
• Design and conduct experiments related to cell-line development, upstream or downstream bioprocessing
• Integrate unit operations with relevant process control and monitoring platforms
• Collaborate across BPR&D, process analytics, and other functional areas in research and manufacturing to advance the biologics pipeline
• Conduct laboratory- and/or pilot-scale studies to support scale-up and technology transfer to manufacturing sites
• Contribute to a safe and compliant laboratory work environment

Minimum Education Requirements

Education: BS with 2+ years of relevant experience or MS degree (expected graduation by June 2027) in Chemical/Biochemical/Biomedical Engineering, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related fields with research background in molecular biology, cell culture or protein purification

Required Experience and Skills

• Experience with one or more of molecular biology, protein expression, mammalian cell culture, protein purification, biochemical engineering, or analytical technologies
• Scientific understanding of the engineering principles behind recombinant protein production and purification
• Ability to comprehend and execute experiments independently
• Ability to organize, communicate, analyze, and present experimental data to drive conclusions and further study designs
• Knowledge of aseptic technique, protein biophysical properties, and general protein laboratory practices
• Demonstrated ability to independently prepare technical documents and scientific presentations to capture development progress, scientific investigations, and technology development output
• Basic understanding of statistical methods and data analysis tools
• Strong passion and commitment to integrate science and innovation into biologic process development
• Ability to excel in a collaborative and matrix environment

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Demonstrated capabilities in understanding and operating bioanalytical techniques to characterize microbial or cell culture processes
• Ability to think critically with excellent problem solving and troubleshooting skills
• High throughput screening, automated bioreactor systems, and liquid handlers
• Experience with process transfer to clinical or commercial manufacturing facilities
• Knowledge of process control and workflow automation tools
• Strong foundation in statistical analysis, design of experiments, data science, computational modeling, machine learning, and artificial intelligence; proficiency with programming languages

We Are a Diverse and Inclusive Employer

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process. As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit: EEOC Know Your Rights EEOC GINA Supplement We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively. Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts

Salary

The salary range for this role is $87,300.00 - $137,400.00. This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs. The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.

Location and Hiring Policy

San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

Job Posting End Date: 11/25/2026

Company Overview

Our company is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines and animal health products. The difference between potential and achievement lies in the spark that fuels innovation and inventiveness; this is the space where we have codified our legacy for over a century. Our success is backed by ethical integrity, forward momentum, and an inspiring mission to achieve new milestones in global healthcare.