Biologics Process Research & Development, Associate Scientist

Merck; New Jersey; On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck seeks an Associate Scientist to join Biologics Process Research & Development (BPR&D) in the United States. You will design and execute robust bioprocesses for early- to late-stage biologics, applying engineering and biochemistry principles to deliver scalable operations.

You will work with multidisciplinary teams across discovery, development, analytics, and manufacturing, contributing to continuous manufacturing initiatives and tech transfer readiness while upholding safety and

Qualifications

• BS degree in Chemical/Biochemical/Biomedical Engineering, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Structural biology, or related fields
• Strong foundation in bioprocess engineering principles and protein science
• Experience with recombinant protein production unit operations and analytical methods

Responsibilities

• Contribute to development of innovative biologics manufacturing processes
• Design and execute experiments for unit operations with appropriate parameters
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to advance biologics pipeline
• Support scale-up and tech transfer activities
• Maintain safe and compliant laboratory practices

Skills

Bioprocesses

Data Analysis

Experimentation

Technology Transfer

Cross-Functional Teamwork

Protein Biochemistry

Protein Purifications

Membrane Filtration

Process Scale-Up

Chromatography

Downstream Process Development

Innovation

Education

BS in Chemical/Biochemical/Biomedical Engineering or related field

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 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 an Associate Scientist, you will work with a highly collaborative team of scientists and engineers to design, develop and execute robust processes in support of early- to late-stage biological products. You will apply rigorous scientific principles to solve challenging problems focused on developing the best processes to deliver life-changing medicines to patients worldwide. You will also have an opportunity to contribute to additional areas of interest such as biophysical, 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 include but are not limited to

• Contribute to the development of innovative and disruptive technologies for next-generation biologic manufacturing processes
• Develop and characterize robust clinical processes capable of delivering multi-kilogram quantities of drug substance
• Independently design and conduct experiments for individual unit operations using relevant operational parameters and analytical inputs
• Integrate unit operations both physically and with relevant process control and monitoring platforms for concurrent operations
• Collaborate across BPR&D, process analytics, and other functional teams in both R&D and manufacturing to advance the biologics pipeline
• Conduct laboratory-scale and/or pilot-scale studies to support scale-up and tech transfer of processes
• Contribute to a safe and compliant laboratory work environment

MINIMUM EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

BS degree (or expected completion by June 2027) in Chemical/Biochemical/Biomedical Engineering, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Structural biology, or related fields

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• Scientific understanding of the engineering principles for recombinant protein production unit operations.
• Knowledge with aseptic technique, protein biophysical properties, and general protein laboratory practices
• Strong passion and commitment to integrate science and innovation into biologics' process development

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• Experience with molecular biology, protein expression, mammalian cell culture, protein purification, biochemical engineering, or protein analytical technologies
• Knowledge of statistical data analysis tools such as the design of experiments and multivariate data analysis

#BPRD #PRD # eligibleforERP

Required Skills

• Bioprocesses
• Business Process Documentation
• Centrifugation
• Chromatographic Techniques
• Cross-Functional Teamwork
• Data Analysis
• Downstream Process Development
• Evaluating New Technologies
• Experimentation
• Innovation
• Membrane Filtration Systems
• Process Scale Up
• Protein Biochemistry
• Protein Purifications
• Technology Transfer

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities.

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