Biologics Process Research & Development, Associate Scientist

Merck; Rahway (NJ); On-site; USD 72,000 - 113,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Long-term incentive

Healthcare benefits

Job summary

Merck in Rahway, NJ seeks an Associate Scientist to design, develop, and execute robust biologics manufacturing processes across early- to late-stage programs. You will collaborate across PD, analytical, and manufacturing, aiming to deliver scalable, compliant processes for life-changing medicines.

The role emphasizes strong engineering fundamentals, protein science, and hands-on experimentation, with opportunities to advance digital methods and tech transfer.

Qualifications

• Scientific understanding of engineering principles for recombinant protein production unit operations.
• Knowledge of aseptic technique and protein biophysical properties.
• Strong ability to integrate science and innovation into biologics process development.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to development of innovative biologic manufacturing technologies.
• Develop and characterize robust clinical processes delivering multi-kilogram drug substance.
• Independently design and conduct unit operation experiments with relevant inputs.

Skills

Bioprocess engineering

Aseptic technique

Protein biophysics

Protein lab practices

Education

BS degree in Chemical/Biochemical/Biomedical Engineering, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Structural biology or related fields

Tools

DOE (Design of Experiments)

Multivariate data analysis

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 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

Education

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

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. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

Requirements

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

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

Employee Status Regular

Relocation Domestic

VISA Sponsorship No

Travel Requirements 10%

Flexible Work Arrangements Not Applicable

Shift Not Indicated

Valid Driving License No

Hazardous Material(s) N/A

Job Posting End Date

• 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.

Compensation

The salary range for this role is

• $71,900.00 - $113,200.00

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.

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.