Principal Scientist, Downstream Bioprocess Innovation

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

Job summary

Merck & Co., Inc. in Rahway, NJ, seeks an Associate Principal Scientist to lead downstream process development and engineering for biologics pipelines. You will design and optimize purification steps, scale-up strategies, and work with research, development, and manufacturing to supply clinical material.

The role requires a Ph.D. with 3+ years of experience (or Master with 6+; BS 8+) and a strong track record in downstream unit operations, data science, and cross-functional leadership.

Qualifications

• PhD with 3+ years of industry experience or Master with 6+ years in industry in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering or related field.
• Proven record in downstream process development and technology, with publications/presentations.
• Ability to lead planning, execution, analysis, and documentation across downstream development.

Responsibilities

• Lead biologic downstream process development for early and late-stage programs; design and optimize high-yield, scalable purification steps.
• Provide technical supervision for process development and characterization.
• Collaborate with upstream, Biologics Analytical R&D, and cross-functional teams to advance pipeline.
• Advance downstream platform strategy and drive process improvement initiatives.
• Assess new technologies and industry strategies relevant to our programs.
• Mentor junior scientists and drive external collaborations and knowledge sharing.

Skills

Downstream Process Development

Team Leadership

DOE (Design of Experiments)

Process Optimization

Cross-functional Collaboration

Education

PhD in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering

Masters in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering

BS in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering

Tools

DeltaV

PCS 7

TECAN

BioSMB/PCC

Job description

Merck & Co., Inc. in Rahway, NJ, seeks an Associate Principal Scientist to lead downstream process development and engineering for biologics pipelines. You will design and optimize purification steps, scale-up strategies, and work with research, development, and manufacturing to supply clinical material.

The role requires a Ph.D. with 3+ years of experience (or Master with 6+; BS 8+) and a strong track record in downstream unit operations, data science, and cross-functional leadership.