Principal Scientist, Downstream Modeling & Analytics

Merck; Rahway (NJ); Hybrid; USD 142,000 - 224,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck & Co., Inc. in Rahway, NJ is seeking an Associate Principal Scientist to lead mechanistic modeling for downstream biologics processes, including preparative chromatography and adjacent unit operations.

You will build and validate models, guide design decisions, and collaborate with DSP scientists and process engineers to inform manufacturing strategies. The role focuses on embedding mechanistic simulation into DSCS decision-making, mentoring junior staff, and shaping the modeling roadmap

Responsibilities

• Build, calibrate, and validate mechanistic chromatography models in CADET, GoSilico, or equivalent tools for capture, polishing, and viral clearance steps.
• Design isotherm and mass-transfer parameter estimation studies with DSP experimentalists: plan calibration dataset (breakthrough, gradient elution, tracer runs) to identify model parameters.
• Apply calibrated models to guide resin and mode selection, gradient and loading strategy, cycle design, pool criteria, robustness assessments, and scale-up decisions.
• Extend mechanistic modeling to adjacent downstream unit operations such as viral inactivation kinetics, UF/DF, and depth filtration.
• Own end-to-end modeling project execution: problem framing, experimental design for calibration, solver setup, validation against experimental data, and clear communication of predictions and limitations to cross-functional stakeholders.
• Mentor junior scientists on the Process Modeling & Analytics team; grow their technical judgment in mechanistic modeling, numerical methods, and simulation-based decision making.
• Shape the team's downstream modeling roadmap and establish practical standards for model development, calibration, validation, and reuse across the portfolio.

Job description

Merck & Co., Inc. in Rahway, NJ is seeking an Associate Principal Scientist to lead mechanistic modeling for downstream biologics processes, including preparative chromatography and adjacent unit operations.

You will build and validate models, guide design decisions, and collaborate with DSP scientists and process engineers to inform manufacturing strategies. The role focuses on embedding mechanistic simulation into DSCS decision-making, mentoring junior staff, and shaping the modeling roadmap