Principal Scientist, Upstream Biologics Process

Merck; Rahway (NJ); On-site; USD 173,000 - 273,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid holidays and vacation

Job summary

Merck in Rahway, NJ is seeking a Principal Scientist for Upstream Development to shape next-generation cell culture processes for early- and late-stage programs. The role demands leadership, data-driven strategy, and strong cross-functional collaboration to deliver robust, scalable solutions.

Responsibilities include directing process development for FIH and commercial scales, mentoring junior scientists, and driving innovations with external partners. A Ph.D.

Qualifications

• Proven record of upstream process and technology development.
• Experience in CHO fed-batch cell culture and analytics.
• Hands-on experience with cell culture bioreactors at multiple scales.
• Knowledge of cell culture media, DOE statistics and CFD.
• Ability to plan, execute, analyze and document cell culture process development.
• Ability to work in a matrixed team and collaborate with partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead upstream biologic process development for FIH and commercial processes.
• Provide technical direction for process development, characterization and regulatory filings.
• Advance upstream platform strategy and lead process-improvement initiatives.
• Initiate collaborations to evaluate new technologies and industry strategies.
• Collaborate with academia, industry partners, and vendors to drive innovations.
• Stay updated with external literature and pursue patent strategies.
• Supervise, coach and educate junior scientists.

Skills

Cell culture process development

Biologics upstream development

DOE statistics

CFD

Mammalian cell culture

Scale-up / tech transfer

Cross-functional leadership

Mentoring

Data science for bioprocess

Education

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering / Bioengineering / Biochemistry or related

Master's degree in related field

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

Bioreactors

Bench-scale bioreactors

Pilot-scale bioreactors

Job description

Merck in Rahway, NJ is seeking a Principal Scientist for Upstream Development to shape next-generation cell culture processes for early- and late-stage programs. The role demands leadership, data-driven strategy, and strong cross-functional collaboration to deliver robust, scalable solutions.

Responsibilities include directing process development for FIH and commercial scales, mentoring junior scientists, and driving innovations with external partners. A Ph.D.