Principal Scientist, Upstream Process Development Group Lead

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) plan

Paid holidays

Career development

Job summary

Merck is seeking a Senior Principal Scientist in Biologics Process Research & Development with leadership of 3–5 scientists to shape and drive upstream bioprocess innovations. You will lead scalable cell culture processes, coordinate cross-functional teams, and contribute to regulatory filings for biologics.

A strong publication/presentation background is preferred. The role emphasizes mentorship, strategic project planning, and collaboration with academia and vendors to accelerate development

Qualifications

• PhD with 10+ years or MS with 12+ years, or BS with 14+ years in relevant field.
• Strong expertise in cell-culture process development for biologics and bioreactor scale-up.
• Proven track record in upstream bioprocessing with publications/presentations.
• Experience leading cross-functional/matrixed teams.
• Knowledge of CMC development for biologics.

Responsibilities

• Shape and drive innovation across the Biologics pipeline and strategy.
• Lead development of scalable upstream processes for biologics in clinical stages.
• Mentor and develop scientists; build a cohesive team in a matrix environment.
• Collaborate with academia, industry, and vendors to adopt novel technologies.
• Represent BPR&D as an upstream bioprocess expert in project teams.

Skills

Cell culture

Bioreactor scale-up

Process development

Regulatory filings

Project leadership

Cross-functional teamwork

Communication

Mentoring

Education

PhD in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering

MS in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering

BS in Chemical Engineering

Job description

Job Description

Our Scientists are our Inventors. Through innovative thinking, state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge science, and technology, we collaborate to deliver the next medical breakthroughs. We are looking for a collaborative, self-motivated scientific leader with expertise in downstream bioprocessing to join Biologics Process Research & Development (BPR&D) as a Senior Principal Scientist.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a scientific leader to shape and drive innovation across the Biologics pipeline, strategy, and science.
• Anticipate and solve scientific and technical challenges across projects and functional teams, in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.
• Lead the development of robust and scalable upstream processes for biologics in various stages of clinical development, as well as process characterization and regulatory filings for successful commercialization.
• Improve upstream processes by increasing efficiency and cost-effectiveness through research and innovation, while evaluating technologies and industry best practices.
• Collaborate with academia, industry, and vendors to facilitate the development and early adoption of novel process technologies.
• Contribute to strategic initiatives; work with senior leaders to establish overall project strategy and guide teams in its execution.
• Conceptualize, plan, and execute projects using effective organizational, prioritization, and problem-solving skills.
• Stay updated on the scientific and regulatory landscape; contribute scientifically and build your reputation through conference participation.
• Represent BPR&D as a upstream bioprocess expert/co-leader in internal and cross-functional project teams.
• Direct supervision of 3-5 scientists, accountable for development and growth of a cohesive group and direct reports
• Mentor and actively share expertise across teams; guide career development within and outside the group; build strong, collaborative connections in matrix teams

Minimum Education Requirements

• Ph.D. with 10+ years, MS with 12+ years, or BS with 14+ and Ph.D. with 6+ years, MS with 8+ years, or BS with 10+years of industry experience in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering or a related field for Senior Principal Scientist position and Principal Scientist position, respectively.

Required Experience, Skills, And Competencies

• Strong fundamental knowledge and subject matter expertise in cell-culture process development for biologics, fed-batch cell culture, bioreactor scale-up and scale-down, as well as recent advances, and challenges in the field
• Expertise in independently conducting and directing the design, execution, analysis, and documentation of all stages of cell-culture process development
• Track record of accomplishments in upstream bioprocessing with a history of peer-reviewed publications and presentations. Strong understanding of cell metabolism and biochemical pathways relevant to bioprocessing.
• Knowledge of biologics CMC development.
• Ability to adapt to and prioritize complex objectives under tight timelines in a rapidly changing environment.
• Experience leading internal and external cross-functional, matrixed teams.
• Demonstrated scientific leadership with significant, measurable project impacts across a set of programs.
• Action-oriented mindset with a capacity for creativity; ability to take initiative, innovate, iterate, and solve problems.
• Supervise, coach and mentor scientists to maximize talent development and utilization.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Preferred Experience & Skills

• Leadership of CMC development teams.
• Experience with continuous biomanufacturing integrated with process-analytical technologies.
• Knowhow of intensified inoculum and perfusion process development.
• Expertise in media/feed development and relevant chemistry.
• High-throughput experimentation, automation, and process control.
• Knowledge of microbial fermentation.
• Cell culture predictive modeling (omics (transcriptomics, metabolomics, or/and proteomics), metabolic flux analysis); statistics, data-science, machine learning, artificial intelligence.
• Process characterization and validation, CDMO supervision, commercialization of biologics.

Required Skills

Biologics, Bioprocess Engineering, Bioreactors, Cell Culture Process Development, Cell Culture Techniques, Cell Line Development, Chemistry, Combination Products, Commercialization, Downstream Processing, Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Matrix Management, Pharmaceutical Process Development, Process Development (PD), Process Implementations, Quality by Design, Regulatory Filings, Scientific Presentations, Technical Evaluation, Technology Development, 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. 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:

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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.

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Salary Range

The salary range for this role is $173,200.00 - $272,600.00

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.

Benefits

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.

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

Flexible Work Arrangements

Not Applicable

Job Posting End Date

10/10/2026

• 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.

Requisition ID: R417386