Scientist, Downstream Vaccines and Advanced Biotechnologies (VAX) Process R&D

Merck; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Scorpion Therapeutics, located in West Point, PA, seeks a Downstream Scientist to support vaccine process R&D with a focus on adjuvant process development. The role entails designing and executing experiments to optimize adjuvant production and leading process development and tech transfer for clinical and commercial manufacturing.

You will collaborate with Analytical, Formulation, Process Chemistry and Manufacturing teams, contribute to data analysis and documentation, and participate in

Qualifications

• BS or MS in chemical/biochemical engineering or related field.
• MS/BS post-grad experience in bioprocessing or academic research.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments to optimize adjuvant production.
• Lead process development and tech transfer for clinical and commercial manufacturing.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Analytical, Formulation, Process Chemistry, Manufacturing).
• Provide scientific leadership, process scale-up, data analysis and documentation.
• Prepare manuscripts or patents as needed.

Skills

Downstream purification

Scale-up

Tech transfer

Data analysis

Documentation

Teamwork

Education

Chemical/Biochemical Engineering

Bioprocessing experience

Tools

cGMP manufacturing

Process transfer

Job description

Role

Downstream Scientist supporting vaccine process R&D, focusing on adjuvant process development at West Point, PA.

Responsibilities

Designing and executing experiments to optimize adjuvant production, leading process development and tech transfer for clinical and commercial manufacturing, and collaborating with cross-functional teams (Analytical, Formulation, Process Chemistry, Manufacturing). The role involves scientific leadership, process scale-up, data analysis, and documentation, including manuscript or patent preparation.

Qualifications

BS or MS in chemical, bio/biomedical engineering, chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, or biotechnology; BS candidates require ≥2 years in pharma/biotech, MS candidates ≥1 year post-grad experience in bioprocessing or academic research.

Skills

Strong understanding of downstream bioprocess purification, large molecule operations, scale-up principles, and hands-on experience with unit operations like tee-mixing, extrusion, microfiltration, or homogenization.

Preferred

Experience with cGMP manufacturing, process tech transfer, nanoparticle production, and infection pathogen handling. The candidate must be adaptable, able to work independently and in team settings, with effective communication skills. The position involves occasional travel and off-hours work, supporting vaccine modalities from preclinical to clinical stages.