Scientist II

Merck & Co.; Waltham (MA); On-site; USD 113,600 - 163,300; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Health benefits

Retirement plans

Job summary

Merck & Co. in the United States is seeking a Scientist II, Downstream Processing to independently design, execute, and interpret studies testing prototype downstream technologies for biologics and advanced therapies.

You will generate application data across mAbs, recombinant proteins, and vaccines, translating results into actionable technical recommendations and customer materials. The role requires hands‑on lab execution, collaboration with product development and field teams, and clear

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in chemical engineering or related field with 2+ years of experience; or M.S. with typically 5+ years; or B.S. with typically 8+ years of industry experience.
• Strong understanding of downstream processing technologies including chromatography, filtration, and ultrafiltration/diafiltration.
• Hands‑on experience with basic downstream analytical assays and characterization methods (ELISA, HPLC, SEC‑MALS, SDS‑PAGE).
• Ability to independently design and execute experiments and communicate recommendations clearly.
• Experience analyzing bioprocessing technology or equipment in industrial biotech or biopharma environments preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design, plan, and execute lab studies to test downstream processing technologies and products.
• Generate application data and technical insights for downstream workflows focusing on chromatography and TFF.
• Operate and troubleshoot AKTA chromatography systems and lab‑scale TFF systems.
• Analyze data, interpret performance, and translate findings into reports and recommendations.
• Collaborate with product development and field teams to support readiness and adoption of new technologies.
• Publish and present findings through publications, conferences, posters, and webinars.

Skills

Downstream processing

Chromatography

AKTA systems

Lab execution

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Technical communication

Education

Ph.D. in chemical engineering or related

M.S. in related field

B.S. in related field

Tools

ELISA

HPLC

SEC‑MALS

SDS‑PAGE

Job description

The Scientist II, Downstream Processing will independently design, execute, and interpret studies to test and characterize new and prototype downstream processing technologies, equipment, and products for biologics and advanced therapies. This role will generate application data across areas including monoclonal antibodies, recombinant proteins, cell and gene therapies, vaccines, and related modalities, translating experimental findings into clear technical recommendations, application insights, and product performance understanding. The position requires strong scientific judgment, hands‑on laboratory execution, cross‑functional collaboration, and clear technical communication in support of Repligen’s R&D and product development objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design, plan, and execute laboratory studies to test, characterize, and benchmark new or prototype downstream processing technologies, equipment, consumables, and products for biologics and advanced therapies, including mAbs, recombinant proteins, AAV and Lentivirus vectors, vaccines, and related modalities.
• Generate application data and technical insights for downstream workflows, with strong emphasis on chromatography technologies including resins, membranes, and monoliths, as well as TFF technologies including hollow fiber and cassette‑based systems.
• Operate, program, and troubleshoot lab‑scale chromatography systems, including AKTA systems, and lab‑scale TFF systems using hollow fibers and cassettes to evaluate product performance under relevant process conditions.
• Analyze experimental data, interpret technology and product performance, identify trends or limitations, and translate findings into clear technical recommendations, reports, presentations, application data packages, and customer‑facing materials.
• Collaborate with product development, product management and field teams to support product readiness, technical positioning, and adoption of new downstream processing technologies.
• Prepare, publish, and present application data and technical findings through scientific publications, conference presentations, posters, webinars, and related external scientific communications.
• Promote safe laboratory practices, data integrity, quality‑driven experimentation, and effective technical communication.

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:

• Ph.D. in chemical engineering, biochemical engineering, biochemistry, biotechnology, biology, or a related scientific discipline with 2+ years of relevant experience; or M.S. with typically 5+ years; or B.S. with typically 8+ years of relevant industry experience in downstream processing, or a closely related field.
• Strong technical understanding of downstream processing technologies and unit operations, including chromatography, filtration, clarification, ultrafiltration/diafiltration, sterile filtration, and related process analytical methods for biologics and advanced therapies.
• Hands‑on experience with basic downstream analytical assays and characterization methods such as ELISA, HPLC, SEC‑MALS, SDS‑PAGE, protein concentration assays, impurity assays, and related product quality or process performance analytics.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design and execute experiments, interpret complex data, troubleshoot significant technical issues, and communicate recommendations clearly in reports, presentations, protocols, and cross‑functional discussions.
• Experience generating application data or evaluating new bioprocessing technologies, equipment, or consumables in an industrial biotechnology, biopharmaceutical, or life sciences environment is preferred; mammalian cell culture experience is a plus.
• The candidate must demonstrate critical thinking, be self‑motivated, accountable, have excellent organization and communication skills, and demonstrate the ability to work independently and as a member of R&D team.
• Experienced in fast paced environment with job completion deadlines.

Other Requirements:

• Ability to work in a laboratory environment and follow established safety procedures, including appropriate use of personal protective equipment.
• Ability to stand or sit for extended periods while performing laboratory work, data analysis, documentation, and computer‑based tasks.
• Ability to use standard laboratory equipment, handle small tools and instruments, and perform tasks requiring manual dexterity and attention to detail.
• Ability to lift, move, or carry laboratory materials and equipment up to 25 pounds as needed.
• Ability to work with chemicals, biological materials, buffers, and process samples in accordance with applicable safety and handling procedures.
• Ability to travel occasionally to other company sites, collaborators, conferences, or customer locations as business needs require.
• Flexibility to work extended hours as needed to meet project timelines, typically up to two days per month exceeding 10 hours per day.

Our mission is to inspire advances in bioprocessing as a trusted partner in the production of biologic drugs that improve human health worldwide. Focused on cost and process efficiencies, we deliver innovative technologies and solutions that help set new standards in bioprocessing. The estimated base salary range for this role, based in the United States of America is $113,600-$163,300. Compensation decisions are dependent on several factors including, but not limited to an individual's qualifications, location, internal equity, and alignment with market data. Additionally, employees are eligible to participate in one of our variable cash programs (bonus or commission) and eligible roles may receive equity as part of the compensation package. We offer a wide range of benefits such as paid time off, health/dental/vision, retirement benefits and flexible spending accounts. All compensation and benefits information will be confirmed in writing at the time of offer.