Senior Scientist

Merck & Co.; Lebanon (NH); On-site; USD 115,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus eligibility

Health/dental/vision

Retirement benefits

Flexible spending accounts

Paid time off

Job summary

Merck & Co. is seeking a scientist to lead the design and optimization of affinity purification technologies for diverse biopharmaceutical modalities.

The role combines high-throughput experimentation, data-driven process development, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver purification solutions that accelerate bioprocessing performance. This position emphasizes leadership behaviors and collaboration with internal teams and external partners.

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in downstream processing and protein purification; including FPLC.
• Experience across multiple modalities (e.g., proteins, enzymes, vaccines, VLPs, gene therapy vectors).
• Expertise in chromatography method development, including automated/high-throughput systems.
• Strong proficiency with Design of Experiments (DOE) for process optimization.
• Working knowledge of analytical techniques (e.g., purity/impurity analysis, potency, stability assays).
• Broad scientific understanding spanning separations, protein chemistry, and bioprocessing.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to translate data into clear, actionable insights.
• Self-motivated, collaborative, and effective in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize affinity chromatography-based purification processes for diverse biopharmaceutical modalities
• Execute high-throughput chromatographic screening and apply DOE methodologies to accelerate process development
• Analyze, interpret, and communicate complex datasets to drive decision-making and support partner adoption of new technologies
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams (chemistry, analytics, commercial) to deliver integrated purification solutions
• Contribute to multiple development programs, ensuring timely execution and high-quality scientific output
• Innovate and propose novel approaches to improve purification performance, selectivity, and scalability
• Engage with external biopharma partners as a technical expert and scientific collaborator

Skills

Affinity chromatography

Downstream processing

FPLC

Design of Experiments

Data interpretation

Education

MS or PhD in Biochemistry or Chemical/Biochemical Engineering

Tools

Automated chromatography systems

DOE methodologies

Job description

Lead the design and optimization of next-generation affinity purification technologies for a wide range of biopharmaceutical modalities. This role combines high-throughput experimentation, data-driven process development, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver innovative purification solutions that accelerate bioprocessing performance and enable partner success.

“This role is expected to model our Leadership Behaviors-Integrity & Compliance, Customer Focus, Collaboration, Courage, Team Empowerment, and Accountability & Results-in all aspects of work.”

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize affinity chromatography-based purification processes for diverse biopharmaceutical modalities
• Execute high-throughput chromatographic screening and apply DOE methodologies to accelerate process development
• Analyze, interpret, and communicate complex datasets to drive decision-making and support partner adoption of new technologies
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams (chemistry, analytics, commercial) to deliver integrated purification solutions
• Contribute to multiple development programs, ensuring timely execution and high-quality scientific output
• Innovate and propose novel approaches to improve purification performance, selectivity, and scalability
• Engage with external biopharma partners as a technical expert and scientific collaborator

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, or related field
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in downstream processing and protein purification; including FPLC
• Experience across multiple modalities (e.g., proteins, enzymes, vaccines, VLPs, gene therapy vectors)
• Expertise in chromatography method development, including automated/high-throughput systems
• Strong proficiency with Design of Experiments (DOE) for process optimization
• Working knowledge of analytical techniques (e.g., purity/impurity analysis, potency, stability assays)
• Broad scientific understanding spanning separations, protein chemistry, and bioprocessing
• Strong communication skills with the ability to translate data into clear, actionable insights
• Self-motivated, collaborative, and effective in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment

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 salary range for this role, based in the United States of America is $115,000/yr. -$145,000/yr.

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.