Senior Scientist, Bioprocess Engineering & Tech Transfer

Merck; Rahway (NJ); On-site; USD 117,000 - 184,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck in Rahway, NJ seeks a Senior Scientist, Engineering to develop robust small‑molecule manufacturing processes and lead tech transfer toward commercial cGMP facilities. The role emphasizes fermentation, downstream processing, and process characterization across scales.

You will mentor staff, contribute to QRM and DOE studies, and support regulatory filings, with a focus on safety, quality, and cross‑functional teamwork in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Bioprocess Engineering, Biological Engineering, Synthetic Biology, or a related field from an accredited college/university.
• Three years (3) of experience required in chemical, pharmaceutical, large molecule, or vaccine process development.
• Experience and knowledge in microbial fermentation and downstream process development and optimization, as well as process scale-up and scale-down.
• Demonstrated capability to develop and execute an experimental program to address issues of process design, robustness, and productivity.
• Experience with process scale-up and technology transfer, moving from laboratory to pilot plant or factory.
• Ability to mentor technical staff in the laboratory and through data analysis.
• Highly effective communication and collaboration skills.
• Good organizational, interpersonal, writing, and time management skills.
• Lead and operate within a cross-functional process development team.

Responsibilities

• Develop safe and robust manufacturing processes through process characterization, technology transfer, validation, filing, and supply support of late-stage projects in the small molecule pipeline.
• Optimize and fully characterize the enzyme manufacturing process control strategy across different scales, leveraging expertise in microbial fermentation and downstream processing.
• Mentor junior staff and enhance fermentation and downstream processing laboratory capabilities.
• Support the transfer of technologies to commercial manufacturing.
• Utilize Quality Risk Management methodologies and tools for statistical design of experiments.
• Conduct hands-on experimentation at the laboratory bench and kilo lab scales.
• Ensure safety and quality compliance, including following current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs), and participating in risk assessments, deviation investigations, and Good Documentation Practices (GDPs).

Skills

Biocatalysis

Fermentation

Downstream processing

Design of Experiments

Technology transfer

Quality by Design

Regulatory submissions

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

PhD in Chemical Engineering, Bioprocess Engineering, Biological Engineering, Synthetic Biology, or related field

Job description

Merck in Rahway, NJ seeks a Senior Scientist, Engineering to develop robust small‑molecule manufacturing processes and lead tech transfer toward commercial cGMP facilities. The role emphasizes fermentation, downstream processing, and process characterization across scales.

You will mentor staff, contribute to QRM and DOE studies, and support regulatory filings, with a focus on safety, quality, and cross‑functional teamwork in a fast-paced environment.