Upstream Process Scientist: Monoclonal Antibody Dev

Merck & Co.; Elkhorn Precinct (NE); On-site; USD 72,000 - 113,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision benefits

401(k) retirement plan

Paid holidays & vacation

Sick days

Job summary

Merck & Co. is seeking an Associate Scientist to join the Upstream Process Development team, supporting the development of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies and other biologics.

The role emphasizes hands-on mammalian cell culture using CHO cells, data-driven optimization, and cross-functional collaboration to move candidates from discovery through development. The ideal candidate has a strong lab background, at least 1 year of experience, and a passion for bioprocess engineering and biologics

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in a laboratory environment.
• Aseptic techniques and mammalian cell culture principles.
• Understanding of cell culture equipment design including shaking incubators.
• Strong documentation and data reporting abilities.

Responsibilities

• Conduct mammalian cell culture activities (thawing, expansion, maintenance, CHO cells).
• Execute upstream process development experiments for monoclonal antibody production.
• Monitor culture performance via viable cell density, viability, metabolites, and titer.
• Perform in-process and off-line analytical testing with lab instrumentation.
• Support bioreactor setup, operation, and maintenance across scales.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for sample testing and data generation.
• Analyze data to identify trends and support process optimization.
• Maintain accurate electronic lab notebook documentation and prepare reports.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Aseptic techniques

Bioreactor operation

Data analysis

Documentation & ELN

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related

Tools

Benchtop bioreactors

Excel

GraphPad Prism

ELN software

Job description

Merck & Co. is seeking an Associate Scientist to join the Upstream Process Development team, supporting the development of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies and other biologics.

The role emphasizes hands-on mammalian cell culture using CHO cells, data-driven optimization, and cross-functional collaboration to move candidates from discovery through development. The ideal candidate has a strong lab background, at least 1 year of experience, and a passion for bioprocess engineering and biologics