Upstream Processing Scientist

Merck; Upper Gwynedd Township (Montgomery County); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck is seeking a Scientist to support on-site lab operations with a focus on upstream bioprocessing and vaccine product development. You will work independently and as part of a collaborative team to run lab-scale experiments and prepare reagents and culture media.

You will conduct in-process monitoring assays, set up and maintain bioprocess equipment, analyze data, and present findings to client stakeholders while adhering to GLP and maintaining clear records.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Biology, Biochemistry, Biochemical Engineering, or related field.
• At least 6 months of upstream bioprocessing laboratory experience.
• Experience with aseptic techniques, pipetting, and buffer/reagent preparation.
• Hands-on bioreactor operation and cell-based analytical assays experience.
• Strong Excel skills and general computer literacy.

Responsibilities

• Support on-site laboratory operations with typical 40-hour weeks.
• Communicate project updates and results with client staff.
• Prepare reagents, solutions, buffers, and culture media.
• Perform lab-scale upstream bioprocessing and basic purification support for vaccine products.
• Set up, operate, and maintain bioprocess equipment.
• Execute in-process monitoring and cell-based assays.
• Analyze, collate, track, and present data to client teams.
• Maintain GLP-compliant records and results.

Skills

Excel proficiency

Aseptic techniques

Bioprocessing

Cell-based assays

Education

B.S. in Biology / Biochemistry / Biochemical Engineering

Tools

Bioreactors

Centrifugation

Filtration

Pipettes

Job description

This Scientist role supports onsite laboratory operations with a primary focus on upstream-focused bioprocessing and vaccine product development. Working both independently and as part of a collaborative team, the Scientist is responsible for setting up and running lab-scale experiments, preparing reagents and culture media, and conducting key in-process monitoring assays. This is an excellent opportunity for a detail-oriented professional with foundational bioprocessing experience to contribute to scientific advancements while following Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and communicating findings directly with client stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Support on-site laboratory operations, including occasional off-hour or weekend work as needed (maintaining a typical 40-hour work week).
• Communicate effectively and promptly with client staff members regarding project updates and results.
• Prepare laboratory reagents, solutions, buffers, and culture media required for daily operations.
• Perform lab-scale upstream bioprocessing and needs-based purification support for vaccine products and process intermediates.
• Set up, operate, and maintain bioprocess equipment for laboratory-scale experiments.
• Execute in-process monitoring and cell-based assays, such as cell counting, optical density, and metabolite analysis.
• Analyze, collate, track, and present experiment data back to client team members.
• Maintain clear, accurate records and test results in strict compliance with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).
• Manage multiple tasks simultaneously, follow operational protocols, and adapt to new laboratory techniques and procedures.

Education

• B.S. in Biology, Biochemistry, Biochemical Engineering, or a related science or engineering field.

Experience

• At least 6 months of laboratory experience in upstream-focused bioprocessing (e.g., bioreactor operations for live virus culture, bacterial fermentation, and/or mammalian cell culture).
• Practical experience with general laboratory skills, aseptic techniques, pipetting, and buffer/reagent preparation.
• Hands-on experience operating bioreactors and performing basic cell-based analytical assays.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Excel (using formulas and linking spreadsheets) alongside strong general computer literacy.
• Preferred: Basic experience in downstream/primary recovery operations, such as cell lysis, centrifugation, and filtration.

Additional Information

• Location & Schedule: On-site position requiring flexibility for occasional off-hour or weekend shifts (total hours not typically exceeding 40 hours/week).
• Core Competencies: Requires strong oral and written proactive communication, excellent attention to detail, self-motivation, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team.