Vaccine Process R&D Executive Scientist

Merck; West Point (PA); On-site; USD 210,400 - 331,100; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity and long-term incentives

Annual bonus program

Medical, dental, vision benefits

Retirement plan and paid holidays

Job summary

Merck seeks an internationally recognized scientific leader to join Vaccines & Advanced Biotechnologies Process R&D as Distinguished Scientist (Executive Director equivalent). You will shape scientific strategy for vaccine drug substance development and clinical manufacturing across modalities including protein subunits, RNA platforms, and viral vectors, within a world-class team.

As a member of the VAX PR&D Leadership Team, you will mentor scientists, advance breakthrough technologies, lead

Qualifications

• 15+ years in vaccine/biologics drug substance process development.
• Lifecycle experience from early development to commercialization including upstream/downstream.
• Broad knowledge of drug product/analytical development and manufacturing.
• Experience leading CMC strategies and regulatory submissions.
• Knowledge of modeling, automation, AI/ML, and systems biology.
• Understanding of global regulatory frameworks for vaccine development/manufacturing.
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders in matrixed organizations.
• Proven track record mentoring high-performing scientific teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a long-term scientific vision and tech roadmap for vaccine DS development and manufacturing.
• Anticipate trends and integrate new approaches to improve process performance and scalability.
• Champion innovation in modeling, automation, AI/ML, and systems biology.
• Partner across Discovery, Development, Regulatory, and Marketing to accelerate vaccine programs.
• Provide scientific leadership on CMC strategies and regulatory interactions.
• Mentor, coach, and inspire scientists at all levels.

Skills

E. coli

Yeast systems

HEK293

Vero

CHO

Vaccine/biologics modalities

Education

PhD in Chemical Engineering / Biochemistry / Pharmaceutical Sciences

Job description

Merck seeks an internationally recognized scientific leader to join Vaccines & Advanced Biotechnologies Process R&D as Distinguished Scientist (Executive Director equivalent). You will shape scientific strategy for vaccine drug substance development and clinical manufacturing across modalities including protein subunits, RNA platforms, and viral vectors, within a world-class team.

As a member of the VAX PR&D Leadership Team, you will mentor scientists, advance breakthrough technologies, lead