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MSD

Senior Principal Scientist, Upstream Process R&D

MSD, Rahway, New Jersey, us, 07065

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Overview

Our Scientists are our Inventors. Through innovative thinking, state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge science, and technology, we collaborate to deliver the next medical breakthroughs. We are looking for a collaborative, self-motivated scientific leader with expertise in downstream bioprocessing to join Biologics Process Research & Development (BPR&D) as a Senior Principal Scientist. BPR&D within Research Laboratories is committed to rapidly delivering diverse biotherapeutics to patients by efficiently developing innovative and robust manufacturing processes and technologies. To achieve our goals, we work closely with colleagues in Discovery, Pre-clinical, Early Development, Analytical, Formulation, and Commercial Manufacturing, all within a diverse and inclusive environment. In addition to process development for pipeline biologics, we are focused on innovating and building next-generation biomanufacturing technologies. This includes investments in continuous manufacturing, green and sustainable processes, and proprietary technology platforms. We actively publish and engage with the scientific community to influence the field. As a Senior Principal Scientist, you will drive various strategic initiatives and translate strategies into implementation for Biologics platform. You will collaborate with an immensely creative and collaborative team of scientists and engineers to design upstream, cell-culture processes while developing technical strategies related to upstream processing and recombinant expression of drug candidates in early- and late-stage development. Responsibilities

Serve as a scientific leader to shape and drive innovation across the Biologics pipeline, strategy, and science. Anticipate and solve scientific and technical challenges across projects and functional teams, in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment. Lead the development of robust and scalable upstream processes for biologics in various stages of clinical development, as well as process characterization and regulatory filings for successful commercialization. Improve upstream processes by increasing efficiency and cost-effectiveness through research and innovation, while evaluating technologies and industry best practices. Collaborate with academia, industry, and vendors to facilitate the development and early adoption of novel process technologies. Contribute to strategic initiatives; work with senior leaders to establish overall project strategy and guide teams in its execution. Conceptualize, plan, and execute projects using effective organizational, prioritization, and problem-solving skills. Stay updated on the scientific and regulatory landscape; contribute scientifically and build your reputation through conference participation. Represent BPR&D as an upstream bioprocess expert/co-leader in internal and cross-functional project teams. Supervise, coach, and develop talent within the functional area; guide career development; build strong, collaborative teams. Champion compliance and safety while promoting a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Minimum Education

Ph.D. with 10+ years, MS with 12+ years, or BS with 14+ years of industry experience in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering or a related field. Required Experience, Skills, and Competencies

Strong fundamental knowledge and subject matter expertise in cell-culture process development for biologics, fed-batch cell culture, bioreactor scale-up and scale-down, as well as recent advances, and challenges in the field Expertise in independently conducting and directing the design, execution, analysis, and documentation of all stages of cell-culture process development Track record of accomplishments in upstream bioprocessing with a history of peer-reviewed publications and presentations. Strong understanding of cell metabolism and biochemical pathways relevant to bioprocessing. Knowledge of biologics CMC development Ability to adapt to and prioritize complex objectives under tight timelines in a rapidly changing environment. Experience leading internal and external cross-functional, matrixed teams. Demonstrated scientific leadership with significant, measurable project impacts across a diverse set of programs. Action-oriented mindset with a capacity for creativity; ability to take initiative, innovate, iterate, and solve problems. Supervise, coach and mentor scientists to maximize talent development and utilization. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Preferred Experience & Skills

Leadership of CMC development teams. Experience with continuous biomanufacturing integrated with process-analytical technologies. Intensified inoculum and perfusion process development Expertise in media/solution development and chemistry High-throughput experimentation, automation, and process control. Knowledge of microbial fermentation Cell culture predictive modeling (omics, statistics, data-science, machine learning, artificial intelligence) US and Puerto Rico Residents Only: Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please note if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process. As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit: EEOC Know Your Rights and EEOC GINA Supplement. We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together talented and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively. Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts. U.S. Hybrid Work Model Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office-based positions in the U.S. will be working a Hybrid work consisting of three total days on-site per week, Monday - Thursday, with Friday remote, unless business-critical tasks require on-site presence. This model does not apply to field-based, facility-based, manufacturing-based, or research-based roles, or roles with remote designation. The salary range for this role is $187,000.00 - $294,400.00. This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on various factors including education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business needs. The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable. We offer a comprehensive package of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, retirement benefits (401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at the company compensation and benefits page. You can apply for this role through the company careers site. The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting. San Francisco Residents Only:

We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. Los Angeles Residents Only:

We will consider qualified applicants in a manner consistent with the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully: Merck & Co. does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs/resumes submitted by search firms to any employee without a valid written search agreement will be the sole property of the company. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements exist, introductions are position-specific. Please, no phone calls or emails. Employee Status:

Regular Relocation:

Not Applicable VISA Sponsorship:

Not Applicable Travel Requirements:

Not Specified Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable Shift:

Not Specified Valid Driving License:

Not Specified Hazardous Material(s):

Not Specified Job Posting End Date:

01/16/2026 *A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day before the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply by the day before the job posting end date.

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