Merck
Senior Principal Scientist, Upstream Process R&D
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.
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 a 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 Requirements
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, and recent advances.
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, metabolic flux analysis); statistics, data‑science, machine learning, artificial intelligence.
Salary $187,000.00 – $294,400.00 (lowest‑to‑highest range). An employee’s position within the range will be based on several factors including education, qualifications, experience, skills, location, and business needs.
Benefits We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, retirement benefits (401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.
EEO Statement We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and provide equal opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment. We 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. As a federal contractor, we comply with affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Eligibility US and Puerto Rico residents only. Individuals in San Francisco, LA with fair chance ordinances may apply subject to local requirements.
Work Model Hybrid – employees in U.S. will work three days on‑site per week (Monday‑Thursday) and one remote day (Friday). Exceptions apply for field‑based, facility‑based, manufacturing‑based, research‑based, or remote roles.
Requisition ID R351123
#J-18808-Ljbffr
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 a 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 Requirements
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, and recent advances.
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, metabolic flux analysis); statistics, data‑science, machine learning, artificial intelligence.
Salary $187,000.00 – $294,400.00 (lowest‑to‑highest range). An employee’s position within the range will be based on several factors including education, qualifications, experience, skills, location, and business needs.
Benefits We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, retirement benefits (401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.
EEO Statement We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and provide equal opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment. We 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. As a federal contractor, we comply with affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Eligibility US and Puerto Rico residents only. Individuals in San Francisco, LA with fair chance ordinances may apply subject to local requirements.
Work Model Hybrid – employees in U.S. will work three days on‑site per week (Monday‑Thursday) and one remote day (Friday). Exceptions apply for field‑based, facility‑based, manufacturing‑based, research‑based, or remote roles.
Requisition ID R351123
#J-18808-Ljbffr