Job Information
Merck Biologics Process R&D Senior Scientist in Rahway, New Jersey
Job Description
Our Research Scientists are our Inventors. Using innovative thinking, state-of-the-art facilities, and robust scientific methodology, we partner to deliver the next medical breakthrough.
Biologics Process Research & Development (BPR&D) within our Research Laboratories is on a mission to rapidly deliver diverse biotherapeutics to patients by efficiently developing innovative, robust manufacturing processes and technologies. To achieve this, we work closely with colleagues in Discovery, Pre-clinical, Early Development, Analytical, Formulation, and Commercial Manufacturing while providing a diverse and inclusive environment for all. Beyond process development for pipeline biologics, we innovate and build next generation biomanufacturing technologies. Examples include investments for development of continuous manufacturing, green and sustainable processes, and proprietary technology platforms. We actively publish and engage with the scientific community to influence the field.
BPR&D includes three lab-facing technical functional areas: Process Cell Sciences (PCS), Upstream and Downstream Process Development & Engineering. The latter two together form our Biologics’ Process Development (BPD) group. This job posting covers opportunities for the BPD group. We are actively looking for highly motivated people with a passion for innovation and interest in contributing to upstream and/or downstream bioprocessing.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Innovation
Develop innovative and disruptive technologies for next-generation biologic manufacturing processes.
Apply rigorous scientific principles and data analyses to solve challenging problems related to developing robust, cost-effective processes.
Experimental Design and Problem-Solving
Develop and characterize robust processes for delivering multi-kilogram quantities of life-changing medicines.
Design and conduct lab and/or pilot-scale studies to support mechanistic understanding, scale-up, and transfer of processes to manufacturing.
Collaboration and effective communication:
Work with a collaborative, cross-functional team of talented scientists and engineers to advance the biologics pipeline from early- to late-stage development.
Partner with groups in both research and manufacturing divisions
Represent your functional area in cross-functional teams.
Coaching and Mentoring
Train and mentor junior scientists in experimental design, execution, and data interpretation
Safety and Compliance
Contribute to a safe and compliant laboratory work environment.
MINIMUM EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:
B.S. with 4 years, or M.S. with 3 years or PhD with 0+ years of relevant experience (or expected PhD graduation within 6 months from date of application) in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Biology, Microbiology, or related fields
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:
A proven ability to design and execute hands-on lab and/or in silico experiments.
Proficiency with statistical design and analysis tools
Excellent communication skills, ability to work in matrixed teams and collaborate with diverse partners cross-functionally.
A demonstrated ability to think critically with excellent problem solving and troubleshooting skills.
In addition to the required skillsets above, relevant experience is needed in either upstream and/or downstream bioprocessing as described below.
Upstream
Knowledge of recombinant protein expression, metabolic pathways, biochemistry, and cell culture
Understanding of basic bioreactor principles, mass transfer kinetics
Understanding of cell & molecular biology
Downstream
Sound scientific knowledge of protein properties and purification.
Understanding of unit operations such as chromatography, filtration, crystallization, precipitation, adsorption, mixing etc.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:
History of external presentations and/or publications in peer-reviewed journals
Data science, modeling, machine learning, and artificial intelligence; proficiency with programming languages
Evaluating and introducing novel technologies and analytical tools in process development and manufacturing
Knowledge of protein biochemistry, biophysics, conjugation techniques
Vector construction, Genetic Engineering, and Systems Biology
Knowledge of cell-line development for protein expression in mammalian systems and suspension cell culture
Hands-on experience with RNA and whole-genome (re)sequencing, and bioinformatics analysis
High throughput experimentation using automation platforms.
Familiarity with feed and media development for large-scale recombinant protein expression in mammalian systems
Knowledge of Quality by Design, Process Characterization and Control Strategy development
#BPRD #PRD #EligibleforERP
Employees working in roles that the Company determines require routine collaboration with external stakeholders, such as customer-facing commercial, or research-based roles, will be expected to comply not only with Company policy but also with policies established by such external stakeholders (for example, a requirement to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to access a facility or meet with stakeholders). Please understand that, as permitted by applicable law, if you have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 and an essential function of your job is to call on external stakeholders who require vaccination to enter their premises or engage in face-to-face meetings, then your employment may pose an undue burden to business operations, in which case you may not be offered employment, or your employment could be terminated. Please also note that, where permitted by applicable law, the Company reserves the right to require COVID-19 vaccinations for positions, such as in Global Employee Health, where the Company determines in its discretion that the nature of the role presents an increased risk of disease transmission.
Current Employees apply HERE (https://wd5.myworkday.com/msd/d/task/1422$6687.htmld)
Current Contingent Workers apply HERE (https://wd5.myworkday.com/msd/d/task/1422$4020.htmld)
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 click here (https://survey.sogosurvey.com/r/aCdfqL) if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:
EEOC Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights_10_20.pdf)
EEOC GINA Supplement
Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination (https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/OFCCP/pdf/pay-transp_%20English_formattedESQA508c.pdf)
We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing diverse, talented, and committed people together. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when 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 (https://www.msdprivacy.com/us/en/CCPA-notice/)
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, generally Tuesday, Wednesday and either Monday or Thursday, although the specific days may vary by site or organization, with Friday designated as a remote-working day, unless business critical tasks require an on-site presence. This Hybrid work model does not apply to, and daily in-person attendance is required for, field-based positions; facility-based, manufacturing-based, or research-based positions where the work to be performed is located at a Company site; positions covered by a collective-bargaining agreement (unless the agreement provides for hybrid work); or any other position for which the Company has determined the job requirements cannot be reasonably met working remotely. Please note, this Hybrid work model guidance also does not apply to roles that have been designated as “remote”.
Under New York State, Colorado State, Washington State, and California State law, the Company is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this job. Final determinations with respect to salary will take into account a number of factors, which may include, but not be limited to the primary work location and the chosen candidate’s relevant skills, experience, and education.
Expected salary range:
$111,400.00 - $175,300.00
Available benefits include bonus eligibility, health care and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, paid holidays, vacation, and sick days. For Washington State Jobs, a summary of benefits is listed here (https://www.benefitsatmerck.com/) .
Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.
Employee Status:
Regular
Relocation:
Domestic
VISA Sponsorship:
Yes
Travel Requirements:
No Travel Required
Flexible Work Arrangements:
Not Applicable
Shift:
1st - Day
Valid Driving License:
No
Hazardous Material(s):
N/A
Requisition ID: R291201