Job Information
Merck Director, Chemical Biotechnologies in Rahway, New Jersey
Job Description
Director, Chemical Biotechnologies
Description:
The Director of Chemical Biotechnologies reports to the Senior Director Chemical Biotechnologies in Process Research & Development Enabling Technologies, our Company Research Laboratories. As a leader within Chemical Biotechnologies, they are responsible for managing a portfolio of work that includes direct project support of the current our Company clinical pipeline and prospective technology development that enhances our ability to deliver on the pipeline of the future. This management includes oversight of laboratory-based process development and characterization, scale-up and activities to support technology transfer and regulatory filings. They are responsible for the management and development of the scientists on their team to support these efforts.
This Director drives scientific excellence and innovation to establish and maintain a world-class team of protein engineering and biocatalysis experts. The team is responsible for the discovery, development, and application of proteins and other biomolecules to support the our Company Pipeline from Discovery to Commercial launch across small molecules, biologics, and vaccines. The Director is responsible for advancing a culture of scientific excellence founded in deep technical expertise and knowledge of emerging biotechnology advances. Critical tasks include: (1) the advancement of novel capabilities to design, generate and test libraries of engineered proteins with world-class efficiency, (2) the invention of novel enzymatic methods that impact design across Process Research and Development and Discovery functions, including invention of novel matter and commercial manufacturing route development, and (3) proactively identifying and capitalizing on impactful new opportunities and applications of biomolecules across modalities. The incumbent will seek out ways to both improve existing workflows and invent new ones that fundamentally shift our ability to deliver on the pipeline of the future..
As a leader of an interdisciplinary group of approximately 10-15 scientists, the Director is responsible for the performance and professional holistic development of their team. They are responsible for working closely with their counterparts across Development Sciences and Clinical Supply (DSCS), Discovery, Preclinical and Translational Medicine (DPTM), and the our Company Manufacturing Division, to deliver on their critical tasks and people management duties.
Through their leadership and strategic guidance, the Director will ensure that their interdependent and multidisciplinary team develops and delivers innovative, robust, safe and economical processes that meet project timelines with the best science at first filing toward world class supply targets. This role is also responsible for directing the preparation and approval of disclosures within their department to be used as the basis for patent applications, publications and external presentations.
Nature and Scope of Position:
This role reports to the Senior Director of Chemical Biotechnologies within Enabling Technologies, Process Research & Development in the our Company Research Laboratories organization. The incumbent is responsible for the performance and professional development of approximately 10-15 staff members, including scientific leaders and R&D scientists. They will select/recruit, train and effectively recommend transfers, merit increases, promotions and closures of personnel under their direction within the framework of Company policy, while establishing a viable succession plan for key positions within the functional area (scientific and management pathways), including their own role. In addition, the Director will actively demonstrate and encourage diversity and inclusion principles in their approach to problem solving and talent development.
Critical tasks involve technical and strategic oversight of Chemical Biotechnologies staff who directly contribute to the discovery, design, development, and application of proteins and other biomolecules to the our Company Pipeline of today and tomorrow. The Director will guide the protein engineering and biocatalysis experts within the group to develop novel matter and innovative processes that enable the delivery of life-saving medicines to patients in need. The Director will need to collaborate closely with their internal partners in PR&D and Analytical R&D, as well as external Contract Research Organizations, Contract Manufacturing Organizations, and academic labs to execute on these responsibilities. The processes are ultimately demonstrated and validated at internal and external commercial supply sites and documented in technology transfer documents and regulatory filing submissions.
The role maintains awareness of external factors, internal and external contacts and expertise requirements needed to solve challenging technical problems. This role directs technical and strategic work supporting their projects and provides input and guidance to reports including use of best practices and appropriate approaches to optimize resource utilization, as well as novel ideas or innovative approaches to technical or strategic advancements of programs. The incumbent will keep abreast, and encourage sharing, of discoveries in the field to ensure our Company remains as an industry leader in drug development. The Director provides constructive and timely feedback to close performance gaps. In addition, the role ensures that all team activities are completed with the highest regard for safety, quality and regulatory compliance.
Qualifications:
Education Minimum Requirement:
This position requires either of the following:
B.S. and/or M.S. Degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Chemical/Biochemical Engineering, Chemistry, Synthetic Biology or related pharmaceutical science field, plus at least 10 years of relevant work experience in process development.
PhD and/or Post-doc in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Chemical/Biochemical Engineering, Chemistry, Synthetic Biology or related pharmaceutical science field, plus at least 6 years of relevant work experience in process development.
Required Experience and Skills:
Broad experience and knowledge in synthetic chemistry and/or biology, chemical and/or biological engineering, protein design and/or directed evolution.
Experience with lab-based research/process development in a chemistry, biology, and/or engineering area.
Demonstrated ability to work within a collaborative multi-disciplinary team environment.
Highly effective communication and collaboration skills.
Good organizational, interpersonal, writing, and time management skills.
Track record and commitment to employee development and retention.
Experience with publishing field-impacting research in which the applicant participated in the conception, execution, analysis, and drafting of the research.
Significant expertise in any of the following: molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, synthetic chemistry, computational protein design, and/or chemical/biochemical engineering.
Strength in delivering results on firm deadlines.
Demonstrated ability in selection and prioritization of a portfolio of projects.
Preferred Experience and Skills:
Personal experience executing lab-based research/process development in a chemistry, biology, and/or engineering area.
Experience with process scale-up and/or technology transfer, moving from laboratory to pilot plant or production scale.
Experience with commercialization of new products.
Location:
- Rahway, NJ location is required
NOTE:
*Candidates that do not meet ALL of the skills indicated as "required" do not meet the basic qualifications and will not be considered (in the U.S.) due to Office of Federal Contract Compliance Program (OFCCP) regulations.
NOTICE FOR INTERNAL APPLICANTS
In accordance with Managers' Policy - Job Posting and Employee Placement, all employees subject to this policy are required to have a minimum of twelve (12) months of service in current position prior to applying for open positions.
If you have been offered a separation benefits package, but have not yet reached your separation date and are offered a position within the salary and geographical parameters as set forth in the Summary Plan Description (SPD) of your separation package, then you are no longer eligible for your separation benefits package. To discuss in more detail, please contact your HRBP or Talent Acquisition Advisor.
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.
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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:
$164,800.00 - $259,400.00
Available benefits include bonus eligibility, long term incentive if applicable, health care and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, paid holidays, vacation, and sick days. A summary of benefits is listed here (https://www.benefitsatmerck.com/) .
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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:
VISA Sponsorship:
Travel Requirements:
Flexible Work Arrangements:
Not Applicable
Shift:
Valid Driving License:
Hazardous Material(s):
Job Posting End Date:
07/19/2024
*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.
Job Posting End Date: 07/19/2024
A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.
Requisition ID: R301300