Upstream Senior Scientist – Continuous & Expression Technologies

Job Description

The Continuous & Expression Technologies (CET) Group within the Process Research & Development, Enabling Technologies department is seeking highly motivated and creative individuals to positively impact our company’s manufacturing platforms in vaccines and biologics arenas. Specifically, CET is seeking a Senior Scientist specializing in upstream to innovate and build the next generation biomanufacturing technologies.

CET group is tasked with identifying, developing, and deploying continuous manufacturing tools to advance our Company’s path to deliver medicines to patients. As a member of our group, you will contribute to scientific innovation, evaluate, and implement enabling technologies for large molecule upstream process intensification. Valued skills within the group are knowledge of cell culture and fermentation processes, cell physiology, metabolic activity for process engineering, strategies for process intensification, and process analytical technologies (PAT).

We are actively looking for individuals with passion and knowledge of upstream process development in either biologics, vaccines or in both arenas. CET group strives to create an environment to foster creativity, collaboration, to actively publish, and to engage with the scientific community to influence the field.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop innovative and disruptive technologies for next-generation large molecule biologic/vaccine manufacturing processes

• Design and conduct lab and/or pilot-scale studies to evaluate and implement novel upstream technologies into pipeline

• Apply rigorous scientific principles and data analyses to solve challenging problems related to developing robust, cost-effective processes

• Work with a collaborative, cross-functional team of talented scientists and engineers to advance our Company's Large Molecule pipeline from early to late-stage development

• Train and mentor junior scientists in experimental design, execution, and data interpretation

• Demonstrate leadership in laboratories’ safety and compliance

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:

• Knowledge of recombinant protein expression, metabolic pathways, biochemistry, cell culture and/or fermentation

• Understanding of basic bioreactor principles, mass transfer kinetics

• 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

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:

• Evaluating and introducing novel technologies and analytical tools in process development and manufacturing

• Record external presentations and/or publications in peer-reviewed journals

• Data science, modeling, machine learning, artificial intelligence

• 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

• 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

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NOTICEFORINTERNALAPPLICANTS

InaccordancewithManagers'Policy-JobPostingandEmployeePlacement,allemployees subjecttothispolicyarerequiredtohaveaminimumoftwelve(12)monthsofserviceincurrent positionprior toapplyingfor openpositions.

 

If youhavebeenofferedaseparationbenefitspackage,buthavenotyetreachedyour separationdateandareofferedapositionwithinthesalaryandgeographicalparametersasset forthintheSummaryPlanDescription(SPD)ofyourseparationpackage,thenyouarenolonger eligible foryourseparationbenefitspackage.Todiscussinmoredetail,pleasecontactyour 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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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.

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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:

Domestic

VISA Sponsorship:

Yes

Travel Requirements:

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

1st - Day

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

N/A

Requisition ID:R279005