Job DescriptionWe are seeking an eager and adaptable scientist to play a
central role in pilot plant operations, supporting the scale-up and commercialization of our dynamic late-stage biologics pipeline within the expansive Biologics S&T portfolio.
Why You'll Love This RoleAs an Associate Scientist in
Cell Culture Pilot Operations & Commercialization, you will be at the forefront of translating process development into manufacturing reality.
You will gain
hands-on experience operating pilot-scale bioreactors and supporting scale-up activities, while collaborating across functions to enable successful drug substance (DS) commercialization.
Your work will directly support:
- Pilot-scale execution of cell culture processes
- Process scale-up and technology transfer
- Process characterization and validation
- Preparation for PPQs and regulatory filings
- You'll help transform late-stage biologics into lifesaving medicines for patients worldwide.
Global Impact- Collaborate with colleagues across the US to support pilot-scale readiness and manufacturing success. Your contributions will directly influence the successful transfer of processes from development into commercial production.
Key Responsibilities- Pilot Operations (Primary Focus):
Execute and support pilot-scale mammalian cell culture runs, including bioreactor setup, operation, monitoring, sampling, and troubleshooting. Ensure safe, compliant, and efficient execution of pilot activities. - Scale-Up & Commercialization:
Support scale-up of cell culture processes from lab to pilot and manufacturing scale, contributing to robust DS commercialization strategies. - Technical Execution:
Assist with process characterization studies, process validation (PPQ-enabling work), and regulatory filing support. - Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Partner with process development, manufacturing, quality, and regulatory teams to ensure seamless tech transfer and alignment. - Problem Solving:
Troubleshoot pilot equipment, bioreactor performance, and cell culture process deviations. - Communication:
Maintain clear documentation and communicate results effectively to stakeholders. - Innovation & Continuous Improvement:
Support initiatives to improve pilot efficiency, process robustness, and operational excellence.
Education & Experience- Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biological Engineering, or a related field
- 0-2 years of relevant experience
What You Bring- Hands-on or academic experience in mammalian cell culture:
- Aseptic technique
- Bioreactor operations (bench or pilot scale preferred)
- Media/buffer preparation
- Strong interest in pilot plant operations and scale-up activities
- Strong attention to detail and data integrity
- Effective verbal and written communication skills
- A collaborative, ethical, and resilient mindset with a commitment to excellence
Be a Catalyst for InnovationIf you're passionate about biologics and excited to gain
hands-on pilot plant experience while supporting commercialization, apply now and join a team driving the future of biomanufacturing.
Required Skills: Adaptability, Biological Engineering, Biomanufacturing, Cell Cultures, Chemical Engineering, Commercialization, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Data Analysis, Experimentation, Laboratory Techniques, Maintenance Supervision, Mammalian Cell, Mammalian Cell Culture, Manufacturing, Operational Excellence, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pilot Plant Operations, Process Design, Process Improvements, Process Validation, Statistical Data Analysis, Technical Writing, Writing Technical Documents
Preferred Skills: Current Employees apply HERE
Current Contingent Workers apply HERE
The salary range for this role is
$71,900.00 - $113,200.00
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 several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.
The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.
You can apply for this role through https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). 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 for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance
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:
No
Travel Requirements:
10%
Flexible Work Arrangements:
Not Applicable
Shift:
1st - Day
Valid Driving License:
No
Hazardous Material(s):
Yes
Job Posting End Date:
07/10/2026
*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. 
