Merck & Co, Inc

Principal Scientist, Upstream Development

Merck & Co, Inc$173K — $272K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biochemistry, or related field with 8+ years of industry experience, or equivalent qualifications.
  • Proven accomplishments in upstream process and technology development with strong publication record.
  • Hands-on experience with CHO fed-batch cell culture and knowledge of downstream processes.
  • Familiarity with bioreactors and scale-up/tech transfer activities.
  • Strong understanding of cell culture media and metabolism, alongside advanced data analysis skills.

Responsibilities

  • Lead biologic upstream process development for commercial and clinical processes.
  • Provide technical direction to ensure successful regulatory filings.
  • Champion innovative process improvements and technical strategies.
  • Initiate collaborations to explore new technologies and industry innovations.
  • Engage with academia and industry partners to enhance and adopt new processes.
  • Stay updated with external literature and patents, actively sharing findings.
  • Mentor and coach junior scientists for their career development.

Benefits

  • Relocation assistance available.
  • Visa sponsorship offered for eligible candidates.
  • Opportunities for professional development and mentoring.
Full Job Description
Job Description

USA - New Jersey - Rahway

Job Description

The Biologics Process Research & Development organization within our Company Research Labs is responsible for developing the drug substance manufacturing processes for our Company's biologics pipeline. We work closely with colleagues in Discovery, Pre-clinical and Early Development to rapidly develop manufacturing processes for biotherapeutics and efficiently manufacture material to supply clinical trials. We are also responsible for commercial process development and development and implementation of new manufacturing technologies. We work with our partners in our Company Manufacturing Division to commercialize and launch new products.

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced individual to join our Upstream Development Department as a Principal Scientist. In this role, the successful candidate will work closely with scientists in the Upstream Development Department to develop and refine technical strategy related to next generation processing for assets in early- and late-stage clinical development. Applicants must have effective organizational and multi-tasking skills, demonstrated excellent scientific leadership, and superior written and oral communications abilities. A track record of leveraging data science and digital tools for delivering impactful solutions to complex problems are distinguishing. Evidence of strong cross-functional collaboration, experience successfully mentoring junior scientist, leading projects, and strong external presence through scientific excellence are expected.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

The successful candidate will contribute to CMC development of our Company's pipeline, playing an active role in development of cell culture processes and transfer to clinical and commercial manufacturing sites. She/He will also develop strategies for process and pipeline-facing innovation.

Responsibilities include:
  • Leading biologic upstream process development for first-in-human and commercial processes by efficiently developing high yield, robust and scalable cell culture processes.
  • Providing technical direction for process development, characterization, commercialization, and regulatory filing activities to ensure a smooth and clear path to successful PPQs an BLAs for our company pipeline.
  • Advancing upstream platform process technical strategy and championing creative process improvement initiatives
  • Initiating new collaborations to assess new technologies and industry strategies with relevance to our Company.
  • Collaborating with academia, industry partners, and vendors to drive development, innovation and adoption of new process technologies with broad impact to projects or platform.
  • Keeping up to date with the external patent and literature environment; actively presents and publishes externally and pursues patenting strategies.
  • Supervising, coaching and educating junior scientists


Minimum education required:

Ph.D. with 8+ years of industry experience, Master with 10+ years industry experience, bachelor's with 14+ years industry in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biochemistry or a related field

Required experience and skills:
  • Proven record of accomplishments in upstream process and technology development with a strong scientific publication and presentation track record.
  • Experience in CHO fed-batch cell culture and a working understanding of downstream & analytics.
  • Understanding and hands-on experience on cell culture bioreactors including microbioreactors, bench-scale and pilot-scale bioreactors, and scaleup/tech transfer activities.
  • Working knowledge of cell culture media, CHO cell biology and metabolism, DOE statistics and computational fluid dynamics.
  • Ability to direct the planning, execution, analysis, and documentation of all stages of cell culture process development.
  • Ability to work in a matrixed team environment and collaborate with both internal and external partners including vendors.
  • Knowledge of biologics CMC development cycle.
  • Demonstrated ability for taking initiative, creativity, and innovation in problem solving.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop staff to maximize utilization of talent and actively guides career development; builds strong and collaborative teams.


Preferred experience and skills:
  • Experience with state-of-the-art cell culture processes including intensified inoculum and perfusion process development.
  • Experience with early- and late-stage commercial process development, technology transfer, scale-down model qualification and process characterization.
  • Experience with high throughput microbioreactor systems, and advanced in situ analytics for process monitoring and control.
  • Expertise in media development, media/solution chemistry.
  • Background in data science approaches related to cell culture and predictive modeling e.g., metabolic flux analysis (MFA), omics, machine learning; experience integrating PAT efforts) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD).
  • Experience leading cross functional, program development teams.


Required Skills:
Adaptability, Adaptability, Biodesign, Cell Culture Process Development, Cell Cultures, Cell Line Development, Chemical Engineering, Clinical Supplies Management, Clinical Trials, Combination Products, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Data Analysis, Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Flux Analysis, Immunochemistry, Innovative Thinking, Leadership Mentoring, Mammalian Cell Culture, Manufacturing Processes, Media Development, Pharmaceutical Process Development, Professional Collaboration, Professional Networking, Quality by Design, Regulatory Filings {+ 1 more}

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

Employee Status:
Regular

Relocation:
Domestic

VISA Sponsorship:
Yes

Travel Requirements:
10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:
Not Applicable

Shift:
Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:
No

Hazardous Material(s):
n/a

Job Posting End Date:
10/1/2026
*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.

About Merck & Co, Inc

Schering-Plough Corporation is a major U.S.-based manufacturer of pharmaceuticals. It operates in three segments: Prescription Pharmaceuticals, Animal Health, and Consumer Health Care. Schering-Plough develops products targeting on allergy, cancer, hepatitis, cardiovascular, central nervous system, respiratory system, and more.  It was founded in 1851 by Ernst Christian Friedrich Schering as Schering AG in Germany. Schering-Plough manufactured several pharmaceutical drugs, the most well-known of which were the allergy drugs Claritin and Clarinex, an anti-cholesterol drug Vytorin, and a brain tumor drug Temodar. It also developed drugs targeting on central nervous system and the respiratory system. Schering Plough also owned and operated the major foot care brand name Dr. Scholl's and the skin care line Coppertone. These also became a part of the new company. Schering-Plough was a full member of the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA), a membership which is also maintained by the new Merck.

Merck & Co, Inc Careers

Join the visionary team at Merck & Co, Inc, a global leader in healthcare dedicated to advancing the world of medicine. As part of our professional community, you'll find dynamic job opportunities that foster innovation and leadership across various fields. Merck & Co, Inc is not just a company; it's a place where you can make a difference.

Work You’ll Do

At Merck & Co, Inc, we are committed to improving global health through groundbreaking research and innovative healthcare solutions. Our team is at the forefront of developing new therapies and vaccines that significantly impact public health worldwide. By joining us, you will collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry, using your skills to contribute to projects that save and improve lives around the globe.

Explore Career Paths

Whether you're seeking an internship, a graduate opportunity, or a professional position, Merck & Co, Inc offers a range of career paths in environments that promote rapid professional growth and development. Explore job opportunities in research, digital transformation, manufacturing, and more, all while benefiting from a culture that supports diversity and inclusion.

Innovate and Lead

Merck & Co, Inc is an ideal environment for those who lead with curiosity and the drive to innovate. Our leadership is committed to fostering a culture where inventive thinking and collaboration are encouraged, making it a perfect place for professionals who seek to make an impact through their work.

Develop Your Skills

With Merck & Co, Inc, you are not just getting a job; you're gaining access to unparalleled career development opportunities. Enhance your skills through diverse training programs, workshops, and continuous learning courses designed to help you grow at every stage of your career.

Benefits and Culture

We understand that our employees are our greatest asset, which is why we offer competitive benefits designed to support the health and well-being of you and your family. From comprehensive health care coverage and retirement plans to flexible working conditions and wellness programs, our benefits package is designed to meet the diverse needs of our team members.

Join Our Team

Ready to advance your career at Merck & Co, Inc? Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are continuously hiring and looking for passionate, creative, and solution-driven team players. Prepare your resume, sharpen your interview skills, and become part of a company that's dedicated to making a difference.

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Learn more about Merck & Co, Inc
Size
68,000 employees
Market Cap
$282.6 billion
Industry
Net Income
$7 billion
Founded
1668
5 Year Trend
+4.1%
Revenue
$47.9 billion
NASDAQ

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