Merck & Co, Inc

Scientist, Preclinical Dev.

Merck & Co, Inc • $87K — $137K *
West Point, PA 19486Hybrid
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Less than 5 years of experience
Today
Be an Early Applicant
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • BS or MS in relevant field (Engineering or Biological Sciences)
  • 2 years of experience in bioprocess/biotechnology for BS, or 1 year for MS
  • Hands-on experience in fermentation and/or cell culture processes
  • Proficiency with bench-scale bioreactors and cell culture systems
  • Strong data analysis skills using statistical software
  • Excellent communication and organizational abilities
  • Willingness to work with infectious agents and travel occasionally

Responsibilities

  • Design and execute process development experiments for vaccine manufacturing
  • Conduct lab work to optimize fermentation and cell culture processes
  • Apply data analysis techniques to support experimental design and outcome interpretation
  • Contribute to process scale-up and technology transfer initiatives
  • Perform upstream operations including centrifugation and filtration
  • Manage laboratory inventories and ensure safety compliance
  • Prepare technical reports and presentations for team discussions

Benefits

  • Hybrid work arrangement
  • Opportunity for professional growth and mentorship
  • Engagement in groundbreaking vaccine production
  • Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams
  • Support for technology transfer to commercial manufacturing facilities
Full Job Description
Job Description

Role Summary:

Under the direction of the group leader, the individual will be responsible for upstream process development of vaccine candidates. The successful candidate will plan, perform, and critically evaluate lab scale process development and scale-up studies, develop robust, efficient, scalable processes for vaccine production, and support transfer of processes to clinical or commercial manufacturing facilities. The individual is expected to function in a multidisciplinary environment, contributing subject matter expertise to teams engaged in development and clinical manufacture of vaccine candidates.

This position requires the employee to be willing to work with infectious agents and/or pathogens and may require occasional travel and off-hour/weekend work.

Key Responsibilities
  • Design, execute, and analyze process development experiments to maximize understanding of cell culture and fermentation processes to enable robust vaccine manufacturing.
  • Conduct laboratory bench work to execute, optimize, and troubleshoot cell culture and fermentation processes (e.g., shake flasks, bench scale and pilot scale bioreactors).
  • Apply data analysis and basic data science/modeling approaches (e.g., statistics, design of experiments) to design experiments, interpret datasets, and support process understanding and optimization.
  • Contribute to the development and scale-up of upstream processes from lab scale to pilot scale and support technology transfer to manufacturing scale.
  • Perform upstream unit operations as needed, including lab scale cell culture, fermentation, centrifugation, filtration, and in-process assays.
  • Maintain and coordinate raw material and equipment inventories; ensure equipment is operated and maintained in a safe, compliant manner.
  • Prepare clear technical reports and presentations to summarize and communicate experimental results and recommendations in a collaborative team environment.
  • Mentor and provide technical guidance to contract staff or new hires in laboratory techniques and best practices, as appropriate.
  • Keep accurate, detailed laboratory records; comply with all required training and maintain a strong focus on laboratory/facility safety for self and team members.
  • Contribute to the development of new principles, concepts, and methods to enable process development, scale-up of processes to pilot scale, and technology transfer to manufacturing scale


Education Minimum Requirement

Must have a BS or MS in a relevant field such as:
  • Engineering: Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering
  • Science and Technology: Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Cell Biology


Required Experience and Skills
  • For BS: at least two (2) years of post-graduate experience in a bioprocess/biotechnology related position (vaccines and/or therapeutic proteins).
  • For MS: at least one (1) year of post-graduate experience in a bioprocess/biotechnology related position (vaccines and/or therapeutic proteins) or relevant academic research thesis.
  • Strong scientific understanding of fermentation and/or cell culture processes, with hands-on experience in bioprocess development.
  • Excellent scientific understanding of cell biology relevant to vaccine production, including cell metabolism and molecular biology.
  • Demonstrated proficiency with bench scale bioreactors, shake flasks, or other cell propagation systems for optimization of cell culture or fermentation processes.
  • Demonstrated ability to perform quantitative data analysis (e.g., statistical analysis of experimental data using software tools for data handling and visualization).
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team; strong self-motivation, adaptability, and a positive attitude.
  • Ability to learn new techniques, balance multiple projects, keep accurate records, follow instructions, and comply with company policies.
  • Excellent organization, interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
  • Willingness to work with infectious agents and/or pathogens.
  • Willingness to travel occasionally and to work off-hours/weekends as needed to support operations or technology transfer.


Preferred Experience and Skills
  • Experience with data science and modeling tools (e.g., statistics, design of experiments, and/or coding/scripting such as Python or similar tools for data analysis and modeling)
  • Prior experience with lab scale (5 L-200 L) bioreactors
  • Prior experience in optimizing recombinant protein expression (quality and quantity of product)
  • Direct experience with upstream bioprocess unit operations (e.g., cell culture, bioreactors, centrifugation, filtration, in process analytics) in and industrial environment
  • Prior experience with the application of PAT for monitoring upstream bioprocesses
  • Prior experience with the application systems biology approaches (e.g., "-omics") to increase process understanding and/or solve upstream bioprocess challenges
  • Sound understanding of process scale-up principles
  • Prior experience with fermentation bioprocesses (e.g., E. coli, yeast) or mammalian bioprocesses (e.g., CHO, HEK293, Vero)


#PRD

Required Skills:
Adaptability, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Bioprocess Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Data Analysis, Innovation, Laboratory Analytical Techniques, Materials Science, Molecular Biology, Molecular Cloning, Product Development, Protein Purifications, Strategic Planning, Trend Knowledge

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

Employee Status:
Regular

Relocation:
No relocation

VISA Sponsorship:
No

Travel Requirements:
10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:
Hybrid

Shift:
1st - Day

Valid Driving License:
No

Hazardous Material(s):
No

Job Posting End Date:
06/30/2026
*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.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. Engage with us through our careers blog and by participating in networking events and employment fairs. Subscribe to receive personalized job alerts and the latest news tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at Merck & Co, Inc. Join us in our mission to improve health and wellness around the world.
Learn more about Merck & Co, Inc
Size
68,000 employees
Market Cap
$282.6 billion
Industry
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Net Income
$7 billion
Founded
1668
5 Year Trend
+4.1%
Revenue
$47.9 billion
NASDAQ
MRK
* Ladders Estimates

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