Merck & Co, Inc

Senior Principal Scientist, Downstream Process Development

Merck & Co, Inc$190K — $300K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Ph.D. with 9+ years, MS with 11+ years, or BS with 15+ years of industry experience in Chemical/Biochemical engineering or a related field.
  • Strong knowledge and expertise in downstream processing of biologics.
  • Proven ability to independently execute purification process development.
  • Demonstrated history of publications and presentations in downstream bioprocessing.
  • Adaptability in rapidly changing environments while meeting tight timelines.
  • Experience in leading and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

  • Shape and realize innovation across the Biologics pipeline and strategy.
  • Lead cross-functional teams to advance clinical pipeline in a dynamic environment.
  • Develop and characterize purification processes for biologics in various clinical stages.
  • Improve downstream processing efficiency and cost-effectiveness through innovation.
  • Collaborate with external partners and academia for novel process technologies.
  • Lead strategic initiatives and guide teams in project execution.
  • Stay informed about scientific advancements and actively publish and present findings.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision healthcare insurance for employee and family.
  • Retirement benefits including 401(k).
  • Paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate/sick days.
  • Annual bonus eligibility and long-term incentive opportunities.
Full Job Description

Job Description

As a Senior Principal Scientist you will have the opportunity to influence the future strategy and direction of our Company's Downstream Processing of Biologics. You will work with an immensely creative and collaborative team of scientists and engineers to design purification processes while developing technical strategies related to downstream processing for drug candidates in early- and late-stage development.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • As an impactful contributor, shape and realize innovation across the Biologics’ pipeline, strategy, and science

  • Advance the pipeline by leading cross-functional teams, from Research & Manufacturing, in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment

  • Participate in or lead 1) development of robust and scalable purification processes for biologics in different stages of clinical development, 2) process characterization and regulatory filings for successful commercialization

  • Advance downstream processes by improving efficiency and cost effectiveness through research and innovation, while assessing technologies and industry best practices

  • Collaborate with academia, industry, and vendors to drive development and early adoption of novel process technologies

  • Lead strategic initiatives; partner with senior leaders to set overall project strategy, and guide teams towards its execution

  • Conceptualize, plan, and execute projects with effective organizational, prioritization and problem-solving skills

  • Stay abreast of scientific and regulatory landscape; actively present (premier conferences), publish (peer-reviewed journals) and patent

  • Represent BPR&D as a downstream bioprocess expert in internal, cross-functional project teams and external conferences/consortia

  • Mentor and actively share expertise; guide career development; build strong, collaborative teams

  • Champion compliance and safety; promote a culture of inclusion

MINIMUM EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

  • Ph.D. with 9+ years, MS with 11+ years, or BS with 15+ years of industry experience and background in Chemical/Biochemical engineering, or a related field

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, AND COMPETENCIES

  • Strong fundamental knowledge and subject matter expertise in downstream processing of biologics, recent advances, and challenges in the field

  • Expertise in independently conducting and directing the design, execution, analysis, and documentation of all stages of purification process development

  • Track record of accomplishments in downstream bioprocessing with a history of peer-reviewed publications and presentations

  • Knowledge of biologics CMC development

  • Adaptability and agility to prioritize and deliver complex objectives, often on tight timelines, in a rapidly changing environment

  • Experience and aptitude to lead, work, and collaborate in internal and external cross-functional, matrixed teams

  • Action-oriented, mindset for creativity; ability to take initiative, innovate, iterate and problem-solve

  • Demonstrated commitment to coach and mentor staff to maximize talent development and utilization

  • Leadership of CMC development teams

  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE & SKILLS:

  • Continuous biomanufacturing integrated with process-analytical technologies

  • High-throughput experimentation, automation, and process control

  • Knowledge of protein expression, analytics, conjugation chemistry and formulation

  • Digital fluency including data-science, machine learning and artificial intelligence

  • Proficiency with biophysical, mechanistic and facility modeling; statistical analysis, and computational fluid dynamics

Required Skills:

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply

Current Contingent Workers apply

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

The salary range for this role is

$190,800.00 - $300,300.00

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 .

You can apply for this role through (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:

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

n/a

Job Posting End Date:

07/4/2026

*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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