Technical Application Specialist, Downstream Biopharm Materials - Research Triangle Park

Merck Group$85K — $178K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, or a related field.
  • 5+ years in biopharmaceutical process development or pharmaceutical product development.
  • 2+ years in a customer-facing technical or commercial role.
  • Strong knowledge of biopharmaceutical production processes and regulatory considerations.
  • Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

  • Achieve sales targets through collaboration with sales and product management teams.
  • Drive new product introductions and competitive conversions.
  • Establish and grow relationships with key scientists and decision-makers.
  • Partner with Account Managers to identify and develop new business opportunities.
  • Lead technical consultations to communicate product value in biopharmaceutical applications.
  • Maintain knowledge of industry regulations and emerging technologies in bioprocessing.
  • Collaborate with internal teams to influence product direction and enhance customer value.

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off (PTO)
  • Retirement contributions
  • Potential for sales or performance-based bonuses
Full Job Description
Role is based in the RTP Area with a territory of NC, SC, GA, FL, and TX.

Your Role:

We are seeking a dynamic, customer-focused Technical Application Specialist to drive growth through scientific engagement and application expertise for our portfolio of differentiated downstream chemicals used in biopharmaceutical production resulting in achievement of revenue targets.

In this hybrid technical-commercial role, you will serve as both a scientific consultant and business driver, engaging Process Development Scientists, R&D teams, and decision-makers to translate customer needs into product solutions. You will collaborate across functions-Customer Applications, Sales, Product Management, and R&D - to accelerate business opportunities and enhance customer success through high-impact engagements, technical seminars, and application-based solutions. You can expect 50% domestic travel within assigned territory.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Achieve sales targets by collaborating with the sales and product management teams to qualify, pursue, propose, negotiate and close customer opportunities.
  • Increase opportunity win rate by driving New Product Introduction and Competitive Conversion initiatives.
  • Establishing new relationships with R&D, PD, and/or MSAT scientists, regulatory & quality experts, and decision makers; growing existing relationships and ensuring effective communication of the scientific and value-drive advantages of our portfolio of downstream chemicals.
  • Partner with Account Managers to develop and execute Hunting Opportunity Concepts, driving the short and long-term growth of our business by identifying and developing new business opportunities.
  • Lead technical consultations and seminars that highlight the value to the customer in key modalities such as: mAb or Recombinant Proteins, Viral Vectors, and mRNA.
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of regulatory guidelines, industry trends, and emerging technologies in bioprocessing, particularly midstream or downstream unit operations.
  • Work internally across Customer Applications, Field Marketing, Modalities, Product Managers, R&D teams to influence portfolio direction and enhance customer value delivery.
  • Monitor competitive landscape and emerging customer needs to drive strategic positioning and differentiated solutions.
  • Bring customer and market intelligence back to internal teams to help shape product positioning, competitive strategy, and innovation pipelines.


Success Metrics:
  • Achievement of revenue targets through conversion of opportunity development into wins.
  • Execution of customer trials, resulting in New Product and Competitive Conversion wins.
  • Pipeline robustness through continuous high-value demand generation.


Who You Are

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, or related discipline.
  • 5+ years of relevant experience in biopharmaceutical process development, manufacturing sciences, or pharmaceutical product development within the life sciences or biopharma industry.
  • 2+ years in a customer-facing technical or commercial role (e.g., sales, technical applications, business development).
  • Strong knowledge of upstream and/or downstream unit operations for both traditional biologics (e.g. mAbs) and novel modalities (e.g. AAV or mRNA).
  • Knowledge of regulatory impact of raw materials used in biopharmaceutical processes.
  • Excellent communication, presentation, relationship-building, storytelling, and influencing skills.


Preferred Qualifications:
  • Advanced degree in a relevant field, e.g. Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry.
  • Experience with cGMP biopharmaceutical manufacturing and regulatory requirements.
  • Proficient in CRM systems and digital tools; strong analytical skills.
  • Business and/or marketing experience is a plus.
  • Customer-centric with an entrepreneurial and proactive mindset.
  • Strong scientific curiosity and questioning skills.
  • Agile, organized, and adaptive to dynamic priorities in cross-functional environments


Pay Range for this position: $85,600 - $178,300

The offer range represents the anticipated low and high end of the base pay compensation for this position. The actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, level of experience, education, skills, and other job-related factors. Position may be eligible for sales or performance-based bonuses. Benefits offered by the Company include health insurance, paid time off (PTO), retirement contributions, and other perquisites. For more information click here.

About Merck Group

Merck Group Careers

There has never been a more opportune time to join Merck Group, a leading science and technology company in healthcare, life science, and performance materials. Merck Group offers a plethora of job opportunities that cater to a variety of skills and professional aspirations, making it an ideal environment for both seasoned experts and those at the start of their career journey.

Work You’ll Do

At Merck Group, every team member contributes to breakthrough innovations in healthcare, life sciences, and electronics. The company's commitment to diversity and innovation fuels its leadership in various sectors, driving growth and transformation globally. Merck Group’s career paths are diverse, offering positions that challenge individuals to use their skills in new ways every day, supported by robust training programs and development opportunities.

Explore Job Opportunities and Growth

Merck Group is not just about jobs; it's about building a career. With a vast array of positions, from research and development to marketing and sales, the company is keen on hiring and nurturing talent to lead industry transformation. Merck Group’s dedication to professional growth is evident in its comprehensive benefits package and performance management processes that aim to maximize individual potential.

Internship Programs

Starting with an internship at Merck Group can be a pivotal step in securing a prosperous career. Interns gain invaluable industry experience, working alongside seasoned professionals and engaging in projects that offer real-world applications of their studies. Internships often lead to full-time employment opportunities, providing a seamless transition from education to professional employment.

Inclusive Culture and Leadership

Merck Group is proud of its inclusive culture that embraces diversity and fosters an environment where all employees can thrive. The company’s leadership is committed to creating a workplace where diverse ideas lead to innovative outcomes. Merck Group also offers diversity training to ensure all team members are equipped to contribute to the company’s inclusive goals.

Networking and Professional Development

Employees at Merck Group are encouraged to engage in networking and professional development activities that enhance their career trajectories. The company hosts various networking events, workshops, and seminars that are designed to hone skills and foster connections within the industry. Leadership development programs are also a cornerstone, preparing employees for future roles of increased responsibility.

Stay Connected with Merck Group Careers

Interested candidates can explore open positions that match their skills and interests through the Merck Group careers page. The company values curious, creative, and solution-driven team players who are eager to make an impact.

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