Merck & Co Hiring for Associate Principal Scientist – Upstream – Continuous & Expression Technologies job in West Point Full Time

The Continuous & Expression Technologies (CET) Group within the Process Research & Development, Enabling Technologies department is seeking motivated and creative individuals. This is an opportunity to positively impact our company’s manufacturing platforms, while actively supporting drug development in the biologics and vaccine arenas. Specifically, CET is seeking a Principal Scientist specializing in perfusion cell culture and bioprocessing technologies for biologic candidates encompassing multiple therapeutic classes.

Our Scientists are our Inventors. As a member of the CET Group, you will drive scientific innovation and critically evaluate opportunities to implement enabling technologies. We are seeking a collaborative, self-directed learner with a penchant for problem-solving and expertise in upstream bioprocessing to join the CET group. Our group is tasked with identifying, developing, and deploying continuous manufacturing tools aimed at improving production processes in our drug candidate pipeline. Knowledge of cell culture and microbial processes, cell physiology and metabolic activity for process engineering, strategies for process intensification, in addition to process automation systems, and process analytical technologies (PAT) are valued skills within the group.

Demonstrated expertise in upstream process development in vaccines, biologics or both is particularly desirable. A high level of innovation, creativity, and initiative along with the ability drive technically sound experiments are critical. The chosen candidate should also have excellent interpersonal, communication and collaboration skills and exhibit a strength in delivering results on firm deadlines. We actively publish and engage with the scientific community to influence the field.

As a Principal Scientist you will have the opportunity to influence the future direction of our upstream processing of biologics and vaccines. You will work with an immensely creative and collaborative team of scientists and engineers to design upstream, cell-culture processes while developing technical strategies related to upstream continuous processing and recombinant expression of drug candidates .- As upstream lead scientist in the group, you will mentor and coach junior upstream scientists.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• As an impactful contributor, shape and realize innovation across biologics’ and vaccines’ pipeline, strategy, and science
• Advance best science incorporation into pipeline by collaborating with cross-functional teams, from Research & Manufacturing, in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment
• Lead development of robust and scalable technologies for upstream processes for biologics and vaccines
• Identify areas for upstream process innovation/intensification and expand our technologies toolbox to address challenges at different stages of development (clinical, process characterization and commercialization)
• Advance upstream 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
• Contribute to 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 CET group as an upstream, cell-culture 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 diversity, inclusion, and equity

MINIMUM EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:-

• Ph.D. with 3+ years, MS with 6+ years, or BS with 8+ 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 cell-culture and/or microbial processes for biologics and/or vaccines
• Expertise in fed-batch cell culture, perfusion cell culture, bioreactors across scales, as well as recent advances, and challenges in the field
• Experience in continuous biomanufacturing and high throughput microbioreactors
• Expertise in independently conducting and directing the design, execution, analysis, and documentation of all stages of cell-culture process development
• Track record of accomplishments in upstream bioprocessing with a history of peer-reviewed publications and presentations
• 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
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE & SKILLS: ———————-

• Knowledge of biologics or vaccines CMC development teams
• Experience with bioreactors integrated with process-analytical technologies
• Intensified inoculum, and seed train perfusion process development
• Expertise in media/solution development and chemistry
• High-throughput experimentation, automation, and process control
• Knowledge of microbial fermentation
• Cell culture and predictive modeling (omics, metabolic flux analysis); statistics, data-science, machine learning, artificial intelligence

NOTICE FOR INTERNAL APPLICANTS

In accordance with Managers’ Policy – Job Posting and Employee Placement, all employees subject to this policy are required to have a minimum of twelve (12) months of service in current position prior to applying for open positions.

If you have been offered a separation benefits package, but have not yet reached your separation date and are offered a position within the salary and geographical parameters as set forth in the Summary Plan Description (SPD) of your separation package, then you are no longer eligible for your separation benefits package. To discuss in more detail, please contact your HRBP or Talent Acquisition Advisor.

Employees working in roles that the Company determines require routine collaboration with external stakeholders, such as customer-facing commercial, or research-based roles, will be expected to comply not only with Company policy but also with policies established by such external stakeholders (for example, a requirement to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to access a facility or meet with stakeholders). -Please understand that, as permitted by applicable law, if you have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 and an essential function of your job is to call on external stakeholders who require vaccination to enter their premises or engage in face-to-face meetings, then your employment may pose an undue burden to business operations, in which case you may not be offered employment, or your employment could be terminated. Please also note that, where permitted by applicable law, the Company reserves the right to require COVID-19 vaccinations for positions, such as in Global Employee Health, where the Company determines in its discretion that the nature of the role presents an increased risk of disease transmission.

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Employee Status:
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Requisition ID:R278968