Principal Scientist, Process Modeling, Digital Insights
Merck · Rahway, NJ +3 more
ResearchFull-time$173k–$273kCompany career page
The apply link worked recently (not employer-confirmed).
Role summary
Merck seeks a Principal Scientist to lead computational fluid dynamics and physics-based engineering simulation for bioreactor scale-up and bioprocess unit operations. This senior technical role applies first-principles modeling to support drug substance development across a multi-modality pipeline, with emphasis on defining engineering equivalence and informing manufacturing decisions.
What they're looking for
- Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Bioengineering, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, or Data Science with 6+ years industrial/pharmaceutical experience
- Deep expertise in transport phenomena, fluid mechanics, mixing theory, and gas-liquid mass transfer
- Extensive hands-on CFD experience with ANSYS Fluent, M-Star CFD, STAR-CCM+, COMSOL, or OpenFOAM
- Demonstrated bioreactor characterization and scale-down model design with engineering-equivalence validation
- Ability to validate simulations against experimental data and communicate model credibility and uncertainty
- Scientific leadership and mentorship capability; proficiency in Python or MATLAB scripting
What you'll be doing
- Lead CFD and engineering simulation of bioreactor mixing, gassing, and hydrodynamics to define equivalence between development and manufacturing scales
- Design and validate scale-down models reproducing critical manufacturing-scale bioreactor environments in partnership with process scientists
- Apply physics-based modeling to sensitive bioprocess operations including centrifugation, depth filtration, ultrafiltration, and viral filtration
- Own end-to-end modeling projects from problem definition through solver setup, validation, and stakeholder communication
- Mentor junior scientists, establish simulation workflow standards, and shape the team's modeling roadmap across the portfolio
Privacy & handoff
This role links to Merck's own application system. RoleLantern records your interest and checks the link, but the application happens on the employer's site and status updates may not come back to us. Clicking apply does not mark you as applied automatically.