Principal Scientist, Upstream Process Development
Merck · Rahway, NJ
CMCFull-time$173k–$273kCompany career page
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Role summary
Merck seeks a Principal Scientist to lead upstream process development for biologics in clinical and commercial manufacturing. The role requires developing CMC packages, advancing cell culture platform strategies, and mentoring junior scientists across cross-functional teams.
What they're looking for
- Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biochemistry or related field plus 6+ years industry experience
- Proven expertise in CHO fed-batch cell culture and upstream process development with publications and presentations
- Hands-on experience with microbioreactors, bench-scale, and pilot-scale bioreactors including scale-up and tech transfer
- Working knowledge of cell culture media, CHO biology, DOE statistics, and computational fluid dynamics
- Experience with late-stage commercial process development, technology transfer, and process characterization
- Demonstrated ability to direct planning, execution, analysis and documentation of cell culture process development
- Strong leadership and mentoring skills with ability to work effectively in matrixed team environments
What you'll be doing
- Lead biologic upstream process development for first-in-human and commercial processes with high-yield, robust, scalable cell culture
- Provide technical direction for process development, characterization, commercialization, and regulatory filing activities
- Advance upstream platform technical strategy and drive process improvement initiatives across portfolio
- Mentor junior scientists and guide their career development while building collaborative teams
- Collaborate with academia, industry partners, and vendors to assess and adopt new process technologies
Privacy & handoff
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