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Merck

Associate Principal Scientist, Upstream Process Development

Merck

Rahway, NJ · full time · Senior

$142,400 – $224,100

Listed on Merck’s own careers site. You apply with them directly — we never stand between you and the employer.

What this role is

This role leads the development and optimization of mammalian cell culture processes for biotherapeutic drug manufacturing, from early-stage clinical material to commercial production. It suits experienced bioprocess engineers with a strong track record in upstream process development, cell line work, and the ability to collaborate across technical disciplines while advancing innovation in recombinant protein production.

Our summary, not Merck’s wording. The full posting is on their site.

Skills this role names

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What they ask for

Required

  • Ph.D. in chemical engineering, bioengineering, biological engineering, or related field with 4+ years' experience, or Master's degree with 8+ years' experience
  • Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and fed-batch processes for recombinant protein production
  • Working knowledge of CHO cell biology, metabolism, and cell culture media
  • Understanding of bioreactor types and scale-up principles
  • Proven track record in upstream process development with publication and presentation history
  • Ability to plan, execute, analyze, and document cell culture process development
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams with internal and external partners
  • Demonstrated initiative, creativity, and problem-solving abilities
  • Laboratory productivity and ability to deliver under aggressive timelines

Nice to have

  • Experience with cell culture media development
  • Experience with high-throughput microbioreactor systems and advanced in situ analytics
  • Experience with intensified fed-batch and perfusion process development
  • Background in data science approaches such as metabolic flux analysis, omics, or machine learning
  • Experience with computational fluid dynamics and PAT integration
  • Experience with late-stage commercial process development, scale-down model qualification, and process characterization
  • Knowledge of biologics CMC development cycle and technology transfer to GMP sites

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