# Principal Scientist, Upstream Development

Hiring organization: [Merck](https://career.thegoodapps.co/organizations/merck)

Canonical page: https://career.thegoodapps.co/jobs/bd7d2087-1cb3-4f0c-995d-b2e73521a22b

Listed on Merck's own careers site. Applications go to them directly.

- Employment type: full time
- Seniority: Senior
- Location: Rahway, NJ
- Salary: 173200 – 272600 USD per year

## Summary

A senior scientist position developing cell culture manufacturing processes for biologics in clinical and commercial stages. This role suits experienced bioprocess engineers or biochemists who can lead technical strategy, mentor teams, and drive innovation in upstream development while managing complex cross-functional projects.

_Our summary, not Merck's wording._

## Skills named

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Data Analysis, Design of Experiments (DOE), Machine Learning

## Required

- Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biochemistry or related field with 8+ years industry experience (or equivalent education/experience combination)
- Proven track record in upstream process and technology development with scientific publications and presentations
- Hands-on experience with CHO fed-batch cell culture and bioreactors at multiple scales
- Understanding of cell culture media, CHO cell biology, metabolism, and DOE statistics
- Ability to direct planning, execution, analysis and documentation of cell culture process development
- Experience with biologics CMC development cycle
- Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop junior scientists
- Ability to work in matrixed team environment with internal and external partners

## Nice to have

- Experience with intensified inoculum and perfusion process development
- Experience with early- and late-stage commercial process development and technology transfer
- Experience with high-throughput microbioreactor systems and advanced in situ analytics
- Expertise in media chemistry and solution development
- Background in data science approaches including metabolic flux analysis, omics, or machine learning for cell culture
- Experience with scale-down model qualification and process characterization
- Leadership experience with cross-functional program development teams

Apply on Merck's site: https://msd.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/SearchJobs/job/USA---New-Jersey---Rahway/Principal-Scientist--Upstream-Development_R399009-1