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Merck Sharp & Dohme

Principal Scientist, Downstream Biologics Process R&D

Merck Sharp & Dohme, Rahway, New Jersey, us, 07065


Job Description

Our Scientists are our Inventors. Using innovative thinking, state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge science, and technology, we partner to deliver the next medical breakthrough. We are seeking a collaborative, self-directed learner with a penchant for problem-solving and expertise in downstream bioprocessing to join Biologics Process Research & Development (BPR&D) as a Principal Scientist.

BPR&D within our company's Research Laboratories is on a mission to rapidly deliver diverse biotherapeutics to patients by efficiently developing innovative, robust manufacturing processes and technologies. To achieve this, we work closely with colleagues in Discovery, Pre-clinical, Early Development, Analytical, Formulation, and Commercial Manufacturing while providing a diverse and inclusive environment for all. Beyond process development for pipeline biologics, we innovate and build next generation biomanufacturing technologies. Examples include investments for development of continuous manufacturing, green and sustainable processes, and proprietary technology platforms. 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 company's Downstream Processing of Biologics. You will work with an immensely creative and collaborative team of scientists and engineers to design purification processes while developing technical strategies related to downstream processing for drug candidates in early- and late-stage development.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

As an impactful contributor, shape and realize innovation across the Biologics’ pipeline, strategy, and science

Advance the pipeline by collaborating with cross-functional teams, from Research & Manufacturing, in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment

Participate in or lead 1) development of robust and scalable purification processes for biologics in different stages of clinical development, 2) process characterization and regulatory filings for successful commercialization

Advance downstream 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 BPR&D as a downstream bioprocess 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 6+ years, MS with 8+ years, or BS with 10+ 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 downstream processing of biologics, recent advances, and challenges in the field

Expertise in independently conducting and directing the design, execution, analysis, and documentation of all stages of purification process development

Track record of accomplishments in downstream bioprocessing with a history of peer-reviewed publications and presentations

Knowledge of biologics CMC development

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:

Leadership of CMC development teams

Continuous biomanufacturing integrated with process-analytical technologies

High-throughput experimentation, automation, and process control

Knowledge of protein expression, analytics, conjugation chemistry and formulation

Biophysical, mechanistic and facility modeling; statistical analysis, data-science, machine learning, artificial intelligence

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