Associate Scientist, Post Doc Fellow- Biologics Research & Development

Merck • Rahway, NJ

4d • $82,000 - $92,000

About The Position

Biologics Process Research & Development (BPR&D) is seeking a postdoctoral research fellow for its Biologics Upstream Process Development group. The role sits at the intersection of process development, systems biology, and analytical science and focuses on improving understanding of biologics manufacturing processes and their effects on process performance and product quality. The project will investigate how differences in process mode affect cellular metabolism, product quality attributes, and process performance, using experimental and data-driven approaches to generate actionable insights.

The fellow will conduct research in an industry setting, manage an independent research project, and collaborate with scientists across multiple functions. The position offers the opportunity and expectation to contribute to scientific publications and presentations and to gain experience in biologics development and process science. The project may extend for up to three years depending on demonstrated progress.

Requirements

• Must currently hold a Ph.D. or receive a Ph.D. no later than June 2027.
• Ph.D. in Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Systems Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related discipline.
• 0+ years of post-Ph.D. relevant academic or industrial experience.
• Interest in biologics manufacturing, cell culture, or bioprocess development.
• Strong record of scientific achievement, including publications and presentations.
• Hands-on experience with molecular and cellular biology techniques, including cell culture, functional assays, and mechanistic studies.
• Strong analytical, statistical, and quantitative skills.
• Ability to work independently in a collaborative environment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Creativity, scientific curiosity, and strong problem-solving ability.
• Knowledge of recombinant protein expression, metabolic pathways, biochemistry, and cell culture.
• Understanding of basic bioreactor principles and mass transfer kinetics.
• Understanding of cell and molecular biology.

Nice To Haves

• History of external presentations and/or publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture or recombinant protein production.
• Familiarity with biologics manufacturing or process development environments.
• Experience with cellular stress biology, redox biology, metabolism, or related scientific areas.
• Experience working with transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, single-cell datasets, or bioinformatics analyses.
• Proficiency with data analysis tools such as R, Python, Prism, or similar software.
• Bioreactor operation.
• Enzyme assays.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and interpret research studies related to biologics manufacturing and process development.
• Develop and manage an independent research project while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
• Investigate relationships among process conditions, cell culture performance, and product characteristics.
• Apply analytical, molecular, and biological methods to generate and interpret data.
• Integrate and analyze multiple data types using statistical and computational tools to identify trends, hypotheses, and process insights.
• Develop mechanistic hypotheses and experimental strategies to support process improvement.
• Present research findings at internal and external scientific forums and in peer-reviewed journals.
• Stay current with scientific literature and emerging developments in the field.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision healthcare benefits and other insurance benefits for employees and their families.
• Retirement benefits, including 401(k).
• Paid holidays, vacation, compassionate days, and sick days.
• Eligible for an annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree