Associate Scientist, Post Doc Fellow- Biologics Research & Development

MSD • Rahway, NJ

1d • $82,000 - $92,000

About The Position

Merck’s Biologics Process Research & Development (BPR&D) group is seeking a postdoctoral fellow for a multi-year research project in biologics upstream process development. The project focuses on improving mechanistic understanding of how manufacturing process modes affect cellular metabolism, product quality attributes, and process performance. The fellow will conduct research in an industry setting at the intersection of process development, systems biology, and analytical science, using experimental and data-driven approaches to generate actionable insights.

The fellow will develop and manage an independent research project while collaborating with scientists across multiple functions. The role offers opportunities and expectations to contribute to scientific publications and presentations, gain experience in biologics development and process science, and support the team’s understanding of biologics process development. Project duration may extend 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

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

What This Job Offers

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