Associate Specialist, Pilot Plant Engineering and Operations (Onsite)

Merck • Rahway, NJ

6d • $71,900 - $113,200 • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a motivated scientist/engineer to join the Biologics Downstream Operations team within BioProcess Research and Development (BPRD). The successful candidate will be charged with operations supporting downstream pilot plant activities, including fed-batch and continuous processing operations. The candidate may have the opportunity to identify operational improvements to increase efficiency, respond to non-standard requests, or implement new technology and update laboratory procedure documents to standardize the improvement. Candidate is expected to work in a team atmosphere in close collaboration with bioprocess development scientists, facility engineering, lab automation and safety groups.
The ideal candidate should have experience with small - scale and/or large - scale bioprocess equipment, including bioprocess chromatography skids, normal and tangential flow filtration techniques, viral filtration & inactivation techniques and be able to work well with others, communicate effectively both written and orally. Candidate may be requested to work during non-business hours/days to support extended growth and production activities.

Requirements

• BS in Chemical/Biochemical/Biomedical Engineering/Biology/Chemistry with 1+ year
• Strong skills in laboratory experimentation and documentation, with demonstrated ability to write clear comprehensive operating procedures
• Solid hands-on experience with large scale purification operations
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work in cross-functional team environments
• Lead small projects or sub-teams including vendor interactions
• Strong troubleshooting skills

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated ability for independent execution of experiments
• Familiarity with protein purification techniques (chromatography, NFF & TFF filtration)
• Experience with Akta Bioprocess Skid, BioSMB, Akta Ready/Flux
• Ability to work with lab automation teams on improvement projects

Responsibilities

• Large Scale purification support
• Facilitate knowledge transfers between development and operations teams
• Batch documentation within an electronic laboratory system
• Participate in scheduling discussions within the operations team
• Collaborate with development colleagues on the implementation of novel technologies and process analytical tools
• Work collaboratively with pilot plant operations, upstream and solution prep teams
• Work collaboratively with process development scientists from across BPR&D
• Support safety and training initiatives

Benefits

• medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family)
• retirement benefits, including 401(k)
• paid holidays
• vacation
• compassionate and sick days

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level