Sr. Scientist, Continuous & Expression Technologies (Onsite)

Merck & Co. • West Point, PA

85d • $114,700 - $180,500 • Onsite

About The Position

The Continuous & Expression Technologies (CET) Group within the Process Research & Development, Enabling Technologies department is seeking highly motivated and creative individuals to positively impact our company's manufacturing platforms in vaccines. Specifically, CET is seeking a Senior Scientist specializing in cell culture to innovate and build the next generation vaccine manufacturing technologies. CET group is tasked with identifying, developing, and deploying continuous manufacturing tools with the aim of advancing our company path towards a common mission of delivering medicines to patients. As a member of our group, you will contribute to scientific innovation, evaluate and implement enabling technologies. Valued skills within the group are knowledge of cell culture processes, cell physiology, metabolic activity for process engineering, strategies for process intensification, and process analytical technologies (PAT). We are actively looking for individuals with passion and knowledge of upstream process development in vaccines. CET group strives to create an environment to foster creativity, collaboration, to actively publish, and to engage with the scientific community to influence the field.

Requirements

• Knowledge of recombinant protein expression, metabolic pathways, biochemistry, and cell culture
• Understanding of basic bioreactor principles, mass transfer kinetics
• A proven ability to design and execute hands-on lab and/or in silico experiments
• Proficiency with statistical design and analysis tools
• Excellent communication skills, ability to work in matrixed teams and collaborate with diverse partners cross-functionally
• A demonstrated ability to think critically with excellent problem solving and troubleshooting skills

Nice To Haves

• Evaluating and introducing novel technologies and analytical tools in process development and manufacturing
• Record external presentations and/or publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Data science, modeling, machine learning, artificial intelligence
• Knowledge of protein biochemistry, biophysics, conjugation techniques
• Vector construction, Genetic Engineering, and Systems Biology
• Knowledge of cell-line development for protein expression in mammalian systems and suspension cell culture
• High throughput experimentation using automation platforms
• Familiarity with feed and media development for large-scale recombinant protein expression in mammalian systems
• Knowledge of Quality by Design, Process Characterization and Control Strategy development

Responsibilities

• Develop innovative and disruptive technologies for next-generation vaccine manufacturing processes
• Design and conduct lab and/or pilot-scale studies to evaluate and implement novel upstream technologies into pipeline
• Apply rigorous scientific principles and data analyses to solve challenging problems related to developing robust, cost-effective processes
• Work with a collaborative, cross-functional team of talented scientists and engineers to advance the vaccines pipeline from early- to late-stage development
• Train and mentor junior scientists in experimental design, execution, and data interpretation
• Demonstrate leadership in laboratories' safety and compliance

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: Senior
• Industry: Chemical Manufacturing
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree