Hiring: Principal Scientist, Upstream Process Development Group Lead Company: Merck Location: Rahway, NJ Job Posted Time: 2026-09-15 13:15:56 Target Skills & Keywords : AI, Machine Learning, Workday About the job Experience: •10+ years, MS with 12+ years, or BS with 14+ and Ph.D. with 6+ years, MS with 8+ years, or BS with 10+years of industry experience in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering or a related field for Senior Principal Scientist position and Principal Scientist position, respectively. Required Skills: •Anticipate and solve scientific and technical challenges across projects and functional teams, in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment. •Lead the development of robust and scalable upstream processes for biologics in various stages of clinical development, as well as process characterization and regulatory filings for successful commercialization. •Improve upstream processes by increasing efficiency and cost-effectiveness through research and innovation, while evaluating technologies and industry best practices. •Partner cross-functionally with academia, industry, and vendors to facilitate the development and early adoption of novel process technologies. •Contribute to strategic initiatives; work with senior leaders to establish overall project strategy and guide teams in its execution. •Conceptualize, plan, and execute projects using effective organizational, prioritization, and problem-solving skills. •Stay updated on the scientific and regulatory landscape; contribute scientifically and build your reputation through conference participation. •Represent BPR&D as a upstream bioprocess expert/co-leader in internal and cross-functional project teams. Qualifications: •Ph.D. with 10+ years, MS with 12+ years, or BS with 14+ and Ph.D. with 6+ years, MS with 8+ years, or BS with 10+years of industry experience in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering or a related field for Senior Principal Scientist position and Principal Scientist position, respectively. •Required Experience, Skills, And Competencies •Strong fundamental knowledge and subject matter expertise in cell-culture process development for biologics, fed-batch cell culture, bioreactor scale-up and scale-down, as well as recent advances, and challenges in the field •Expertise in independently conducting and directing the design, execution, analysis, and documentation of all stages of cell-culture process development •Track record of accomplishments in upstream bioprocessing with a history of peer-reviewed publications and presentations. Strong understanding of cell metabolism and biochemical pathways relevant to bioprocessing. •Knowledge of biologics CMC development. •Demonstrated capacity to adapt to and prioritize complex objectives under tight timelines in a rapidly changing environment. •Demonstrated scientific leadership with significant, measurable project impacts across a set of programs. •Action-oriented mindset with a capacity for creativity; ability to take initiative, innovate, iterate, and solve problems. •Supervise, coach and mentor scientists to maximize talent development and utilization. Compensation: •$173,200 - $272,600 / year Interested candidates, please apply directly through the job posting on company's career page or try via AI auto apply on this platform. Don't miss this opportunity to join a forward-thinking team!