MSDMS

Principal Scientist, Upstream Process R&D

We aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company.

MSD

Employee count: 5000+

Salary: 170k-267k USD

United States only

Job Description

Job Description:

Our Scientists are our Inventors. Using innovative thinking, state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge science, and technology, we partner to deliver the next medical breakthrough. We are seeking a collaborative, self-directed learner with a penchant for problem-solving and expertise in upstream bioprocessing to join Biologics Process Research & Development (BPR&D) as a Principal Scientist.

BPR&D within Research Laboratories is on a mission to rapidly deliver diverse biotherapeutics to patients by efficiently developing innovative, robust manufacturing processes and technologies. To achieve this, we work closely with colleagues in Discovery, Pre-clinical, Early Development, Analytical, Formulation, and Commercial Manufacturing while providing a diverse and inclusive environment for all. Beyond process development for pipeline biologics, we innovate and build next generation biomanufacturing technologies. Examples include investments for development of continuous manufacturing, green and sustainable processes, and proprietary technology platforms. We actively publish and engage with the scientific community to influence the field.

As a Principal Scientist you will have the opportunity to influence the future direction of Upstream Processing of Biologics. You will work with an immensely creative and collaborative team of scientists and engineers to design upstream, cell-culture processes while developing technical strategies related to upstream processing and recombinant expression of drug candidates in early- and late-stage development.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • As an impactful contributor, shape and realize innovation across the Biologics’ pipeline, strategy, and science

  • Advance the pipeline by collaborating with cross-functional teams, from Research & Manufacturing, in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment

  • Participate in or lead 1) development of robust and scalable upstream processes for biologics in different stages of clinical development, 2) process characterization and regulatory filings for successful commercialization

  • Advance upstream processes by improving efficiency and cost effectiveness through research and innovation, while assessing technologies and industry best practices

  • Collaborate with academia, industry, and vendors to drive development and early adoption of novel process technologies

  • Contribute to strategic initiatives; partner with senior leaders to set overall project strategy, and guide teams towards its execution

  • Conceptualize, plan, and execute projects with effective organizational, prioritization and problem-solving skills

  • Stay abreast of scientific and regulatory landscape; actively present (premier conferences), publish (peer-reviewed journals) and patent

  • Represent BPR&D as an upstream, cell-culture expert in internal, cross-functional project teams and external conferences/consortia

  • Mentor and actively share expertise; guide career development; build strong, collaborative teams

  • Champion compliance and safety; promote a culture of diversity, inclusion, and equity

MINIMUM EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

  • Ph.D. with 6+ years, MS with 8+ years, or BS with 10+ years of industry experience and background in Chemical/Biochemical engineering, or a related field

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, AND COMPETENCIES

  • Strong fundamental knowledge and subject matter expertise in cell-culture process development for biologics, fed-batch cell culture, bioreactors across scales, 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

  • Knowledge of biologics CMC development

    • Adaptability and agility to prioritize and deliver complex objectives, often on tight timelines, in a rapidly changing environment

    • Experience and aptitude to lead, work, and collaborate in internal and external cross-functional, matrixed teams

    • Action-oriented, mindset for creativity; ability to take initiative, innovate, iterate, and problem-solve

    • Demonstrated commitment to coach and mentor staff to maximize talent development and utilization

    • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE & SKILLS:

  • Leadership of CMC development teams

  • Continuous biomanufacturing and high-throughput microbioreactors integrated with process-analytical technologies

  • Intensified inoculum, and perfusion process development

  • Expertise in media/solution development and chemistry

  • High-throughput experimentation, automation, and process control

  • Knowledge of microbial fermentation

  • Cell culture and predictive modeling (omics, metabolic flux analysis); statistics, data-science, machine learning, artificial intelligence

#BPRD #PRD

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:

EEOC Know Your Rights

EEOC GINA Supplement​

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.

Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts

U.S. Hybrid Work Model

Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office-based positions in the U.S. will be working a Hybrid work consisting of three total days on-site per week, Monday - Thursday, although the specific days may vary by site or organization, with Friday designated as a remote-working day, unless business critical tasks require an on-site presence.This Hybrid work model does not apply to, and daily in-person attendance is required for, field-based positions; facility-based, manufacturing-based, or research-based positions where the work to be performed is located at a Company site; positions covered by a collective-bargaining agreement (unless the agreement provides for hybrid work); or any other position for which the Company has determined the job requirements cannot be reasonably met working remotely. Please note, this Hybrid work model guidance also does not apply to roles that have been designated as “remote”.

The Company is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this job in certain states and cities within the United States. Final determinations with respect to salary will take into account a number of factors, which may include, but not be limited to the primary work location and the chosen candidate’s relevant skills, experience, and education.

Expected US salary range:

$169,700.00 - $267,200.00

Available benefits include bonus eligibility, long term incentive if applicable, health care and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, paid holidays, vacation, and sick days. A summary of benefits is listedhere.

San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.

Employee Status:

Regular

Relocation:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Required Skills:

Adaptability, Business, Cell Culture Process Development, Cell Line Development, Combination Products, Communication, Data Analysis, Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Innovative Thinking, Leadership Mentoring, Pharmaceutical Process Development, Professional Collaboration, Professional Networking, Quality by Design, Regulatory Filings, Social Collaboration, Strategic Thinking, Technology Transfer

Preferred Skills:

Job Posting End Date:

07/4/2025

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.

About the job

Apply before

Posted on

Job type

Full Time

Experience level

Senior
Manager

Salary

Salary: 170k-267k USD

Location requirements

Hiring timezones

United States +/- 0 hours

About MSD

Learn more about MSD and their company culture.

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We aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company. We’re at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals.

Our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world

For more than 130 years, we’ve brought hope to humanity through the development of important medicines and vaccines. We foster a diverse and inclusive global workforce and operate responsibly every day to enable a safe, sustainable and healthy future for all people and communities.

Our values

Our values represent the very core of our character. They guide every decision and action we take.

Patients first: We are all accountable for delivering high quality products and services. We aspire to improve the health and wellness of people and animals worldwide and to expand access to our medicines and vaccines. All of our actions must be measured against our responsibility to those who use or need our products.

Respect for people: Our ability to excel depends on the integrity, knowledge, imagination, skill, diversity, safety and teamwork of our employees. We work to create an environment of mutual respect, inclusion and accountability. We reward commitment and performance and are responsive to the needs of our employees and their families.

Ethics and integrity: We are committed to the highest standards of ethics and integrity. We are responsible to all of our stakeholders: employees, patients, customers, distributors and suppliers, shareholders, and the communities we serve worldwide. We do not take professional or ethical shortcuts.

Innovation and scientific excellence: We are dedicated to the highest standard of innovation and scientific excellence. Our research is guided by a commitment to improving health and quality of life. We strive to identify and meet the most critical needs of patients and customers through continuous innovation across all areas of our business.

Employee benefits

Learn about the employee benefits and perks provided at MSD.

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Life insurance

Life insurance so you don't have to worry.

Healthcare benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees.

Paid vacation

For employees outside the U.S., time off and leave benefits are based on local laws and market practices.

Disability insurance

Disability insurance to help protect our employees from the financial impact of unforeseen circumstances.

View MSD's employee benefits
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