Senior Principal Scientist, Downstream Process Development
Merck
June 25, 2026
Remote friendly (Rahway, NJ)
United States
Operations
Responsibilities:
- Shape and realize innovation across the biotherapeutics pipeline, strategy, and science.
- Lead cross-functional teams (Research & Manufacturing) in downstream processing for drug candidates.
- Develop robust, scalable purification processes across clinical stages; conduct process characterization and support regulatory filings for commercialization.
- Improve downstream efficiency and cost effectiveness through research/innovation; assess technologies and industry best practices.
- Collaborate with academia, industry, and vendors to develop and adopt novel process technologies.
- Lead strategic initiatives; partner with senior leaders to set project strategy and guide execution.
- Conceptualize, plan, and execute projects with strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
- Stay current on scientific/regulatory landscapes; present at conferences, publish, and patent.
- Represent downstream bioprocess expertise in internal teams and external forums.
- Mentor staff; build strong, collaborative teams.
- Champion compliance and safety.
Minimum Education:
- Ph.D. (9+ years) or MS (11+ years) or BS (15+ years) in Chemical/Biochemical engineering or related field.
Required Experience/Skills:
- Deep downstream processing expertise for biologics; ability to independently design, execute, analyze, and document purification development.
- Proven track record in downstream bioprocessing (publications/presentations).
- Knowledge of biologics CMC development.
- Ability to prioritize complex objectives on tight timelines; lead and collaborate in matrixed teams.
- Action-oriented innovation and problem-solving; strong mentoring commitment; leadership of CMC development teams.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Preferred:
- Continuous biomanufacturing with process-analytical technologies; high-throughput experimentation/automation/process control.
- Protein expression, analytics, conjugation chemistry, and formulation knowledge.
- Digital fluency (data science, ML/AI); biophysical/mechanistic/facility modeling, statistical analysis, and CFD.
Benefits:
- Annual bonus and long-term incentive (if applicable).
- Comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision, retirement (401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate/sick days.
Application:
- Apply via https://jobs.merck.com/us/en. Application deadline is stated on the posting.
- Shape and realize innovation across the biotherapeutics pipeline, strategy, and science.
- Lead cross-functional teams (Research & Manufacturing) in downstream processing for drug candidates.
- Develop robust, scalable purification processes across clinical stages; conduct process characterization and support regulatory filings for commercialization.
- Improve downstream efficiency and cost effectiveness through research/innovation; assess technologies and industry best practices.
- Collaborate with academia, industry, and vendors to develop and adopt novel process technologies.
- Lead strategic initiatives; partner with senior leaders to set project strategy and guide execution.
- Conceptualize, plan, and execute projects with strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
- Stay current on scientific/regulatory landscapes; present at conferences, publish, and patent.
- Represent downstream bioprocess expertise in internal teams and external forums.
- Mentor staff; build strong, collaborative teams.
- Champion compliance and safety.
Minimum Education:
- Ph.D. (9+ years) or MS (11+ years) or BS (15+ years) in Chemical/Biochemical engineering or related field.
Required Experience/Skills:
- Deep downstream processing expertise for biologics; ability to independently design, execute, analyze, and document purification development.
- Proven track record in downstream bioprocessing (publications/presentations).
- Knowledge of biologics CMC development.
- Ability to prioritize complex objectives on tight timelines; lead and collaborate in matrixed teams.
- Action-oriented innovation and problem-solving; strong mentoring commitment; leadership of CMC development teams.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Preferred:
- Continuous biomanufacturing with process-analytical technologies; high-throughput experimentation/automation/process control.
- Protein expression, analytics, conjugation chemistry, and formulation knowledge.
- Digital fluency (data science, ML/AI); biophysical/mechanistic/facility modeling, statistical analysis, and CFD.
Benefits:
- Annual bonus and long-term incentive (if applicable).
- Comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision, retirement (401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate/sick days.
Application:
- Apply via https://jobs.merck.com/us/en. Application deadline is stated on the posting.