Job Description

Senior Principal Scientist – Fermentation
The Novel Expression Systems (NES) team is seeking a Senior Principal Scientist with expertise in microbial fermentation engineering and process development. Our team is part of the Continuous & Expression Technologies (CET) group within the Process Research & Development-Enabling Technologies organization. We are tasked with introducing and advancing expression systems across a range of organisms that will be applied to the discovery and development of novel biotherapeutics and vaccines, as well particular focus on our pipeline of engineered enzymes. Our all-modality team works closely with scientists across our company to advance science and technologies with the goal of improving human health.

The ideal candidate for this position should be a recognized leader in the field, with demonstrated expertise in process development for engineered enzymes used for biocatalysis. This role involves collaboration with cross functional teams to address challenges throughout the entire lifecycle of enzyme manufacturing from discovery to commercial supply. As a senior member of the team, the applicant will also contribute to setting and executing the scientific strategy for enzyme fermentation process development, as well as recruiting and developing talent within the team.

In addition to these responsibilities, the Senior Principal Scientist will be instrumental in driving the identification, development, and implementation of novel fermentation technologies internally. The candidate is also expected to advocate the organization's scientific work externally through conference presentations, publications, and other relevant venues.
Furthermore, the chosen candidate should possess strong interpersonal, communication and collaboration skills, and should embrace and model our core values of diversity, equity and inclusion and foster a supportive culture where all employees can thrive.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Partnering with functional area project teams and subject matter experts to establish and implement the scientific strategy for process development and technology innovation.
  
• Providing scientific oversight to the fermentation team, leading the planning, implementation, and documentation of experiments for the adoption and development of innovative technologies.
  
• Leading the design and execution of bench scale process development experiments to meet various project requirements, with the ultimate aim of delivering robust processes for scale-up and manufacturing.
  
• Working collaboratively to identify issues and solutions to ensure project deliverables.
  
• Contributing to a safe and compliant laboratory work environment.
  
• Mentoring junior scientists to become our company's next generation of scientific leaders
  

Education Minimum Requirement:

• BS, MS, or Ph D in Chemical Engineering, biological sciences, microbiology or a related field.
  
• Extended academic or industrial experience in a product, process or technology development area:
  
• BS +12 years
  
• MS +10 years
  
• Ph D +8 years
  

Requirements:

• Extensive experience and proficiency in fermentation process development and optimization.
  
• Excellent problem solving skills to overcome technical and non-technical challenges.
  
• Practical knowledge and experience in process scale-up and scale-down.
  
• In-depth knowledge and practical experience in microbial fermentations at bench and pilot scales.
  
• Capability to devise and implement new methods and processes.
  
• Demonstrated proficiency in leading collaborative multi-disciplinary teams to achieve successful outcomes.
  
• Demonstrated ability to coach and mentor fellow researchers.
  
• Outstanding communication and organizational skills.
  
• Strong track record of peer-reviewed publications and research presentations.
  
• Proven written and verbal communication skills.
  

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge in bioreactor and process in-silico design/modeling.
  
• Familiarity with drug development cycle, especially the CMC (Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Control) aspect with skills to help advance our digital effort in this area.
  
• Familiarity with biocatalysis, protein engineering, biotherapeutics, and/or vaccines is advantageous.
  
• Knowledge and experience in downstream process development, such as flocculation, microfiltration, ultrafiltration, and lyophilization.
  

NOTICE FOR INTERNAL APPLICANTS
In accordance with Managers' Policy - Job Posting and Employee Placement, all employees subject to this policy are required to have a minimum of twelve (12) months of service in current position prior to applying for open positions.

If you have been offered a separation benefits package, but have not yet reached your separation date and are offered a position within the salary and geographical parameters as set forth in the Summary Plan Description (SPD) of your separationpackage, then you are no longer eligible for your separation benefits package. To discuss in more detail, please contact your HRBP or Talent Acquisition Advisor.

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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.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:
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We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing diverse, talented, and committed people together. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when diverse ideas come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.

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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:
$181,600.00 - $285,800.00
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 listed here.

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):

Job Posting End Date:
11/1/2024

• 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.
  

Requisition ID:R317668