The posting
Job Description
Role Summary:
We are seeking an eager and adaptable scientist to play a central role in pilot plant operations, supporting the scale-up and commercialization of our dynamic late-stage biologics pipeline within the expansive Biologics S&T portfolio.
As an Associate Scientist in Cell Culture Pilot Operations & Commercialization, you will be at the forefront of translating process development into manufacturing reality. You will gain hands-on experience operating pilot-scale bioreactors and supporting scale-up activities, while collaborating across functions to enable successful drug substance commercialization.
Your work will directly support:
- Pilot-scale execution of cell culture processes
- Process scale-up and technology transfer
- Process characterization and validation
- Preparation for PPQs and regulatory filings
You’ll help transform late-stage biologics into lifesaving medicines for patients worldwide. Collaborate with colleagues across the US to support pilot-scale readiness and manufacturing success. Your contributions will directly influence the successful transfer of processes from development into commercial production.
Key Responsibilities:
- Pilot Operations (Primary Focus): Execute and support pilot-scale mammalian cell culture runs, including bioreactor setup, operation, monitoring, sampling, and troubleshooting. Ensure safe, compliant, and efficient execution of pilot activities.
- Scale-Up & Commercialization: Support scale-up of cell culture processes from lab to pilot and manufacturing scale, contributing to robust drug substance commercialization strategies.
- Technical Execution: Assist with process characterization studies, process validation (PPQ-enabling work), and regulatory filing support.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with process development, manufacturing, quality, and regulatory teams to ensure seamless tech transfer and alignment.
- Problem Solving: Troubleshoot pilot equipment, bioreactor performance, and cell culture process deviations.
- Communication: Maintain clear documentation and communicate results effectively to stakeholders.
- Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Support initiatives to improve pilot efficiency, process robustness, and operational excellence.
Education & Experience:
- Minimum High School Diploma/GED with 5 years of relevant experience or Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Rngineering, Bioengineering, Biological Engineering, or a related field with 0–2 years of relevant experience
What You Bring:
- Hands-on or academic experience in mammalian cell culture:Aseptic technique Bioreactor operations (bench or pilot scale preferred) Media/buffer preparation
- Strong interest in pilot plant operations and scale-up activities
- Strong attention to detail and data integrity
- Effective verbal and written communication skills
- A collaborative, ethical, and resilient mindset with a commitment to excellence
Required Skills:
Adaptability, Adaptability, Aseptic Handling, Biological Engineering, Biologics, Bioreactors, Cell Biology, Cell Culture Techniques, Chemical Engineering, Commercialization, Data Analysis, Data Integrity, Experimentation, Laboratory Techniques, Mammalian Cell Culture, Multidisciplinary Teamwork, Plant Cell Culture, Plant Operations, Process Characterization, Process Design, Process Development (PD), Process Development Engineering, Process Improvements, Protein Purifications, Statistical Data Analysis {+ 1 more}
Preferred Skills:
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:
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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.
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The primary location for this posting is:
USA - Pennsylvania - North Wales (Wissahickon Ave 140 NW3 and NW4)
Where required by law, the compensation range for this role is provided below.
The salary range for the primary location of this role is:
$71,900.00 - $113,200.00
This range reflects the Company's reasonable expectation of the base salary applicable to this role at the time of posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs. The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.
Additional location(s): Please note the salary range above applies to the Primary Location of the position. Where a role has other listed locations, different compensation guidelines may apply. You may find the salary ranges for additional locations below. If the salary range is not listed for the location you are applying to, our Talent Acquisition team will provide further information to you relevant to your location.
Additional location(s) Compensation Information:
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:
No relocation
VISA Sponsorship:
Yes
Travel Requirements:
10%
Flexible Work Arrangements:
Not Applicable
Shift:
1st - Day
Valid Driving License:
No
Hazardous Material(s):
Yes
Job Posting End Date:
11/20/2026
*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.
