Associate Scientist Fellow - Biologics Research & Development

Job Description

Join the Legacy: Biologics Research & Development Department’s Postdoctoral Research Fellow Opportunity

Our Research Laboratories’ Postdoctoral Research Fellow Program is designed to provide postdoctoral researchers with an academic focus in a commercial environment. With the resources, reach, and expertise of a leading pharmaceutical company, postdoctoral researchers are positioned to excel in an institution committed to breakthrough innovation in research and discovery.

Biologics Process Research & Development (BPR&D) within our Research & Development Division is hosting this multi-year Posdoctoral Research Fellow.  BPR&D is on a mission to rapidly deliver 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 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.

This job posting covers opportunities for the Biologics Upstream Process Development group.  We are actively looking for a highly motivated candidate with a passion for applying systems biology tools and process development methods to help us improve process understanding for a key pipeline project.

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated scientist to fill a postdoctoral fellowship position in Biologics Process Research & Development. This is an exciting opportunity to conduct research in an industry setting at the intersection of process development, systems biology, and analytical science.

The successful candidate will work on a multidisciplinary research program aimed at improving understanding of biologics manufacturing processes and their impact on process performance and product quality. Specifically, this project seeks improved mechanistic understanding of the effect of process mode differences on cellular metabolism, product quality attributes, and process performance. The role will involve collaboration with scientists across multiple functions and the use of experimental and data-driven approaches to generate actionable insights.

This position offers the opportunity and expectation to contribute to scientific publications and presentations while gaining valuable experience in biologics development and process science. The successful candidate will deepen the team's scientific understanding of biologics process development while preparing for a successful career in biotechnology and pharmaceutical development.  The duration of this project could extend up to 3 years depending on the progress demonstrated.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Design, execute, and interpret research studies related to biologics manufacturing and process development
• Develop and manage an independent research project while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams
• Investigate relationships among process conditions, cell culture performance, and product characteristics
• Apply analytical, molecular, and biological methods to generate and interpret data
• Integrate and analyze multiple data types using statistical and computational tools to identify trends, hypotheses, and process insights
• Develop mechanistic hypotheses and experimental strategies to support process improvement
• Present research findings at internal and external scientific forums and in peer-reviewed journals
• Stay current with scientific literature and emerging developments in the field

Education Minimum Requirement:

• Must currently hold a Ph.D. or
• Receive a Ph.D. no later than June 2027
• Ph.D. in Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Systems Biology, Molecular Biology, or related discipline.

Required Experience and Skills:

• 0+ years of post-PhD relevant academic or industrial experience.
• Interest in biologics manufacturing, cell culture, or bioprocess development
• Strong record of scientific achievement, including publications and presentations
• Hands-on experience with molecular and cellular biology techniques, including cell culture, functional assays, and mechanistic studies
• Strong analytical, statistical, and quantitative skills
• Ability to work independently in a collaborative environment
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Creativity, scientific curiosity, and strong problem-solving ability
• Knowledge of recombinant protein expression, metabolic pathways, biochemistry, and cell culture
• Understanding of basic bioreactor principles, mass transfer kinetics
• Understanding of cell & molecular biology

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• History of external presentations and/or publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Experience with mammalian cell culture or recombinant protein production
• Familiarity with biologics manufacturing or process development environments
• Experience with cellular stress biology, redox biology, metabolism, or related scientific areas
• Experience working with transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, single-cell datasets or bioinformatics analyses
• Proficiency with data analysis tools such as R, Python, Prism, or similar software

postdoctoralopportunities

The salary range for this role is: $82,000-$92,000

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this 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.

Required Skills:

Biochemistry, Biological Manufacturing, Biologics, Cell Biology, Cell Culture Techniques, Data Analysis, Drug Development, Mammalian Cell Culture, Programming Languages, Systems Biology

Preferred Skills:

Bioreactor Operation, Enzyme Assays

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

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:

Domestic

VISA Sponsorship:

Yes

Travel Requirements:

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

N/A

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.