Associate Principal Scientist – Downstream Vaccines and Advanced Biotechnologies Process R&D

Job Title

Associate Principal Scientist – Downstream Process

West Point, PA

Join the Vaccine and Advanced Biotechnologies (VAX) Process R&D department in our Research & Development Division. You will support downstream process development for vaccine programs at our West Point, PA site.

• Lead downstream process design and development for conjugate vaccine candidates.
• Design, execute, and analyze process development experiments to maximize conjugate vaccine production, de‑risking later stage development and tech transfer.
• Represent the functional area in cross‑functional and strategic teams engaged in vaccine development.
• Lead tech transfer of vaccine bioconjugation processes for clinical and commercial manufacture.
• Serve as scientific/technical mentor for junior staff, providing guidance across downstream bioprocess/bioconjugation development.
• Support strategic initiatives and innovation in vaccine and advanced biotechnology process development.
• Analyze experiments through analytical techniques including HPLC, light scattering, and spectroscopy.
• Interpret data, prepare manuscripts and patents, and present findings.

• BS, MS, or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or Biotechnology.
• BS candidates: at least eight (8) years of experience in a pharmaceutical or biotechnology‑related position.
• MS candidates: at least five (5) years of experience in a pharmaceutical or biotechnology‑related position.
• PhD candidates: at least three (3) years of experience in a pharmaceutical or biotechnology‑related position.

• Strong scientific and hands‑on understanding of downstream bioprocess/bioconjugation unit operations, biotherapeutic and/or vaccine process development, and scale‑up principles.
• At least five (5) years of hands‑on laboratory experience in downstream bioprocess/bioconjugation development.
• Prior experience with statistical design of experiments (DOE) and/or algorithmic process optimization.
• Strong understanding of cGMP manufacturing.
• Ability to work effectively independently and in a team‑focused environment.
• Well‑developed organizational, record‑keeping, and timeline/resource‑mapping skills.

• Experience with biomolecule conjugation (e.g., conjugate vaccines, antibody‑drug conjugates), conjugation chemistry and downstream bioconjugate processing.
• Experience in leading technical development teams and mentoring others.
• Experience authoring and reviewing CMC regulatory documentation.
• Experience with process and technology transfer.

Travel: 10% required. Some off‑hour work may be needed.

Salary: $ – $ (USD). Eligible for annual bonus and long‑term incentive if applicable.

Benefits:
Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, retirement, 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, compassionate and sick days. More information at

Hybrid Work Model:
Employees will work a hybrid model with three on‑site days per week (Monday‑Thursday) and one remote day (Friday). Hybrid work does not apply to remote or field‑based positions.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, Merck provides equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits 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.

Requisition : R380997