Principal Scientist, Cell Line Development and Molecular Biology

Job Description

New hires in office-based roles in the US & Puerto Rico will be required, subject to applicable law, to demonstrate that they have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19 or qualify for a medical or religious exemption to this vaccination requirement that can be accommodated without an undue burden to the operation. However, subject to applicable law, employees working in roles that the Company determines require routine collaboration with external stakeholders, such as employees in customer facing commercial or research based roles, will be required to be fully vaccinated as a condition of employment."

In April 2020, Our Company announced plans to consolidate our New Jersey campuses into a single New Jersey headquarters located in Rahway, NJ by 2023. Therefore, this role will be temporarily based and an exact timing of the departmental move to Rahway, NJ will be communicated at a future date.

Our Clinical Research and Pharmacovigilance team push the boundaries of global healthcare through research and innovation. Through clinical trials and surveillance, we ensure the safety and efficacy of our existing and pipeline products to produce safe, effective, innovative medicine.

Process Cell Sciences (PCS) is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Principal Scientist to help develop and characterize early and late stage mammalian commercial cell lines to support innovative biological pipeline projects.

Position Description:

The successful candidate should have industrial experience related to commercial CHO cell line development. Candidate must have an in-depth understanding of cell biology/molecular biology and hands-on experience of molecular sub-cloning, vector design, mammalian culture and single cell cloning. Candidate should demonstrate and stay up to date on the knowledge in genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and genome editing technologies. Candidate must have experience in executing complex study designs requiring highly organized data collection and management.

Primary Responsibilities:
Serve as the subject matter expert in cell line development and technical lead to represent functional area for biologics pipeline programs
Work independently, including proactive planning, trouble shooting and successful execution of complex experimental protocols for cell line development and technology assessment
Complete and effectively manage multiple projects within timelines ensuring that all tasks and responsibilities are carried out according to high scientific and ethical standards.
Interface and collaborate with other functional teams in Discovery, Process development, Analytics, Operation, CRO/CMO outsourcing in the planning, execution, and technical troubleshooting.
Responsible for technical reports and relevant sessions of IND filing.
Mentor and cross-train colleagues in in cell line development workflow.
Publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals and external/internal presentations are expected.

Position Qualifications:

Education Minimum Requirement:
PhD in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics or related Biological Sciences with a minimum of 5 years of cell line development or related experience in industry
MS in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics or related Biological Sciences with a minimum of 8 years of cell line development or related experience in industry
BS in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics or related Biological Sciences with a minimum of 10 years of cell line development or related experience in industry

Required Experience and Skills:
Experienced in developing commercial cell line development (CLD) for recombinant protein expression. Can independently execute end-to-end cell line development project from vector construction to top clone identification and clone stability assessment.
Experienced in coordinate CLD responsibilities for pipeline project and ensure timely communication between CLD and other functional areas within CMC team.
Excellent project leadership skills in driving for results and innovation. Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work in team environment.
Strong knowledge and record of scientific skills in molecular biology, mammalian cell cultures, gene editing. Experienced in vector optimization and/or CHO host cell engineering.
Experienced in IND filing and preparing relevant documentation
Excellent oral and written communication skills

Preferred Experience and Skills:
Strong management and leadership experience
Experienced in FACS sorting or Beacon Optofluidic System (Berkeley Lights) or any other single cell cloning method for cell line development.
Experienced in automation and liquid handling equipment (e.g. Ambr minibioreactor, Tecan).
Experienced in biomarker screening, next generation sequencing (NGS), single cell analysis, System Biology (e.g. transcriptomics, proteomics) and bioinformatics analysis tools.
Experienced in GMP cell banking and cell bank characterization.
Expertise of database and statistical software (e.g. Excel, JMP).
Strong publication and/or conference presentation record

We are a research-driven biopharmaceutical company. Our mission is built on the simple premise that if we "follow the science" that great medicines can make a significant impact to our world. We believe that a research-driven enterprise dedicated to world-class science can succeed by inventing medicine and vaccine innovations that make a difference for patients across the globe.

Who we are ...

We are known as Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey, USA in the United States and Canada and MSD everywhere else. For more than a century, we have been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world's most challenging diseases. Today, our company continues to be at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions and advance the prevention and treatment of diseases that threaten people and animals around the world.

What we look for ...

Imagine getting up in the morning for a job as important as helping to save and improve lives around the world. Here, you have that opportunity. You can put your empathy, creativity, digital mastery, or scientific genius to work in collaboration with a diverse group of colleagues who pursue and bring hope to countless people who are battling some of the most challenging diseases of our time. Our team is constantly evolving, so if you are among the intellectually curious, join us-and start making your impact today.

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 separation package, then you are no longer eligible for your separation benefits package. To discuss in more detail, please contact your HRBP or Talent Acquisition Advisor.

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. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.

Residents of Colorado

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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.

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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. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully
Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Kenilworth, 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:
No

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Number of Openings:
1