**Job Description** The Chemical Engineering Research & Development department (CERD), part of the Process Research and Development organization, is seeking a highly motivated and technically focused individual with chemical engineering experiences with applications in microbial fermentation operations and downstream bioprocess development to support manufacturing of enzymatic catalysts for small molecule drug substance applications. Through direct, lab-based contributions and scientific supervision of a biochemical team, the Associate Principal Scientist collaborates with cross-functional teams to deliver manufacturing enzyme processes that meet target yield, activity, and purity to ensure clinical and commercial drug substance needs. This individual will play a critical role in enhancing internal technical capabilities by mentoring junior staff and advancing the functionalities of our fermentation and downstream processing in the laboratory, while also facilitating the transfer of technologies to commercial manufacturing settings. The successful candidate will employ data-rich experimentation and process modeling techniques to analyze experimental data, identify trends, and draw actionable insights that drive efficiency and yield improvements. Additionally, the candidate will utilize Quality Risk Management methodologies and statistical design of experiment tools to ensure robust manufacturing. The scientist is expected to maintain a strong focus on safety and quality compliance, which includes adhering to current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs), participating in risk assessments, investigating deviations, and following Good Documentation Practices (GDPs). A high level of innovation, creativity, and self-initiative along with the ability to plan and organize activities are expected. Successful candidates will be required to communicate regularly, clearly, and effectively as they discuss technical problems, support benchtop and kilo-scale operations, and interface with cross-functional colleagues and stakeholders. **Required Experience and Skills:** + For BS/MS candidates, at least 8 years of relevant work experience post-graduation - OR – for PhD candidates with at least 4 years of relevant work experience post PhD defense, where relevant work experience would include the following: + Experience and knowledge in microbial fermentation and downstream process development and optimization. + Demonstrations of performing lab-based research and process development with high throughput bioreactor systems, benchtop scale bioreactors, and/or production scale bioreactors. + Experience with the design, optimization, and scale-up of product separation technologies common in protein manufacturing, such as centrifugation, flocculation, and/or filtration. + Examples of process understanding, optimization, or scale-up using data-rich experimentation or model-based approaches. + Demonstrated capability to develop and execute an experimental program to address issues of process design, robustness, and productivity. + Ability to mentor technical staff in the laboratory and through data analysis. + Highly effective communication and collaboration skills. + Good organizational, interpersonal, writing, and time management skills. + Lead and operate within a cross-functional process development team. **Preferred Experience and Skills:** + Knowledge of concepts and application of ICH, cGMP and GDP during pharmaceutical drug substance development and production. + Direct experience with pharmaceutical small molecule drug substance development with exposure to reaction, separations, and crystallization unit operations. + Experience applying statistical experimental design (i.e. Design of Experiments) and analyses in chemical process development. + Experience with risk assessments, process characterization, validation, and regulatory authoring. + Proven track record of technical innovation and sharing of this work internally and externally via publications and conference presentations. Current Employees apply HERE (https://wd5.myworkday.com/msd/d/task/1422$6687.htmld) Current Contingent Workers apply HERE (https://wd5.myworkday.com/msd/d/task/1422$4020.htmld) **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 (https://survey.sogosurvey.com/r/aCdfqL) 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: EEOC Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/22-088\_EEOC\_KnowYourRights\_10\_20.pdf) EEOC GINA Supplement​ Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination (https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/OFCCP/pdf/pay-transp\_%20English\_formattedESQA508c.pdf) 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. Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts (https://www.msdprivacy.com/us/en/CCPA-notice/) **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: $139,600.00 - $219,700.00 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 (https://www.benefitsatmerck.com/) . **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/s **Job Posting End Date:** 03/31/2025 ***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:** R337061