Associate Principal Scientist (Computational), Process & Product Modeling - Large Molecules

Job Description

Join our Company's Process & Product Modeling Team as an Associate Principal Scientist, where you will lead the development of advanced computational models that accelerate the development and commercialization of biologics, vaccines, sterile liquids, and other large-molecule therapies. This role offers a unique opportunity to apply your expertise to optimize complex manufacturing processes and directly impact patient health worldwide.

The initial focus of this role will be on downstream processes such as mechanistic chromatography modeling, filtration, end-to-end process flowsheets, and engineering models (mass, momentum, energy transport, chemical/biochemical reaction kinetics, digital twins, etc.) applicable to biologics and vaccines. Experience in these modeling methods is desired, but candidates with willingness and capability to grow in these areas are also encouraged to apply. In addition, the successful candidate will have opportunities to grow their knowledge into new areas, including model-based process controls, plant and process-economics (including facility fit, cadence, scheduling, and cost optimization), bioreactor kinetics and metabolomics, population balance models, data driven models, digital twin and other modeling approaches.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary scientists and engineers to create end-to-end predictive models that support drug substance and drug product manufacturing operations.

• Develop and apply mechanistic and data-driven models especially chromatography, and including filtration, process flowsheets, process economics, and digital twins to solve real-world manufacturing challenges encountered during commercialization of new biologics and vaccines.

• Drive innovation by championing computational tools that reduce costs, minimize experimental batches, shorten timelines, and improve product quality and process robustness. Communicate complex modeling insights clearly to project teams and leadership, translating results into actionable experimental and manufacturing strategies.

• Lead the deployment of computational solutions using commercial software, open-source tools, and proprietary models you help develop.

• Work independently with minimal supervision, managing multiple projects and timelines effectively.

• Present your work at internal meetings, scientific conferences, and contribute to publications.

• Lead collaborations with external partners such as universities, research organizations, and contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs/CDMOs) to advance modeling capabilities.

Locations:

West Point, PA | Rahway, NJ | Greater Dublin Area, Ireland

Required Qualifications:

• PhD with 4+ years or MS with 8+ years of relevant experience in Chemical, Biochemical, Mechanical, Biological, Pharmaceutical Engineering, or related fields.

• Strong research background in computational modeling applied to large-molecule biologics manufacturing.

• Expertise in one or more of the following: mechanistic chromatography modeling (preferred), end-to-end flowsheet/digital twin modeling, plant/process economics, bioreactor kinetics, population balance models, engineering transport models, or data-driven modeling.

• Experience with relevant software tools (e.g., GoSilico, CADET, SuperPro, ASPEN Plus, gPROMS, BioSolve, Dynochem). Proficiency in programming languages such as Python (preferred), Matlab, C/C++, or R.

• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.

• Proven ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.

• Industrial or relevant research experience with biologics, vaccines, or sterile liquid manufacturing processes. Candidate with strong modeling and computational experience in other process industries will also be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated success in applying modeling outcomes in commercial and cGMP environments.

• Familiarity with regulatory filings (BLAs, NDAs) and Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) processes.

• Experience with high-performance computing.

• Strong publication, presentation, or patent record.

• Knowledge of statistical software (Minitab, JMP) and other related modeling techniques such as machine learning (ML) or artificial methods (AI), computational fluid dynamics (CFD), etc.

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 anothers thinking and approach problems collectively.

Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts

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 salary range for this role is

$139,600.00 - $219,700.00

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 employees 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 .

You can apply for this role through (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.

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:

Hybrid

Shift:

1st - Day

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

n/a

Required Skills:

Adaptability, Adaptability, Biochemical Analysis, Bioprocessing, Communication, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Simulation, Data Analysis, Decision Making, Detail-Oriented, High Performance Computing (HPC), Maintenance Supervision, Manufacturing Processes, Manufacturing Process Validation, Manufacturing Quality Control, Manufacturing Scale-Up, MATLAB, Mentorship, Open-Source, Open Source Software (OOS), Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Pharmaceutical Process Engineering, Process Improvements, Protein Purifications, Python (Programming Language) {+ 5 more}

Preferred Skills:

Job Posting End Date:

08/16/2025

*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.