Sr. Scientist, Analytical R&D

Job Description

Position Summary
We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Scientist to join the Biologics Potency team within Cell-Based Sciences (CBS), Analytical Research and Development (AR&D) at our company’s Research Laboratories in Rahway, New Jersey.

The successful candidate will be responsible for developing, pre-qualifying, assessing robustness, executing, and transferring immunoassays and cell-based potency assays to characterize the biological activity of a range of biologic modalities, including antibodies, multifunctional proteins, peptide therapeutics, antibody-drug conjugates, and novel biologics. A key component of this role is the design and implementation of digital and automation solutions to enhance assay performance, data quality, and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot cell-based potency assays and immunoassays for biologics.

• Design and execute pre-qualification and robustness studies in support of assay validation and lifecycle management.

• Plan and execute cell-based potency and immunoassays, including stability studies and routine sample testing to support ongoing programs.

• Transfer assays to internal and external partners, including drafting protocols, training, and providing technical support as needed.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., Discovery, Process Development, Quality) to support biologics development from early to late stages.

• Maintain accurate, complete, and compliant laboratory records and documentation.

• Contribute to the preparation of technical reports, regulatory submissions, and responses to health authority questions.

• Use and design digital and automation solutions (e.g., electronic laboratory workflows, data analysis tools, automated liquid handling) to increase efficiency, robustness, and data integrity.

Educational Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, or a related field;
  OR M.S. in Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, or a related field with 5+ years of relevant industrial or academic experience;
  OR B.S. in Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, or a related field with 8+ years of relevant industrial or academic experience.

Required Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with cell-based assays and immunoassays (e.g., reporter gene assays, proliferation assays, ELISA, flow cytometry-based assays).

• Strong understanding of biological potency concepts, assay development, and assay performance characterization (e.g., accuracy, precision, linearity, specificity).

• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and attention to detail in experimental design, execution, and data analysis.

• Ability to work independently and effectively in cross-functional and matrixed team environments.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to document and present scientific data clearly.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience with potency assay validation and implementation in a GxP or regulated environment.

• Experience with automation and digital data workflows (e.g., automated liquid handlers, high-throughput platforms, scripting or data analysis tools such as R, Python, Spotfire, or similar).

• Experience supporting regulatory filings for biologics (e.g., IND, BLA, MAA) or interacting with health authorities.

#AR&D

Required Skills:

Accountability, Adaptability, Analytical Method Development, Assay Development, Bioanalytical Analysis, Biochemical Assays, Cell-Based Assays, Chromatographic Techniques, Communication, GMP Environments, Innovative Thinking, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Analysis, Process Analytical Technology (PAT), Strategic Thinking, Team Management, Technical Writing, Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC)

Preferred Skills:

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 another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.

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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

$117,000.00 - $184,200.00

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 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. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.

You can apply for this role through https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (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:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

N/A

Job Posting End Date:

03/9/2026

*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.