Senior Scientist – Biologics Potency, Cell Based Sciences, AR&D Full-time

Senior Scientist, Biologics Potency Team

The Analytical Research & Development of our company Research Laboratories is seeking a highly motivated senior scientist to join the Biologics Potency team within the Cell-Based Sciences in Rahway, New Jersey. The qualified candidate will be responsible for potency bioassay development, method design and optimization, non-GMP qualification and robustness, and method transfer to GxP testing laboratories, to assess the biological activity of various biologics modalities such as therapeutic proteins, monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, and/or complex modality-based products.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and optimize immune binding assays and cell-based assays for biologics development.
• Conduct non-GMP qualification and robustness study to support assay validation.
• Support method transfers to internal and external GxP laboratories.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support biologics development.
• Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory records.
• Contribute to the preparation of regulatory submissions and technical reports.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Ph.D. in cell biology, immunology, biochemistry, molecular biology or a related field, OR
• M.S. in cell biology, immunology or a related field with a minimum of five years of relevant industry experience, OR
• B.S in cell biology, immunology or a related field with a minimum of eight years of relevant industry experience.

Required Experience:

• Hands-on experience with cell-based assays.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Collaborative.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Preferred Experience:

• Hands-on experience with immunoassays.
• Basic understanding of biological potency and assay development.

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.

Required Skills: Adaptability, Analytical Method Development, Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADC), Assay Development, Bioanalytical Analysis, Biochemical Assays, Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Cell-Based Assays, Chromatographic Techniques, GMP Environments, Immunoassays, Immunochemistry, Immunology, Immunotherapy, Innovative Thinking, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Monoclonal Antibodies, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Analysis, Polyclonal Antibody Production, Process Analytical Technology (PAT), Strategic Thinking, Technical Writing.

Preferred Skills: Current Employees apply HERE. Current Contingent Workers apply HERE.

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. 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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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: No

Travel Requirements: No Travel Required

Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable

Shift: Not Indicated

Valid Driving License: No

Hazardous Material(s): N/A

Job Posting End Date: 02/20/2026

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