Clinical Director, Oncology Early Development - Military Veterans

Job Description

Director - Fermentation Operation (P5)

The Continuous & Expression Technologies (CET) group is seeking a Director to lead a microbial fermentation operation team to support process development and characterization efforts for engineered enzymes. As part of the Process Research & Development - Enabling Technologies team, we are tasked with introducing and advancing technologies to benefit the expression of diverse biomolecules, including the discovery and development of novel biotherapeutics and vaccines, as well as a particular focus on our pipeline of engineered enzymes. Our modality-agnostic team works closely with scientists across our company to advance science and technologies with the goal of improving human health.

The ideal candidate for this position should be a recognized expert in the field, with demonstrated expertise in process development for engineered enzymes used for biocatalysis. This role involves leading a team of 6-8 scientists and engineers to efficiently conduct small-scale fermentation runs and downstream purifications processes (250mL-20L). The team will work with other cross-functional groups to execute process development and characterization experiments, addressing challenges throughout the entire lifecycle of enzyme manufacturing, from discovery to commercial supply. As the manager of the team, the selected candidate will be responsible for recruiting and mentoring team members on their professional development, including setting priorities and providing constructive feedback. The candidate is also expected to provide hands-on technical guidance in the lab to ensure the effective training and operation of any newly joined members.

Furthermore, the chosen candidate should possess effective interpersonal, communication and collaboration skills, and should embrace and model our core values of diversity, equity and inclusion and foster a supportive culture where all employees can thrive.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Act as a subject matter expert in process development and characterization of engineered enzymes for biocatalysis.
• Oversee a group of 6-8 scientists and engineers in conducting small-scale fermentation and downstream operations.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to implement process development and characterization experiments throughout all phases of enzyme engineering and production, with the ultimate aim of delivering robust scalable manufacturing processes.
• Lead the recruitment, mentoring, and professional growth of team members, including establishing priorities, delivering feedback, and other managerial tasks.
• Provide practical, hands-on technical support in the lab to ensure effective training and smooth operations for new team members.
• Partner with functional area project teams and subject matter experts to establish and implement the scientific strategy for process development and technology innovation.
• Working collaboratively to identify issues and solutions to ensure project deliverables.
• Coordinating cross-functional resources to support operations workflows.
• Manage operations master schedule for seamless batch execution.
• Cultivate a culture of operational excellence and right-first-time execution.
• Contributing to a safe and compliant laboratory work environment.

Education Minimum Requirement:

• BS, MS, or PhD in Chemical Engineering, biological sciences, microbiology or a related field.
• Extensive academic or industrial experience in product, process, or technology development:

o BS +10 years

o MS +8 years

o PhD +5 years

Requirements:

• Extensive experience and proficiency in fermentation process development and optimization, with practical knowledge on different small-scale bioreactors such as Ambr250HT, 1-5L benchtop, and lab-scale stainless steel fermenters (20L).
• Knowledge and experience in downstream process development, such as homogenization, flocculation, microfiltration, ultrafiltration, and lyophilization.
• Proven experience in people management.
• Excellent problem solving skills to tackle both technical and non-technical challenges.
• Ability to devise and implement new methods and processes, including process scale-up and scale-down.
• Demonstrated proficiency in leading collaborative multidisciplinary teams.
• Outstanding communication and organizational skills.
• Proven written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with drug development cycle, especially the CMC (Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Control) aspects, with skills to advance our digital efforts in this area.
• Knowledge of biocatalysis, protein engineering, biotherapeutics, and/or vaccines is advantageous.

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.

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

EEOC GINA Supplement

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination

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

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:
$169,700.00 - $267,200.00

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 .

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:
Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:
No

Hazardous Material(s):
n/a

Job Posting End Date:
02/28/2025
*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.