Distinguished Scientist, Vaccines & Advanced Biotechnologies Process R&D

Job Description We are seeking an internationally recognized scientific leader to join our Vaccines & Advanced Biotechnologies Process R&D (VAX PR&D) organization as a Distinguished Scientist (Executive Director equivalent) . This is a unique opportunity to drive scientific strategy, advance breakthrough vaccine technologies, and influence the development and commercialization of life‑saving medicines that improve global health. As a key member of the VAX PR&D Leadership Team, you will help define the future of vaccine drug substance development and manufacturing across a diverse and innovative portfolio, spanning established and emerging modalities including protein subunits, polysaccharide conjugates, viral vectors, VLPs, RNA platforms and beyond. Our department is responsible for the process development and clinical manufacturing of drug substances and adjuvant bulk across the entire vaccine pipeline—from preclinical through commercial process development. We are part of the Development Sciences Clinical Supply organization, enabling CMC development and clinical manufacturing for programs that address some of the world’s most pressing health challenges. The Opportunity In this highly visible leadership role, you will serve as the scientific architect for vaccine drug substance process development and clinical manufacturing. You will establish and drive a forward‑looking scientific strategy while enabling the successful progression of our vaccine pipeline. Key Responsibilities Develop and execute a long‑term scientific vision and technology roadmap for vaccine drug substance development and manufacturing. Anticipate emerging scientific and technology trends, integrating new approaches to enhance process performance, speed, and scalability. Champion innovation in areas such as modeling, automation, AI/ML, systems biology, and advanced manufacturing technologies. Partner across Discovery, Development, Commercial Manufacturing, Regulatory, and Marketing organizations to accelerate vaccine development and commercialization. Provide scientific leadership on critical CMC strategies, program decisions, regulatory interactions, and business initiatives. Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders and contribute to enterprise‑wide scientific direction. Expand and strengthen strategic collaborations with leading academic institutions, industry partners, consortia, and global health organizations. Elevate organizational visibility through publications, conference keynote presentations, scientific forums, and thought leadership activities. Represent the organization in due diligence assessments, external partnerships, and scientific advisory engagements. Guide teams through complex scientific and technical challenges across all phases of development and lifecycle management. Provide expert consultation on upstream, downstream, analytical, and manufacturing strategies. Enable successful regulatory submissions and support global market launches. Mentor, coach, and inspire scientists and leaders at all levels. Foster a culture of scientific rigor, innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. Build organizational capabilities that ensure long‑term success and scientific leadership. Required Qualifications Education Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline. Experience Minimum of 15 years of industry experience in vaccine and/or biologics drug substance process development. Deep expertise spanning the full product lifecycle, from early development through commercialization with significant experience in upstream and downstream development. Broad understanding of drug product and analytical development as well as clinical and commercial manufacturing. Experience leading CMC strategies and/or development programs that have resulted in successful regulatory submissions and approvals. Strong understanding of modern development technologies, including modeling, automation, AI/ML, and systems biology. Extensive knowledge of global regulatory frameworks governing vaccine development and manufacturing. Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive strategy across complex, matrixed organizations. Demonstrated success building, mentoring, and developing high‑performing scientific teams. Technical Expertise E. coli Yeast systems

HEK293

Vero CHO Experience across a range of vaccine and biologics modalities, including viral vectors, lentiviral vectors (LVV), RNA‑based technologies, protein subunits, conjugates, and related advanced biologics platforms. Preferred Qualifications Significant contributions to the advancement of vaccine or biologics development and manufacturing. Strong publication record, invited presentations, patents, awards, or professional society recognition. Successful collaborations across industry, academia, or global health organizations. Demonstrated ability to translate emerging science into practical manufacturing and development solutions. Working knowledge of adjuvant development and associated drug product strategies. Proven ability to solve highly complex scientific and organizational challenges through innovation, collaboration, and strategic thinking. Track record of leading through ambiguity, driving transformation, and delivering breakthrough outcomes aligned with business objectives. Why Join Us? Help shape the future of vaccine science and manufacturing. Lead scientific strategies that impact patients around the world. Collaborate with some of the brightest minds across research, development, and manufacturing. Drive innovation across cutting‑edge vaccine platforms and emerging technologies. Mentor and develop the next generation of scientific leaders. Thrive in a culture that values scientific excellence, collaboration, innovation, and continuous growth. Additional Information Required skills include bioprocessing, bioproducts, cross‑functional teamwork, detail‑oriented, evaluating new technologies, exercising judgment, good laboratory practices, innovation, mentoring staff, process scale up, professional networking, protein characterization, protein purifications, scientific analysis, scientific leadership, and strategizing. Preferred skills include a deep understanding of advanced manufacturing technologies and global regulatory frameworks. Salary range: $210,400.00 – $331,100.00 per year. Equity, annual bonus, long‑term incentive, medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid holidays, vacation, compassionate and sick days are part of the comprehensive benefits package. Equal Employment Opportunity 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 legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. US and Puerto Rico residents only. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Merck