Scientist, Preclinical Dev.

Job Summary Vaccines and Advanced Biotechnologies Process R&D (VaxPRD) is responsible for the development and clinical manufacturing of Drug Substance (DS) and Drug Product Intermediates (DPI) for the vaccine and advanced therapy pipeline, spanning from preclinical to commercialization stages. The role focuses on upstream process development of vaccine candidates, including planning, execution, and critical evaluation of lab‑scale studies to develop robust, efficient, scalable processes and support transfer to clinical or commercial manufacturing facilities. Key Responsibilities Design, execute, and analyze process development experiments to maximize understanding of cell culture and fermentation processes. Perform laboratory bench work (e.g., shake flasks, bench‑scale and pilot‑scale bioreactors) to optimize and troubleshoot cell culture and fermentation processes. Apply data analysis and basic data‑science/modeling approaches (statistics, design of experiments) to design experiments, interpret datasets, and support process understanding and optimization. Contribute to the development and scale‑up of upstream processes from lab‑scale to pilot‑scale and support technology transfer to manufacturing scale. Perform upstream unit operations as needed, including cell culture, fermentation, centrifugation, filtration, and in‑process assays. Maintain and coordinate raw material and equipment inventories; ensure equipment is operated and maintained safely and compliantly. Prepare clear technical reports and presentations to summarize and communicate experimental results and recommendations. Mentor and provide technical guidance to contract staff or new hires in laboratory techniques and best practices, as appropriate. Keep accurate, detailed laboratory records; comply with all required training and maintain a strong focus on laboratory and facility safety. Education Minimum requirement: BS or MS in a relevant field (Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biotechnology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, or related biological sciences). Required Experience and Skills BS: at least two years of post‑graduate experience in a bioprocess/biotechnology‑related position (vaccines and/or therapeutic proteins). MS: at least one year of post‑graduate experience in a bioprocess/biotechnology‑related position (vaccines and/or therapeutic proteins) or relevant academic research thesis. Strong scientific understanding of fermentation and/or cell culture processes with hands‑on experience in bioprocess development. Excellent scientific understanding of cell biology relevant to vaccine production, including cell metabolism and molecular biology. Proficiency with bench‑scale bioreactors, shake flasks, or other cell propagation systems for optimization of cell culture or fermentation processes. Demonstrated ability to perform quantitative data analysis (e.g., statistical analysis using software tools for data handling and visualization). Ability to work independently and as part of a team; strong self‑motivation, adaptability, and a positive attitude. Excellent organization, interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills. Willingness to work with infectious agents and/or pathogens. Willingness to travel occasionally and to work off‑hours/weekends as needed to support operations or technology transfer. Preferred Experience and Skills Experience with data science and modeling tools (statistics, design of experiments, Python or similar scripting for data analysis and modeling). Prior experience with lab‑scale (5 L–200 L) bioreactors. Prior experience in optimizing recombinant protein expression (quality and quantity of product). Direct experience with upstream bioprocess unit operations (cell culture, bioreactors, centrifugation, filtration, in‑process analytics) in an industrial environment. Experience applying PAT for monitoring upstream bioprocesses. Experience applying systems‑biology approaches (e.g., omics) to increase process understanding and/or solve upstream bioprocess challenges. Sound understanding of process scale‑up principles. Prior experience with fermentation bioprocesses (e.g., E. coli, yeast) or mammalian bioprocesses (e.g., CHO, HEK293, Vero). Required Skills Adaptability, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Bioprocess Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Data Analysis, Innovation, Laboratory Analytical Techniques, Materials Science, Molecular Biology, Molecular Cloning, Product Development, Protein Purifications, Strategic Planning, Trend Knowledge. Preferred Skills Current employees apply via internal portal; contingent workers apply via external portal. Benefits Salary range: $87,300.00 – $137,400.00. Eligible for annual bonus and long‑term incentive, if applicable. We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, 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 Working Conditions May require occasional travel, off‑hour/weekend work, and willingness to work with infectious agents and/or pathogens. Location San Francisco residents only. Los Angeles residents only. Job posted for U.S. and Puerto Rico residents. Equal Opportunity Attorney 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 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 EEOC Know Your Rights EEOC GINA Supplement. Contact and Application You can apply for this role through (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). #J-18808-Ljbffr MSD Malaysia