Job Details
Merck & Co, Inc
2022 Vaccine Process R&D Bioreactor Platform Development Co-op
Job Description
New hires in office-based roles in the US & Puerto Rico will be required, subject to applicable law, to demonstrate that they have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19 or qualify for a medical or religious exemption to this vaccination requirement that can be accommodated without an undue burden to the operation. However, subject to applicable law, employees working in roles that the Company determines require routine collaboration with external stakeholders, such as employees in customer facing commercial or research-based roles, will be required to be fully vaccinated as a condition of employment.
The Future Talent Program features Cooperative (Co-op) education that lasts up to 6 months and will include one or more projects. These opportunities in our
Research & Development Division can provide you with great development and a chance to see if we are the right company for your long-term goals.
General Overview:
Applications are sought for a scientific co-op opportunity in Vaccine Process Research and Development. The candidate will work within the Vaccine Process Development department and with upstream live virus vaccines teams to evaluate the use of various bioreactor formats and processes for optimizing cell growth and maximizing live virus productivity with suspension mammalian cell cultures.
Specific Job Requirements:
The successful candidate will work on an interdisciplinary team specializing in platform development for mammalian cell culture bioprocesses, with the objective of evaluating bioreactor systems and optimizing current processes to produce live virus vaccine candidates. Under direction of the project mentor, the candidate will utilize established stirred tank bioreactor (STR) processes as a benchmark to evaluate the relative performance of rocker style bioreactors, while also optimizing cell growth through implementation of different manufacturing processes. Once established, the candidate will then leverage these cellular bioprocess learnings to focus on increasing productivity for live virus vaccines. The candidate will gain a more in-depth understanding of multiple cell culture processes and bioprocess control strategies, including hands-on experience with a diverse set of different bioreactor technology platforms.
The candidate is expected to function in a multi-disciplinary collaborative team environment. They will be expected to demonstrate the ability to communicate results of their work in both verbal and written formats. In addition to the core responsibilities outlined above, the candidate will be expected to keep careful notes, comply with all required training, and maintain a focused attention on laboratory safety for themselves and their team.
Required Education and Experience:
Candidates must be enrolled in a minimum of a BS/BA in: Chemical/Bio Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Life Sciences, or relevant discipline.
Candidates must be available to work full-time for up to 6 months.
Candidates must be enrolled in a co-op program at their college / university.
Candidates must be highly motivated and driven. Willing to take initiative to learn new science and excited to implement innovative technologies.
Candidates must be strong team players. Candidate should be able to balance the needs of multiple disciplines when implementing innovative technologies.
Candidates must be comfortable using a PC computer and proficient in Windows-based operating systems and basic applications, such as spreadsheets and databases, at a minimum.
Candidates must have excellent oral and written communication skills.
Candidates must have strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Preferred Experience and Skills:
Candidates should have experience with aseptic techniques and manipulations (e.g., working in biosafety cabinets)
Candidates should have experience with mammalian cell culture (shake flasks and/or bioreactor systems)
Candidates should have experience with basic in-process cell culture assays (e.g., cell counting, microscopy/imaging, metabolite analysis)
Candidates should have current G.P.A of 3.0 or higher
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.
Who we are …
We are known as Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey, USA in the United States and Canada and MSD everywhere else. For more than a century, we have been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world's most challenging diseases. Today, our company continues to be at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions and advance the prevention and treatment of diseases that threaten people and animals around the world.
What we look for …
Imagine getting up in the morning for a job as important as helping to save and improve lives around the world. Here, you have that opportunity. You can put your empathy, creativity, digital mastery, or scientific genius to work in collaboration with a diverse group of colleagues who pursue and bring hope to countless people who are battling some of the most challenging diseases of our time. Our team is constantly evolving, so if you are among the intellectually curious, join us—and start making your impact today.
FTP2022
MRL2022
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.
For more information about personal rights under Equal Employment Opportunity, visit:
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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. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.
Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully
Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Kenilworth, 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:
Intern/Co-op (Fixed Term)Relocation:
No relocationVISA Sponsorship:
NoTravel Requirements:
No Travel RequiredFlexible Work Arrangements:
Not SpecifiedShift:
Valid Driving License:
Hazardous Material(s):
Number of Openings:
1Requisition ID:R178158