Principal Scientist / Director, GLOBAL REGULATORY CMC Biologics

Job Description

Under general supervision of an Executive Director/Senior Director, the Principal Scientist /Director is responsible for developing and implementing Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) regulatory strategies for our organization's biologics product franchises in accordance with domestic and international regulations and guidance.  The Principal Scientist is responsible for the leading the preparation and submission of CMC sections for commercial or new biologics products. The Principal Scientist will lead the development and the implementation of internal regulatory strategies and provides mentoring and coaching to Sr. Scientist and Assoc Principal scientist in support of their assigned projects.

Position Description 

The Principal Scientist / Director responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Serve as a Regulatory CMC Project Lead and provide CMC Regulatory leadership within Regulatory and on cross-functional teams for the assigned biological products in development or commercial products.

• In depth knowledge and application of global CMC guidelines regarding IND/BLAs or post approval changes.

• The CMC Project Lead is accountable for the delivery of all regulatory milestones for higher complexity products including assessment of the probability of regulatory success together with risk mitigation measures.

• Lead the development, communication, and review of the CMC Regulatory Strategy Document for projects of increasing complexity.

• Lead development and execution of detailed, global regulatory submissions of INDs, BLAs or post approval change documentation according to defined timelines.

• Manage execution of CMC documentation including IND/CTA, original BLA/MAA, or Post Approval Life Cycle, including agency background packages and response to health authority questions per established business processes and systems.

• Collaborate with partner groups in critical review of submissions to ensure compliance, scientific excellence, accuracy and completeness of submissions.

• Resolve complex project issues through collaboration with the team and cross functional partners and provide recommendations to Regulatory CMC leadership team as appropriate.

• Provide regulatory leadership as needed in product in-license/due diligence review, product divestment and product withdrawal.

• Support new technology development.

• Demonstrate an understanding of regulatory affairs and applies this understanding to the benefit of the company to ensure the approval or continued market supply of biologics products worldwide.

• Conduct all activities with an unwavering focus on compliance.

• May need to manage or mentor junior team members. 

Technical Skills:

• Proven experience in critically reviewing detailed scientific information and assessing whether technical arguments are presented clearly and conclusions are adequately supported by data.

• Demonstrated superior oral and written communication skills in multicultural settings and ability to communicate complex issues in a succinct and logical manner.  Strong listening skills.

• Demonstrated sound understanding of related fields (e.g., manufacturing, analytical, quality assurance) and the ability to be creative and imaginative in the approach to new and diverse problem solving.  

Leadership Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to generate innovative solutions to complex regulatory problems and effectively work with and communicate to key stakeholders.

• Demonstrated flexibility in responding to changing priorities or dealing with unexpected events.

• Demonstrated effective leadership, communication, interpersonal and negotiating skills in particular with cross functional partners and health authorities.

Education Minimum Requirement: 

• B.S. in a biological science, engineering, or a related field (advanced degree preferred).   Fields of study include Biology, Microbiology, Virology, Molecular Biology, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or Biochemistry.

Required Experience and Skills:  

• At least ten years of relevant experience including biologics or vaccine Regulatory CMC, or development; manufacturing, testing, or licensure of biological products; or closely related fields. 

• The candidate must be proficient in English; additional language skills are a plus.

• The candidate may be required to travel on a periodic basis.

• Regulatory CMC experience in ADC, bioconjugate, multi-specific/fusion proteins

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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:

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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:

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

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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. 

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