Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity for an Associate Director, Technical Operations - Drug Substance at our Elkton Site in Elkton, Virginia.

At our company, we aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company, using the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. We are at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals.

Join a purpose-built, agile small molecule manufacturing site where your work will help bring important medicines to patients in the U.S. This facility is designed to move quickly and reliably, receiving technology transfers from commercialization sites and fast-following into production with a focus on quality, safety, and operational excellence.

At our site, you'll be part of a team committed to creating a safe, environmentally responsible, and compliant workplace where people can do their best work. We are building deep small molecule expertise in the U.S., and we want team members who are excited to grow their skills, help improve how we operate, and contribute to a site positioned for future growth.

The successful candidate will provide technical leadership and operational support for the startup, technology transfer, validation, and ongoing commercial manufacture of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).

This role is responsible for leading technical activities across assigned processes and projects, supporting the capital project and facility startup phase through to commercialization and lifecycle management. The Associate Director will ensure safe, compliant, and reliable process performance, while driving continuous improvement and technical excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership

Recognized subject matter expert in Drug Substance process support, and commercial manufacturing
Provide technical oversight and hands-on leadership for API manufacturing processes, including:
- Chemical synthesis
- Purification
- Crystallization and drying operations
Support the Capital Project Team, contributing to design, commissioning, qualification, and startup readiness
Lead process scale-up, technology transfer, and validation (pre-PPQ, PPQ) activities for assigned processes
Drive improvements in process performance, yield, robustness, and impurity control
Provide technical guidance on:
- Process chemistry
- Reaction performance
- Critical process parameters and control strategies
Analyze technical data and support decision-making for process performance and improvements
Identify and escalate risks, proposing practical, science-based solutions

Technology Transfer

Lead and execute technology transfer activities for assigned processes across internal sites and external partners
Support development and execution of tech transfer plans aligned with project timelines
Provide technical support for:
- Raw material evaluation
- Process fit and manufacturability
- Scale-up readiness [
Ensure accurate process documentation, knowledge transfer, and batch record readiness
Support process validation and continued process verification

Operational Excellence

Partner with Manufacturing to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable plant performance
Provide direct technical support to:
- Campaign preparation, execution, and follow-up
- Process troubleshooting during manufacturing
Lead and support deviation investigations, OOS, and CAPA, applying structured root cause analysis
Monitor process performance and cycle times, identifying improvement opportunities
Drive continuous improvement initiatives for yield, cycle time, and cost
Support process optimization and debottlenecking activities

Regulatory & Compliance

Ensure assigned processes operate in compliance with cGMP and regulatory expectations
Support inspection readiness and audit activities
Contribute to regulatory submissions and responses, including data generation and technical input
Ensure data integrity and adherence to quality and safety standards
Maintain compliance from startup through commercial operations

Cross-functional Leadership

Collaborate with Engineering, Capital Projects, R&D, Quality, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing
Act as a technical representative for assigned processes within cross-functional teams
Support technology transfer and process improvements across the network
Participate in interactions with external partners and CMOs as required
Contribute to technical reviews and governance forums

People, Capability & Business Leadership

Lead and develop a team of technical specialists and engineers
Provide coaching, technical guidance, and performance feedback
Support resource planning and execution of departmental priorities
Contribute to budget tracking and departmental administration
Support recruitment, onboarding, and capability development initiatives

Qualifications

Degree (BSc/BEng/Masters) or higher in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline
Significant experience (typically 10+ years) in:
- API process development and/or manufacturing
Strong background in:
- Process chemistry and scale-up
- Process, equipment, and cleaning validation
Working knowledge of:
- cGMP manufacturing operations
- Regulatory expectations and inspection readiness
Experience with:
- Deviation management and investigations
- Electronic batch records and process systems (e.g., DeltaV)
Exposure to capital projects, CQV, and facility startup
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
Ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams and multiple priorities

Our Culture

We keep the patient at the heart of everything we do and strive to deliver solutions for some of the world's most challenging healthcare needs. We believe breakthrough innovation happens when experienced leaders empower talented teams in an inclusive environment.

So, if you are ready to:

Support delivery of new Drug Substance manufacturing capability
Drive operational and technical excellence in API production
Develop your leadership capability in a high-impact environment

…we encourage you to apply.

#ELKVACOE

Required Skills:

Adaptability, Adaptability, Automation Systems, Batch Processing, Biopharmaceutical Industry, Business Management, Capital Project Management, Change Management, Chemical Engineering, Clinical Manufacturing, Commercialization, Data Analysis, Data Integrity, Decision Making, Drug Product Manufacturing, Interpersonal Relationships, Knowledge Transfer, Lean Manufacturing, Manufacturing Scale-Up, Operational Excellence, Process Documentation, Process Optimization, Regulatory Compliance, Root Cause Analysis (RCA), Strategic Thinking {+ 2 more}

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.

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 all 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:

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills 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

The salary range for this role is $142,400.00 - $224,100.00

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.

The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare 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 https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.

PandoLogic. Keywords: Operations Director, Location: Elkton, VA - 22827

Merck

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