Associate Director, Upstream Technical Operations Lead

About the role

MSD is looking for an Associate Director, Upstream Technical Operations Lead to join its biologics manufacturing facility in Dunboyne. The role holds end-to-end technical, manufacturing and people accountability for a complex, growing biologics program and reports directly to the Upstream Technical Operations Director as part of the MSAT function. It leads a team of scientists and engineers delivering day-to-day manufacturing support across the upstream process, from media preparation and cell culture to bioreactor operations, harvest and process monitoring.

Key responsibilities

• Maintain end-to-end technical ownership of the assigned biologics program, from technology transfer and PPQ execution through to commercial lifecycle management.
• Act as a core member of the Upstream technical leadership team, helping shape the site's technical strategy and execution standards.
• Provide visible, floor-based technical support to resolve real-time manufacturing issues, set priorities and decision-making frameworks for deviation investigations and change implementation, and proactively identify and escalate manufacturing risks.
• Lead, coach and develop a team of upstream scientists, engineers, SMEs and subteam leads, fostering continuous learning, scientific rigor, engineering excellence and lean-driven improvement.
• Collaborate with Downstream Receiving, Integrated Process Teams, Commercialisation partners and the Global Biologics Organisation, and with Development, Quality, Engineering, Automation, Supply Chain and global technical partners.

Required profile

• Degree (B.S., M.S. or Ph.D.) in a relevant Engineering or Scientific discipline.
• Minimum 8-10 years of experience in biopharmaceutical manufacturing and/or development, with a track record in scientific and technical leadership roles.
• Proven ability to build and lead high-performing technical teams, communicate across a global network and adapt quickly to change.

Required skills

• Biologics drug substance development, technology transfer, PPQ and new product introduction.
• GMP compliance, including regulatory filings, investigations, CAPA management and audit readiness.
• Deep knowledge of cell culture, seed train, bioreactor operations, media/feed strategies, harvest, process equipment and automation.
• Business acumen, resource allocation and stakeholder management.