Avik Sarkar, PhD
Director, Process & Product Modeling – Large Molecules, Merck & Co., Inc.
Avik Sarkar is a digital leader with 15 years of experience spanning R&D, manufacturing, and digital transformation in pharmaceuticals. He currently serves as Director of the Process & Product Modeling group at Merck, where he drives in-silico predictive tools and digital-twin initiatives supporting commercialization and manufacturing across biologics and vaccines. Among other capabilities, Avik’s team has established mature modeling practices for computational fluid mechanics, lyophilization, developed digital models and digital twins for bioreactors, chromatography, and end-to-end plant flowsheets. Avik and his team are spearheading efforts to integrate new AI/ML technologies with classical physics-based, first-principles approaches to develop more powerful, hybrid modeling solutions (mechanistic + AI/ML). Prior to joining Merck, Avik led modeling and cross-functional digital strategy efforts in Pfizer small-molecules R&D, developing his expertise in CMC, modeling, digitalization, and regulatory advocacy. Avik received his PhD from Purdue University and pursued his post-doctorate fellowship at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in conjunction with Princeton University, and has co-authored over 35 publications.