Associate Principal Scientist

$135,500 - $213,400/Yr

Merck & Co. - Rahway, NJ

Full-time - Senior

Onsite - Rahway, NJ

1,001-5,000 employees

Chemical Manufacturing

About the position

The Associate Principal Scientist position within the Sterile Product Development (SPD) group at Merck Sharp & Dohme focuses on developing non-oral dosage forms for biologics. The role involves leading innovative approaches in biologics sterile product development, supporting both early and late-stage candidates, and ensuring robust drug product composition and scalable processes. The candidate will engage in strategic leadership, collaborate across functions, and contribute to regulatory filings while maintaining a strong technical background and mentoring capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to innovative approaches for biologics sterile product development.
• Support early and late-stage development candidates, including screening and development of robust drug product composition.
• Build deep fundamental knowledge around the drug product to ensure completion of key milestones and documentation.
• Provide strategic and technical leadership on program development teams, interfacing with key stakeholders.
• Lead project activities at external manufacturing sites including tech transfers.
• Enhance the company's professional image through patents, presentations, and publications.
• Maintain awareness of relevant new technologies and share knowledge with others.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related discipline with a minimum of 4 years relevant industry experience.
• B.S. or M.S. degree in Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related discipline with minimum of 8 years relevant industrial experience.
• Experienced in biologics process development and characterization for late stage programs.
• Capable of leading formulation development activities in matrix team environments.
• Recognized as a technical expert with proven ability to identify and develop innovative ideas.
• Broad knowledge of formulation science and in-depth knowledge in multiple areas of drug development.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Nice-to-haves

• Deep understanding of surface science, colloid science, particle engineering, and/or high concentration formulations.
• Prior experience leading development projects at an enterprise level.
• Capable of mentoring individuals in a peer-to-peer fashion.
• Recognized as a subject matter expert in drug delivery and/or manufacturing technology.
• Demonstrated ability to address manufacturing challenges through novel production technologies.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Paid holidays
• Retirement plan
• Visa sponsorship