Associate Principal Scientist
Our Process Chemistry organization, located at our Rahway, NJ site, is seeking a highly motivated and accomplished scientist with deep expertise in flow chemistry and continuous processing to join the Catalysis and Flow Lab. This role focuses on advancing our pipeline of drug substances—including small molecules, macrocyclic peptides, and bioconjugates—by developing and implementing robust, sustainable, and efficient API manufacturing processes from discovery through commercialization.
About the role
The successful candidate will lead laboratory experimentation in flow chemistry, develop and implement novel continuous processing technologies, enable new chemical transformations, and influence route design across development programs. The role requires close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including synthetic and analytical chemists, chemical engineers, manufacturing partners, and other stakeholders, to support API campaigns at laboratory, pilot, and manufacturing scales.
Responsibilities
- Provide scientific leadership for the design, development, and optimization of scalable API processes across multiple development programs, with a strong emphasis on flow chemistry and continuous processing.
- Lead hands-on laboratory experimentation in flow chemistry to develop robust, sustainable, and efficient chemical transformations and manufacturing processes.
- Influence route design and solve complex chemistry, engineering, and manufacturing challenges through mechanistic understanding, innovative process design, and data-driven decision-making.
- Support process characterization, scale-up, technology transfer, and API campaigns at laboratory, pilot, and manufacturing scales in collaboration with cross-functional partners.
- Mentor scientists and colleagues new to flow chemistry and continuous processing while fostering a culture of scientific excellence, innovation, and collaboration.
- Contribute to the broader scientific community through publications, patents, presentations, and professional engagement.
Requirements
- Ph.D. in Chemistry or a related discipline.
- Minimum of 4 years of relevant industrial experience following completion of a Ph.D., with demonstrated success in small-molecule process chemistry using flow chemistry.
- Strong experience in organic synthesis, flow chemistry, and continuous processing, including hands-on laboratory experimentation in flow.
- Proven ability to design, develop, and optimize practical, scalable chemical processes through scientific rigor, creativity, and data-driven problem-solving.
- Ability to apply flow chemistry and continuous processing technologies to enable new chemical transformations, influence route design, and address complex process development challenges.
- Experience with automation approaches for continuous-flow process development is highly valued.
- Demonstrated success working across multidisciplinary teams and effectively communicating technical concepts to scientific and non-scientific audiences.
- Strong written communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear technical reports, presentations, publications, and documentation.
- Strong self-initiative, collaborative mindset, and enthusiasm for serving as a subject matter expert in flow chemistry while mentoring others new to the field.
- Demonstrated scientific impact through publications, patents, presentations, or participation in the broader scientific community.
Skills
- Automation
- Chemical Reactors
- Flow Chemistry
- Flow Cytometry
- Innovation
- Laboratory Experiments
- Organic Chemistry
- Organic Synthesis
- Production Process Development
- Scientific Leadership
Pay
The salary range for this role is $142,400.00 - $224,100.00. 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.
Benefits
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits, including:
- 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.
Schedule
- 1st shift (Day)
- 10% travel requirements.
- No flexible work arrangements.