Associate Scientist, Small Molecule Chemical Engineering

The Chemical Commercialization Technology (CCT) department, part of the Manufacturing Division, is seeking a self-motivated individual for the Assoc. Scientist, Engineering position. This role offers the opportunity to work in a highly collaborative environment with substantial technical responsibility and leadership of internal and external work. The position leverages scientific and technical experience to develop safe and robust processes through process characterization, tech transfer, validation, filing, and supply support. The incumbent will provide scientific expertise in small molecule active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) process characterization by learning and utilizing Quality Risk Management methodologies and tools for statistical design of experiments. This role involves hands-on wet chemistry experimentation at the laboratory bench and kilo lab scales, in addition to technology transfer to commercial manufacturing facilities. Approximately 10–20% travel time is expected. The scientist will exhibit a mindset of safety and quality compliance, including following current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) and participating in risk assessments, deviation investigations, and Good Documentation Practices (GDPs).

Education Minimum Requirement

• BS or MS in Chemical Engineering (or related engineering field) from an accredited college/university, by the start date of employment.

Required Experience and Skills

• Strong understanding of chemistry and/or chemical engineering fundamental concepts
• Desire to learn and engage in process scale-up and technology transfer, moving from laboratory to pilot plant or factory scale
• Desire to perform both laboratory experimentation and on-site support of scale-up activities and manufacturing operations
• Ability to work in the laboratories at the Rahway, New Jersey site with occasional domestic and international travel, as necessary. This is primarily a laboratory-based role and onsite presence is required.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, writing, and time management skills

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Proven ability to work independently and collaborate effectively as part of a team
• Experience with process development in a laboratory, pilot-scale, or manufacturing environment
• Experience with developing and executing an experimental program to address issues with process design, robustness, or productivity for an existing product/process
• Familiarity with statistical design and analysis tools
• Familiarity with concepts and application of current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs), ideally during pharmaceutical drug substance / drug product development and production, e.g., in a pilot and/or factory setting

Pay

The salary range for this role is $71,900.00 – $113,200.00. 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.

Benefits

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.

Schedule and Work Arrangement

• Employee Status: Regular
• Relocation: No relocation
• VISA Sponsorship: No
• Travel Requirements: 10%
• Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable
• Shift: 1st – Day