Jobs · Analyst · New Jersey

Senior Scientist, Small Molecule Chemical Engineering

Merck · Rahway, NJ · 1 mo ago
Analyst$117k–$184k/yrFull-time

About the role

The Chemical Commercialization Technology (CCT) department, part of our Manufacturing Division, is seeking a highly motivated and collaborative scientist to join our team. This position offers the opportunity to provide technical leadership across a varied portfolio of late-stage small molecule development programs while working in a highly integrated environment with research, manufacturing, quality, regulatory and external partners.

Responsibilities

  • Lead process understanding, characterization, and commercialization activities for small molecule drug substance manufacturing processes.

  • Design and execute scientifically sound experimental programs using Quality Risk Management (QRM) and Quality by Design (QbD) principles.

  • Apply statistical methods, Design of Experiments (DoE), and data-driven decision making to establish process robustness and control strategies.

  • Develop, defend, and communicate technical recommendations to cross-functional teams, manufacturing sites, and senior leadership.

  • Support technology transfer activities from development laboratories to pilot plants and commercial manufacturing facilities.

  • Author and review technical reports, validation documents, regulatory filing content, control strategies, and lifecycle management documentation.

  • Provide technical leadership during process performance qualification (PPQ), process validation, and commercial manufacturing campaigns.

  • Lead or support investigations, risk assessments, change controls, deviations, and corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs).

  • Collaborate with internal and external manufacturing partners to resolve technical challenges and implement process improvements.

  • Utilize first-principles engineering, process modeling, and scale-up methodologies to support manufacturing and process optimization.

  • Champion a culture of safety, compliance, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

  • Education: Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or a related scientific discipline. OR B.S. or M.S. in Chemical Engineering or a related scientific discipline with a minimum of 5 years of relevant industrial experience.

  • Required Experience and Skills:

    • Demonstrated experience in chemical process development, commercialization, or manufacturing support of small molecule pharmaceutical processes.

    • Experience designing and executing experimental programs to solve complex chemical engineering and manufacturing challenges.

    • Effective communication skills with the ability to present technical information to multiple audiences.

    • Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively in multidisciplinary teams.

    • Strong organizational, project management, and technical writing skills.

    • Demonstrated commitment to safety, quality, and compliance.

  • Preferred Experience and Skills:

    • Experience authoring or reviewing regulatory submissions (e.g., NDA, MAA, post-approval changes).

    • Experience leading technology transfers between development, pilot plant, and commercial manufacturing environments.

    • Hands-on expertise with unit operations commonly used in small molecule drug substance manufacturing, including; Chemical reactions, Work-up operations, Distillation, Crystallization, Filtration, Drying.

    • Knowledge of statistical software and advanced data analysis tools (e.g., JMP, Minitab, Python).

    • Experience applying Design of Experiments (DoE), Process Capability Analysis, and Multivariate Data Analysis.

    • Familiarity with process analytical technologies (PAT), digital manufacturing tools, and advanced process monitoring approaches.

    • Experience leading internal / external technical discussions.

    • Knowledge of current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), validation requirements, and pharmaceutical quality systems.

    • Experience with mathematical modeling, process simulation, scale-up principles, and engineering calculations.

    • Familiarity with ICH guidelines, Quality by Design (QbD), Quality Risk Management (QRM), and lifecycle process verification concepts.

Pay

$117,000.00 - $184,200.00

Schedule

1st - Day

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