Senior Specialist, Chemistry (Onsite)

About the role

The Process Chemistry group within the Small Molecule Process Research & Development Department in Rahway, New Jersey is seeking a Senior Specialist to play a key role in advancing our pipeline of drug substances, including small molecules, macrocyclic peptides, and bioconjugates. This lab-based position offers an opportunity to drive Process Characterization of late-stage programs through establishment of proven acceptable ranges, fate and purge studies, and chemical marker preparation. The ideal candidate is highly motivated, has substantial synthetic chemistry experience, performs independent analysis using various analytical characterization methods, and ensures safe lab practices and rigorous documentation.

Responsibilities

• Laboratory-based characterization of late-stage syntheses to support commercialization of small molecule manufacturing by performing Design of Experiments, fate and purge studies, and chemical marker preparation.
• Laboratory work with a variety of chemicals using modern manual and automated equipment, leveraging analytical technologies in a safe, compliant, and rigorously documented manner.
• Laboratory-based synthesis and characterization of starting materials and intermediates to support route scouting, including kilo lab scale-up of intermediates and APIs.
• Experimental planning, data analysis, and writing clear, concise development reports.

Requirements

• Ph.D. degree in Chemistry, an M.S. degree with 6 years of pharma/biopharma experience, or a B.S. with 9 years of pharma/biopharma experience.
• Training in organic synthesis, including synthetic methodology, catalysis, or total synthesis.
• Significant experience in chemical synthesis, compound purification, and analytical characterization (HPLC, MS, NMR).
• Strong written and oral communication skills; ability to work effectively and urgently in a collaborative team environment.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Proven productivity and efficiency in an organic chemistry lab.

Skills

• Required: Biopharmaceutical industry experience, chemical synthesis, data analysis, NMR spectroscopy, GMP, and cross-cultural teamwork.
• Preferred: Deviation management, facility management, pharmaceutical biology, pharmacokinetics, sterile/vaccine manufacturing.

Pay

The salary range for this role is $117,000.00 – $184,200.00. An employee’s position within the range will be based on education, qualifications, experience, skills, location, and business needs. The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision healthcare for employee and family.
• Retirement benefits, including 401(k).
• Paid holidays, vacation, compassionate, and sick days.

More information about benefits is available at Merck Compensation & Benefits.

Travel requirements: 10%. Relocation: Domestic. Visa sponsorship: Not available.