Postdoctoral Research Fellow- Biologics Formulation and Drug Delivery
MSD
Summary
The Discovery Pharmaceutical Sciences (DPS) Department within PSDD is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join our biologics formulation and drug delivery research project in Rahway, New Jersey. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to innovative drug delivery technologies for high- and ultra-high-concentration biologics which enable subcutaneous administration for patent-centric drug product design.
Job description
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Biologics Formulation and Drug Delivery
The Discovery Pharmaceutical Sciences (DPS) Department within PSDD is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join our biologics formulation and drug delivery research project in Rahway, New Jersey. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to innovative drug delivery technologies for high- and ultra-high-concentration biologics which enable subcutaneous administration for patent-centric drug product design.
The successful candidate will support research focused on formulation science, crystal engineering, suspension systems, physicochemical characterization, and combination drug product design. This role offers the opportunity to work in a highly collaborative environment and to develop research capabilities that advance next-generation biologics delivery.
Responsibilities
- Plan and execute independent research in biologics formulation and drug delivery.
- Develop and optimize experimental strategies to evaluate formulation behavior, stability, and performance of complex biologics.
- Design and interpret studies related to protein crystallization, suspension properties, and physicochemical characterization.
- Apply experimental, analytical, and modeling approaches to understand relationships among formulation composition, material attributes, and delivery performance.
- Explore advanced data analysis and predictive methods, including statistical modeling, machine learning, and other computational tools, as appropriate.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across discovery, formulation, device, process and analytical functions.
- Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and present research at scientific meetings.
Education
- Must currently hold a Ph.D. or Receive a Ph.D. no later than Spring 2027
- Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline
Required Experience and Skills
- Expertise in protein science, sample handling, and analytical characterization
- Strong record of scientific achievement, including peer-reviewed publications and/or conference presentations
- Ability to design, execute, analyze, and communicate independent research in a collaborative environment
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work across multidisciplinary teams
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Preferred Experience and Skills
- Experience in biologics formulation design, especially parenteral and suspension systems
- Experience with protein crystallization and process design
- Experience with microscopy and imaging techniques
- Familiarity with syringeability, injectability, viscosity characterization, and subcutaneous delivery concepts
- Knowledge of molecular modeling, machine learning, or generative AI
- Experience with data analysis tools for experimental and computational research
Requirements
- Must currently hold a Ph.D. or receive a Ph.D. no later than Spring 2027
- Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline
- Expertise in protein science, sample handling, and analytical characterization
- Strong record of scientific achievement, including peer-reviewed publications and/or conference presentations
- Ability to design, execute, analyze, and communicate independent research in a collaborative environment
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work across multidisciplinary teams
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Benefits
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- 401(k) Matching
- Retirement Benefits
- Paid Holidays
- Vacation
- Compassionate & Sick Days
- Annual Bonus
- Long-Term Incentive
Company overview
MSD, known as Merck Sharp & Dohme outside the United States and Canada, is a global research-intensive biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Rahway, New Jersey. Founded in 1891, the company has established itself as one of the world's leading pharmaceutical corporations with a rich history spanning over 130 years. MSD operates as the international division of Merck & Co., Inc., focusing on the discovery, development, manufacturing, and marketing of innovative medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and animal health products. The company's extensive portfolio includes groundbreaking treatments in oncology, infectious diseases, cardiology, diabetes, and vaccines, with notable products such as Keytruda (pembrolizumab) for cancer immunotherapy, Gardasil for HPV prevention, and Januvia for diabetes management. MSD maintains a strong commitment to research and development, investing significantly in scientific innovation to address unmet medical needs worldwide. With approximately 75,000 employees globally, the company operates through four main segments: pharmaceuticals, animal health, healthcare services, and strategic alliances. MSD's mission centers on using leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world, guided by the principle that medicine is for people, not profits.