Senior Scientist, Analytical R&D
MSD
Summary
The Pharmaceutical Analytical Sciences group has an opening for a Senior Scientist based in Rahway, NJ. In this role, you will be part of a team developing innovative analytical methodologies for early to late phase programs with application to drug substance and a broad array of drug product dosage forms, combination products and modalities through analytical characterization, imaging tools, and data analysis. You would also contribute towards regulatory submissions to enable clinical trials.
Job description
Main Responsibilities
- Driving solutions to analytical development challenges for synthetic small molecule, peptide and oligonucleotide active pharmaceutical ingredients and pharmaceutical products using conventional and novel technologies.
- Designing scientific studies to inform the selection and deep understanding of synthetic routes, formulation compositions, and manufacturing processes.
- Implementing analytical methods for laboratory development, as well as release and shelf-life assessment of clinical supplies under good manufacturing practice (GMP) conditions.
- Providing leadership not only on drug development pipeline projects, but also innovative technology teams shaping analytical methods and tools of the future.
- Authoring regulatory submission documents across the project development lifecycle, as well as responding to agency questions.
- Documenting work in a detailed and timely manner.
- Collaborating effectively with internal and external partners.
- Presenting results of experiments and innovation efforts to project teams and at various cross-functional forums.
- Engaging in the external scientific community, e.g. through participation in professional organizations, conferences, and publications.
Travel Requirements: 5-10% Travel.
Education Minimum Requirements
Applicants must hold one of: PhD in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Science, or related discipline. Master’s degree in chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related discipline plus at least 3 years of pharmaceutical industry experience. Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related discipline, plus at least 7 years of industry experience.
Required Experience and Skills
- A proven record of strong technical problem solving and innovative research experience, supported by scientific publications.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Strong leadership, collaboration and interpersonal skills.
Preferred Experience and Skills
While not required, experience in one or more of the following areas is preferred:
- Experience with large molecule characterization (oligonucleotides, enzymes, peptides, etc.)
- Chromatography (e.g. LC, GC) method development, analysis and troubleshooting.
- Other advanced analytical techniques such as mass spectrometry or dissolution.
- Data science.
Requirements
- PhD in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Science, or related discipline
- Master’s degree in chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related discipline plus at least 3 years of pharmaceutical industry experience
- Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related discipline, plus at least 7 years of industry experience
- A proven record of strong technical problem solving and innovative research experience, supported by scientific publications
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Strong leadership, collaboration and interpersonal skills
Benefits
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- 401(k) Matching
- Paid Holidays
- Vacation
- Compassionate Leave
- 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.