Lead Scientist, External Capabilities – Small Molecule Process

Merck

United Kingdom

On-site

GBP 90,000 - 120,000

Full time

5 days ago

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Job summary

Merck in the United Kingdom is seeking an Associate Principal Scientist to lead external partner teams within Small Molecule Process Research & Development. The role provides scientific direction across synthetic route design, process optimization, and API delivery for a demanding pipeline.

You will mentor scientists, foster cross-functional collaborations with Process Chemistry, Enabling Technologies, Analytical R&D, and Quality, and manage technical risks with data-driven recommendations to

Qualifications

Ph.D. in synthetic organic chemistry or a closely related field.
Experience in pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry in synthetic chemistry, process chemistry, or related drug-development activities.

Responsibilities

Provide scientific leadership and day-to-day technical oversight for process chemistry activities conducted at external partners.
Guide synthetic route design, route scouting, process optimization, reaction understanding, impurity-control strategy, process robustness, and preparation of intermediates and APIs.
Serve as a key scientific interface between external partners and internal project teams, ensuring that technical priorities, deliverables, risks, and timelines are clearly understood.
Identify emerging scientific, operational, quality, and delivery risks, and work with internal and external stakeholders to establish practical mitigation plans.
Mentor and support the scientific development of colleagues and external-partner scientists, as appropriate.