Associate Principal Scientist

Merck; New Jersey; On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck in Rahway, NJ seeks an Associate Principal Scientist to lead flow chemistry and continuous processing for API development from discovery to commercialization.

You will design, optimize, and scale robust processes, mentor scientists, and collaborate across cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment; PhD with 4+ years industrial experience required.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry or related field with industrial experience.
• Minimum of 4 years post-PhD experience in small‑molecule process chemistry using flow chemistry.
• Strong background in organic synthesis and flow processing.
• Ability to mentor and lead cross‑functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and optimization of scalable API processes emphasizing flow chemistry.
• Conduct hands-on lab work to develop robust continuous processing.
• Influence route design and solve complex chemistry and manufacturing challenges.
• Support scale‑up, tech transfer, and campaigns across lab to manufacturing scales.
• Mentor colleagues new to flow chemistry and foster scientific excellence.

Skills

Automation

Chemical Reactors

Flow Chemistry

Flow Cytometry

Innovation

Laboratory Experiments

Organic Chemistry

Organic Synthesis

Production Process Development

Scientific Leadership

Education

Ph.D. in Chemistry

Job description

Associate Principal Scientist, Process Chemistry

The Process Chemistry organization, located at our Rahway, NJ site, is seeking a highly motivated and accomplished scientist with deep expertise in flow chemistry and continuous processing to join the Catalysis and Flow Lab. This position offers an opportunity to play a key role in advancing our pipeline of drug substances, including small molecules, macrocyclic peptides, and bioconjugates, by developing and implementing robust, sustainable, and efficient API manufacturing processes from discovery through commercialization.

Specific Responsibilities

• Provide scientific leadership for the design, development, and optimization of scalable API processes across multiple development programs, with a strong emphasis on flow chemistry and continuous processing.
• Lead hands‑on laboratory experimentation in flow chemistry to develop robust, sustainable, and efficient chemical transformations and manufacturing processes.
• Influence route design and solve complex chemistry, engineering, and manufacturing challenges through mechanistic understanding, innovative process design, and data‑driven decision‑making.
• Support process characterization, scale‑up, technology transfer, and API campaigns at laboratory, pilot, and manufacturing scales in collaboration with cross‑functional partners.
• Mentor scientists and colleagues new to flow chemistry and continuous processing while fostering a culture of scientific excellence, innovation, and collaboration.
• Contribute to the broader scientific community through publications, patents, presentations, and professional engagement.

Education

Minimum Requirement: Ph.D. in Chemistry or a related discipline.

Required Experience and Skills

• Minimum of 4 years of relevant industrial experience following completion of a Ph.D., with demonstrated success in small‑molecule process chemistry using flow chemistry.
• Strong experience in organic synthesis, flow chemistry, and continuous processing, including hands‑on laboratory experimentation in flow.
• Proven ability to design, develop, and optimize practical, scalable chemical processes through scientific rigor, creativity, and data‑driven problem‑solving.
• Ability to apply flow chemistry and continuous processing technologies to enable new chemical transformations, influence route design, and address complex process development challenges.
• Experience with automation approaches for continuous‑flow process development is highly valued.
• Demonstrated success working across multidisciplinary teams and effectively communicating technical concepts to scientific and non‑scientific audiences.
• Strong written communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear technical reports, presentations, publications, and documentation.
• Strong self‑initiative, collaborative mindset, and enthusiasm for serving as a subject matter expert in flow chemistry while mentoring others new to the field.
• Demonstrated scientific impact through publications, patents, presentations, or participation in the broader scientific community.

Required Skills

• Automation
• Chemical Reactors
• Flow Chemistry
• Flow Cytometry
• Innovation
• Laboratory Experiments
• Organic Chemistry
• Organic Synthesis
• Production Process Development
• Scientific Leadership

Preferred Skills

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of r