Associate Principal Scientist, Biopharmaceutics

Merck; Rahway (NJ); On-site; USD 142,000 - 224,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck in Rahway, NJ seeks an Associate Principal Scientist to lead subcutaneous biopharmaceutics strategy across the development pipeline. You will define experimental and modeling frameworks to inform formulation, dose, injection devices, and bridging strategies while collaborating with formulation, analytical, PK, and clinical teams.

You will apply mechanistic principles and translational PK to de-risk clinical delivery, influence governance decisions, and mentor scientists in a matrix

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences or related field with 3+ years of relevant experience or Master’s with 8+ years
• Expertise in biologics drug product development and subcutaneous absorption mechanisms
• Experience leading cross-functional matrix development teams and translating preclinical findings into clinical decisions
• Ability to communicate complex data clearly to senior leadership and regulators
• Experience with device transitions and bridging strategies for regulatory filings

Responsibilities

• Define integrated experimental and modeling strategies for SC biopharmaceutics
• Translate preclinical findings and support formulation, device, process changes
• Assess immunogenicity and bio-performance risks in development programs
• Contribute to regulatory submissions and health authority briefing materials
• Mentor scientists and develop predictive tools and external scientific engagements

Skills

Biologics Drug Product

Biopharmaceutics

Translational PK

Regulatory Submissions

Subcutaneous Absorption

Education

Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biochemistry, Chemical or Biomedical Engineering, or related

Master’s degree in a relevant discipline

Tools

GastroPlus

Simcyp

Phoenix WinNonlin

PK-Sim

MATLAB

Python/R

Job description

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Associate Principal Scientist to join our team and lead biopharmaceutics strategy for subcutaneously (SC) administered biologics across the pipeline—from early formulation screening through late‑stage commercialization and lifecycle management. Working in close collaboration with formulation, analytical, device engineering, pharmacokinetics, and clinical pharmacology teams, you will apply fundamental mechanistic principles, quantitative translational modeling, and experimental frameworks to evaluate SC absorption, formulation and device compatibility, product bridging, and immunogenicity risk. The ideal candidate will combine deep scientific rigor with strong matrix leadership to de‑risk clinical delivery and influence program decision‑making at key governance milestones.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead SC Biopharmaceutics Strategy: Define integrated experimental and modeling strategies to guide formulation, dose volume, injection site, and device decisions across development.
• Drive Translation and Product Bridging: Apply mechanistic and quantitative approaches to translate preclinical findings, assess exposure variability, and support formulation, device, process, scale, and site changes.
• Assess Immunogenicity and Bio performance Risk: Evaluate how product quality attributes, formulation, particles, aggregates, and delivery conditions may affect local tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and immunogenicity.
• Influence Governance and Regulatory Strategy: Communicate risks and recommendations at program and governance forums and author or review relevant regulatory submissions and health authority briefing materials.
• Advance Scientific Capabilities: Develop predictive tools and experimental approaches, mentor scientists, and contribute to external scientific engagement.

Qualifications

Education Minimum Requirements

• Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biochemistry, Chemical or Biomedical Engineering, or related scientific discipline with 3+ years of relevant experience; OR
• Master’s degree in a relevant discipline with 8+ years of relevant industry experience.

Required Experience And Skills

• Demonstrated expertise in biologics drug product development with a strong focus on the mechanistic principles governing subcutaneous absorption, interstitial transport, and translational pharmacokinetics.
• Proven track record as a biopharmaceutics, formulation, or translational PK lead within cross‑functional matrix development teams.
• Hands‑on experience developing and executing biopharmaceutics risk assessments for product comparability, device transitions (e.g., vial to PFS/autoinjector), and formulation bridging.
• Working understanding of the interplay between biologic quality attributes (e.g., aggregation, opalescence, viscosity, particle formation), delivery devices, and clinical immunogenicity / ADA impact.
• Strong critical thinking and problem solving, with the ability to translate complex or incomplete data into clear development decisions.
• Outstanding oral, written, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate technical complexity clearly to senior leadership and cross‑functional teams.

Preferred Experience And Skills

• Hands‑on proficiency with mechanistic modeling and simulation platforms (e.g., GastroPlus, Simcyp, Phoenix WinNonlin, PK‑Sim, MATLAB, or Python/R).
• Experience with high‑concentration and/or large‑volume SC biologic delivery, including co‑formulation approaches or permeation‑enhancing technologies.
• Direct experience authoring biopharmaceutics and comparability sections for regulatory filings (IND/BLA) or supporting agency briefing books.
• Prior experience evaluating device‑biologic interactions and human factors considerations for pre‑filled syringes, autoinjectors, or wearable delivery systems.
• Record of sustained scientific contributions, including peer‑reviewed publications, invited presentations, or active participation in cross‑industry consortia.

Required Skills

• Biologics Drug Product, Biopharmaceutics, Bridging Strategies, Comparability, Drug Delivery, Formulation Characterization, Immunogenicity Risk Assessment, In Vitro‑In‑Vivo Translation, Matrix Leadership, Pharmacokinetics (PK), Pre‑Filled Syringes & Autoinjectors, Regulatory Submissions, Subcutaneous Absorption, Translational Modeling.

Employee Status

Regular

Relocation

Domestic

VISA Sponsorship

No

Travel Requirements

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements

Not Applicable

Shift

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License

No

Hazardous Material(s)

n/s

Job Posting End Date

11/20/2026

• A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities.

Additional location(s)

Primary location for this posting is: USA - New Jersey - Rahway

Where required by law, the compensation range for this role is provided below.

The salary range for the primary location of this role is:

$142,400.00 - $224,100.00

This range reflects the Company's reasonable expectation of the base salary applicable to this role at the time of posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs. The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long‑term incentive, if applicable.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.

Additional location(s) Compensation Information

San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

Requisition ID

R423606