Associate Principal Scientist, Process Chemistry

MSD Malaysia; Rahway (NJ); On-site; USD 156,000 - 211,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck & Co., Inc. in Rahway, NJ seeks an Associate Principal Scientist in Process Chemistry to lead the design, development, and optimization of scalable chemical processes across multiple development programs and modalities.

The role requires strong expertise in synthetic organic chemistry, process development from discovery through commercialization, and the ability to mentor junior scientists while driving collaboration with analytical, engineering, manufacturing, quality, and regulatory

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or related discipline.
• Minimum of 4 years of industrial experience in small molecule process chemistry.
• Strong expertise in synthetic organic chemistry, reaction design, and mechanistic understanding.
• Proven ability to develop practical, scalable, and commercially viable chemical processes.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific leadership for design, development, and optimization of scalable chemical processes across multiple programs.
• Lead resolution of complex chemistry and manufacturing challenges through innovative process design.
• Develop practical, robust, and cost-effective manufacturing routes for clinical and commercial supply.
• Drive process characterization, optimization, scale-up, and technology transfer with cross-functional partners.
• Influence project strategy and technical decisions through data-driven recommendations.
• Identify and implement emerging technologies and modern synthetic methodologies.
• Mentor and develop scientists within the department and foster a culture of excellence.
• Represent Process Chemistry on cross-functional teams and communicate strategies to leadership and stakeholders.
• Contribute to external scientific community through publications, patents, and presentations.

Skills

Process chemistry leadership

Synthetic organic chemistry

Scale-up and tech transfer

Data-driven decision making

Cross-functional collaboration

Mentorship

Publications patents

Problem solving

Education

Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry

Job description

Job Description Associate Principal Scientist, Process Chemistry

The Process Chemistry organization located at our Rahway, NJ site is seeking a highly motivated and accomplished process chemist to play a key role in advancing our pipeline of drug substances, including small molecules, macrocyclic peptides, and bioconjugates. This position offers an opportunity to provide scientific leadership in the design and development of efficient, scalable, and robust manufacturing processes from discovery through commercialization. The successful candidate will lead the development of innovative synthetic routes and practical manufacturing processes, drive critical technical and strategic decisions across programs, and influence the advancement of process chemistry capabilities within the organization.

Responsibilities include identifying and implementing enabling technologies, solving complex chemistry challenges, leading cross-functional collaborations, supporting technology transfers, and mentoring junior scientists. The candidate will also be expected to contribute to the external scientific community through publications, patents, presentations, and professional engagement.

Specific Responsibilities

• Provide scientific leadership for the design, development, and optimization of scalable chemical processes across multiple development programs and modalities.


• Lead the resolution of complex chemistry and manufacturing challenges through innovative process design and mechanistic understanding.


• Develop practical, robust, and cost-effective manufacturing routes suitable for clinical and commercial supply.


• Drive process characterization, optimization, scale-up, and technology transfer activities in collaboration with analytical, engineering, manufacturing, quality, and regulatory partners.


• Influence project strategy and key technical decisions through strong scientific insight and data-driven recommendations.


• Identify and implement emerging technologies and modern synthetic methodologies to enhance process efficiency and capability.


• Mentor and develop scientists within the department while fostering a culture of scientific excellence, innovation, and collaboration.


• Represent Process Chemistry on cross-functional teams and effectively communicate technical strategies and project outcomes to senior leadership and external stakeholders.


• Contribute to the scientific community through publications, patents, presentations, and professional service activities.

Education Minimum Requirement

Ph.D. in Organic 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.


• Proven track record of scientific excellence and significant research accomplishments in synthetic organic chemistry and process development.


• Strong expertise in synthetic organic chemistry, reaction design, and mechanistic understanding.


• Demonstrated creativity, innovation, and scientific rigor in solving complex chemistry challenges.


• Proven ability to develop practical, scalable, and commercially viable chemical processes.


• Strong laboratory productivity, technical execution, and data interpretation skills.


• Demonstrated success in advancing process chemistry programs from early development through late-stage development and/or commercialization.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate technical concepts to scientific and non-scientific audiences.


• Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams and global organizations.


• Demonstrated ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams, drive strategy, and shape scientific decision-making.


• Proven record of mentorship, talent development, and technical leadership.


• Demonstrated external scientific impact through publications, patents, presentations, and participation in the broader scientific community.

Required Skills

• Analytical Chemistry


• Analytical Development


• Chemical Processes


• Chemical Processing


• Chemical Products


• Chemical Synthesis


• Clinical Judgment


• Computational Chemistry


• Data Analysis


• Enzymology


• Evidence Based Decision Making


• Experimental Development


• Lead Optimization


• Molecular Structure


• Multidisciplinary Collaboration


• Organic Chemistry


• Synthetic Chemistry


• Technology Transfer


• US Patent

Eligibility and Application Requirements

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 Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

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. As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit: EEOC Know Your Rights EEOC GINA Supplement We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively. Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for this role is $142,400.00 - $224,100.00 This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this 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.

Job Posting End Date: 09/7/2026 *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.

Other Employment Details

Employee Status: Regular

Relocation: Domestic

VISA Sponsorship: Yes

Travel Requirements: 10%

Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable

Shift: Not Indicated

Valid Driving License: No

Hazardous Material(s): n/a

Search Firm Policy

Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.

General Company Statement

Our company is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines and animal health products. The difference between potential and achievement lies in the spark that fuels innovation and inventiveness; this is the space where we have codified our legacy for over a century. Our success is backed by ethical integrity, forward momentum, and an inspiring mission to achieve new milestones in global healthcare.