Associate Scientist, Chemical Engineering Research & Development (Onsite)

Merck; Rahway (NJ); On-site; USD 72,000 - 113,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck CERD in Rahway, NJ seeks engineers to design, plan, and execute small molecule API process development and scale-up from lab to pilot plant and production. Work emphasizes GMP compliance, safety, and collaboration across teams.

The role involves hands-on lab work, pilot plant activities, and potential technology transfer to manufacturing sites, with travel about 10% to support project execution.

Qualifications

• Experience performing lab-based research/process development in a chemical engineering-related area.
• Familiarity with unit operations commonly used in pharmaceutical and fine chemical synthesis, such as reaction engineering, separations, and crystallizations.
• Highly effective communication and collaboration skills.
• Good organizational, interpersonal, writing, and time management skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, plan, and execute experiments related to small molecule API process development, technology development, and scale-up for production.
• Perform daily production activities in the pilot plant while ensuring GMP, safety, and environmental compliance.
• Troubleshoot and investigate issues; contribute to technology transfer and implementation across internal or external sites.

Skills

Chemical Engineering

Data Analysis

Experimentation

Laboratory Techniques

Organic Chemistry

Perform Testing

Pilot Projects

Process Engineering

Statistical Data Analysis

Technology Transfer

DOE

Process Scale Up

Small Molecules

Education

BS or MS in chemical or biochemical engineering

Job description

The Chemical Engineering Research & Development Department (CERD), part of the Small Molecule Process Research and Development organization and our Research & Development Division, is seeking highly motivated individuals who are looking for an opportunity to work in a dynamic job that provides a high degree of technical and project management responsibility. This position is very hands-on with process development/scale-up work performed in the laboratory, the department's kilo lab and pilot plant, and commercial manufacturing sites. Under scientific and administrative direction, an engineer in this role designs, plans, and executes experiments related to small molecule and cross-modality (ex: antibody-drug-conjugate) active pharmaceutical ingredient (API, also referred to as drug substance) process development, technology development, and scale-up for production. The engineer may also perform daily production activities in the pilot plant while ensuring compliance with safety, good manufacturing practice (GMP), and environmental requirements. This work includes executing equipment setups and performing batch processing, as well as participating in troubleshooting and technical investigations. The engineer in this role may also have the opportunity to introduce new processes to internal or external manufacturing sites as new products are brought to the market. A high level of innovation, creativity, and self-initiative along with the ability to plan and organize activities are expected, along with strong oral and written communication skills.

This role requires approximately 10-15% travel.

Education Requirements

• The position requires a BS or MS in chemical or biochemical engineering from an accredited college/university by June 2027.

Required Skills And Experience

• Experience performing lab-based research/process development in a chemical engineering-related area.
• Familiarity with unit operations commonly used in pharmaceutical and fine chemical synthesis, such reaction engineering, separations, and crystallizations.
• Highly effective communication and collaboration skills.
• Good organizational, interpersonal, writing, and time management skills.

Preferred Skills And Experience

• Experience with process scale-up and/or technology transfer, moving from laboratory to pilot plant or production scale.
• Experience applying statistical experimental design (i.e. Design of Experiments) and/or process modeling.
• Experience with chemical engineering-related technology development.
• Direct experience with pharmaceutical drug substance process development.
• Knowledge of organic chemistry and small molecule synthesis unit operations.
• Knowledge of cross-modality (ex: antibody-drug-conjugate) unit operations.

Required Skills

Chemical Engineering, Data Analysis, Experimentation, Laboratory Techniques, Organic Chemistry, Perform Testing, Pilot Projects, Process Engineering, Statistical Data Analysis, Technology Transfer

Preferred Skills

Design of Experiments (DOE), Process Scale Up, Small Molecules

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.

Requirements

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:

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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

Primary Location

USA - New Jersey - Rahway

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

Salary Range

$71,900.00 - $113,200.00

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)

Please note the salary range above applies to the Primary Location of the position. Where a role has other listed locations, different compensation guidelines may apply. You may find the salary ranges for additional locations below. If the salary range is not listed for the location you are applying to, our Talent Acquisition team will provide further information to you relevant to your location.

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 Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully

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.

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/a

Job Posting End Date

10/27/2026

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.

Requisition ID

R421734