Associate Scientist, Environmental & Process Safety Engineering

Merck; Rahway (NJ); Hybrid; USD 71,900 - 113,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Annual bonus opportunities

Hybrid work model

Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical company in New Jersey is seeking an Associate Scientist for the Environmental & Process Safety Engineering group. The role involves conducting laboratory studies to assess hazards associated with pharmaceutical production. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, laboratory experience, and familiarity with safety regulations. This position offers a hybrid work model and a competitive salary range of $71,900 to $113,200, along with comprehensive benefits and the potential for bonuses.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering by December 2026.
• Knowledge of solvents, chemicals, and data analysis.
• Experience with laboratory instrumentation and strict adherence to safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory studies to assess hazards of materials and processes.
• Collaborate on workflow for testing, report results clearly.
• Interpret safety regulations and contribute to major research programs.

Skills

Data analysis

Experimentation

Laboratory techniques

Technical writing

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry or Chemical/Biochemical Engineering

Tools

DSC

MMC

Bruker IR

Mettler headspace FTIR

MicroGC

Dynochem

Aspen

AKTS

Job description

Job Description

The Environmental & Process Safety Engineering (EPSE) group within the Chemical Engineering Research & Development (CERD) department is seeking highly motivated Associate Scientists who will carry out independent work conceiving, designing, planning, and implementing advanced small‑scale laboratory studies aimed at characterizing the hazards associated with the materials and process used in the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API). These studies range from laboratory to commercial manufacturing and include thermal hazard assessment, gas‑generation potential, calorimetry, off‑gas analysis, and dust testing of organic solids.

This position requires expertise in laboratory instruments and techniques, management of workflow for testing requests, collaboration to complete testing, and issuance of reports documenting results. The Associate Scientist is expected to interpret and apply safety and environmental regulations and make scientific contributions to research programs of major importance to the Research and Manufacturing Divisions. A mechanic aptitude and instrument troubleshooting skill are a must.

Position Qualifications

• Education Minimum Requirement: Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Chemical/Biochemical Engineering or a comparable area of study from an accredited college/university (expected completion no later than December 2026).
• Required Experience and Skills:
  • Strong knowledge and experience with safely handling solvents and chemicals, running experiments, proper disposal of waste, and generating and analyzing data.
  • Experience with laboratory instrumentation and good mechanical aptitude.
  • Good organizational, interpersonal, writing, communication, multi‑tasking, and time‑management skills.
  • Keen attention to detail and the ability to author clear reports.
  • Ability to strictly follow established procedures, policies and guidelines required to comply with safety, environmental and GMP expectations in the lab.
  • Initiative and independence to develop, apply, and/or improve new systems and best practices.
• Preferred Experience and Skills:
  • Experience with thermal analysis techniques including DSC, MMC and SuperCRC/Insight.
  • Experience with off‑gas analysis instruments including Bruker IR, Mettler headspace FTIR and MicroGC.
  • Experience with process modeling software such as Dynochem, Aspen, AKTS or other.
  • Experience evaluating process safety including risks of thermal decomposition, gas generation, static/conductivity, or dust explosivity.
  • Experience in process scale‑up and/or technology transfer from laboratory to pilot plant or manufacturing scale.
• Required Skills: Data analysis, experimentation, laboratory techniques, technical writing.
• Preferred Skills: Calorimetry, thermal analysis.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this role is $71,900.00 – $113,200.00. The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long‑term incentive, if applicable. We offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement (401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days.

Other Information

Hybrid work model: Employees in office‑based positions in the U.S. will work a hybrid model consisting of three on‑site days per week (Monday‑Thursday) and one remote day (Friday), unless business critical tasks require on‑site presence. This model does not apply to field‑based, facility‑based, manufacturing‑based, or research‑based positions on a company site.

Travel requirements: 10%.

Relocation: No; Visa sponsorship: No; Valid driving license: No.

Job posting end date: 04/04/2026.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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 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 U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit EEOC Know Your Rights and EEOC GINA Supplement.