Associate Scientist, Postdoctoral Fellow – Device Development & Technology

Merck; Rahway (NJ); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck in Rahway, NJ, seeks a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to advance drug/device combination product development within the PSDD organization. The role emphasizes analytical characterization, mechanical testing, and formulation-device interface studies in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary environment.

Qualified candidates hold a PhD in a related field and have a track record of peer‑reviewed publications, with experience in formulation development and biologics.

Qualifications

• PhD in Mechanical, Materials, Biomedical, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical or equivalent fields (must be completed or within 3 months of hire).
• Strong knowledge of formulation development and biologics characterization.
• Hands-on experience with biologics, vaccines, and related formulation development.
• Interest in developing innovative prefilled syringe-based drug delivery technologies.
• Capacity to apply scientific and engineering expertise creatively and independently to solve problems.
• Experience conducting literature searches and reviewing publications and manuscripts.
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills with demonstrated collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications in biomedical or healthcare technology development.

Responsibilities

• Analytical and biophysical characterization.
• Mechanical design and testing.
• Formulation-device interface science.
• Sub visible particle analysis.

Skills

Academic Research

Analytical Chemistry

Biomedical Sciences

Biophysical Techniques

Chemistry

Device Design

Drug Delivery

Drug Formulations

Formulation Chemistry

Particle Size Analysis

Scientific Writing

Education

PhD in Mechanical/Materials/Biomedical/Chemistry/Pharmaceutical or related field

Job description

Job Description

Postdoctoral Research Scientist – Device Development & Technology

Join the Legacy: Research and Development Division's Postdoctoral Research Fellow Program The company's Research Laboratories Postdoctoral Research Fellow Program is a premier industrial postdoctoral initiative that combines academic rigor with the resources and expertise of a leading pharmaceutical company. The program enables postdoctoral researchers to advance breakthrough research and discovery in a collaborative, innovation-driven environment.

Position Overview

The Pharmaceutical Sciences & Device Development (PSDD) organization at our company's Research Laboratories translates novel therapeutic agents into patient-centered drug products. Within PSDD, the Device Development & Technology team is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to conduct research in drug/device combination product development. This position is available immediately.

Responsibilities

• Analytical and biophysical characterization
• Mechanical design and testing
• Formulation-device interface science
• Sub visible particle analysis

We seek a highly motivated, independent, and responsible postdoctoral researcher who is creative, organized, and able to think critically. The ideal candidate will excel in a challenging, fast-paced, and intellectually engaging environment. Because this work is highly interdisciplinary, we welcome applicants from a broad range of engineering and scientific fields, including mechanical engineering, materials science, biomedical engineering, chemical and biomolecular engineering, and applied physics.

Education Minimum Requirement

• Candidates must hold a PhD or completed within 3 months of hire in mechanical, material, biomedical, chemistry, pharmaceutical or equivalent fields.

Required Experience And Skills

• Strong knowledge of formulation development and biologics characterization
• Hands‑on experience with or knowledge of biologics, vaccines, and related formulation development
• Interest in developing innovative prefilled syringe‑based drug delivery technologies
• Capacity to apply scientific and engineering expertise creatively and independently to solve problems
• Experience conducting literature searches and reviewing publications and manuscripts
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills, with demonstrated ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams
• Demonstrated record of peer‑reviewed publications in biomedical or healthcare technology development, supported by rigorous modeling and analysis

Preferred Experience And Skills

• Ability to conduct mechanical testing and perform statistical analysis of feasibility study data

Required Skills

• Academic Research
• Analytical Chemistry
• Biomedical Sciences
• Biophysical Techniques
• Chemistry
• Device Design
• Drug Delivery
• Drug Formulations
• Formulation Chemistry
• Particle Size Analysis
• Scientific Writing

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:

• 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

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

Employee Status

Regular

Relocation

Domestic

VISA Sponsorship

Yes

Travel Requirements

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements

Hybrid

Shift

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License

No

Hazardous Material(s)

n/a

Job Posting End Date

09/28/2026

• 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: R415769