Associate Scientist, Postdoctoral Fellow - Device Development & Technology

Merck & Co.; Rahway (NJ); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Merck & Co. invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Scientist in the Device Development & Technology group.

The role focuses on drug/device combination product development, integrating analytical characterization with mechanical testing in a fast-paced environment. Candidates should hold a PhD in a relevant field and demonstrate strong publication records, team collaboration, and independent problem-solving abilities.

Qualifications

• PhD in mechanical, materials, biomedical, chemistry, pharmaceutical or related field.
• Experience in formulation development and biologics characterization.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in drug/device combination product development.
• Perform analytical and biophysical characterization.
• Design and test mechanical aspects of devices and interfaces.
• Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams and publish findings.

Skills

Academic research

Analytical chemistry

Biomedical sciences

Biophysical techniques

Chemistry

Device design

Drug delivery

Drug formulations

Formulation chemistry

Particle size analysis

Scientific writing

Mechanical testing

Statistical analysis

Education

PhD or equivalent in relevant 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:

We are especially interested in candidates with experience in formulation and device or combination product development. Preferred areas of expertise include:

• 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:

We are 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.

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.

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

Requisition ID: R415769