Associate Scientist, Small Molecule Chemical Engineering

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid holidays

Vacation

Sick days

Job summary

Merck & Co. seeks a self-motivated Associate Scientist, Engineering to advance small molecule API processes through characterization, tech transfer, validation, and documentation. The role involves hands-on wet chemistry at lab and kilo-lab scales with on-site support for scale-up activities and manufacturing operations.

The candidate will apply QRM methodologies, DOE design, and statistical analysis while ensuring safety and quality compliance in a cGMP environment. Travel is expected.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Chemical Engineering from an accredited college/university by start date.
• Strong foundation in chemistry/chemical engineering concepts.
• Experience with process scale-up and technology transfer from lab to manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Conduct process characterization and wet chemistry experiments at lab and kilo-lab scales.
• Support technology transfer to commercial manufacturing facilities.
• Contribute to validation, filing, and supply support activities.
• Collaborate on risk assessments, deviation investigations, and GDP compliance.
• Travel approximately 10–20% as needed.

Skills

Chemical Engineering

Data Analysis

Design of Experiments

DOE

Wet Chemistry

Tech Transfer

cGMP/GDP

Process Development

Education

BS or MS in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Statistical Design Tools

Job description

Job Description The Chemical Commercialization Technology (CCT) department, which is part of our Manufacturing Division, is seeking self-motivated individuals who are looking for an opportunity to work in a highly collaborative environment that provides substantial technical responsibility and leadership of internal and external work. The Assoc. Scientist, Engineering position leverages scientific/technical experience to develop safe and robust processes through process characterization, tech transfer, validation, filing and supply support. The incumbent is expected to provide scientific expertise in small molecule active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) process characterization work by learning and utilizing Quality Risk Management methodologies and tools for statistical design of experiments. This role involves hands-on wet chemistry experimentation at the laboratory bench and kilo lab scales in addition to technology transfer to commercial manufacturing facilities. Approximately 10-20% travel time is expected. The scientist will be expected to exhibit a mindset of safety and quality compliance, which will include following current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs), and participating in risk assessments, deviation investigations, and Good Documentation Practices (GDPs).

Position Qualifications: Education Minimum Requirement: The position requires a BS or MS in Chemical Engineering (or related engineering field) from an accredited college/university, by the start date of employment.

Position Requirements / Required Experience and Skills:

• Strong understanding of chemistry and/or chemical engineering fundamental concepts
• Desire to learn and engage in process scale-up and technology transfer, moving from laboratory to pilot plant or factory scale
• Desire to perform both laboratory experimentation and on-site support of scale-up activities and manufacturing operations
• Ability to work in the laboratories at the Rahway, New Jersey site with occasional domestic and international travel, as necessary
• This is primarily a laboratory-based roll and onsite presence is required
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, writing, and time management skills

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Proven ability to work independently and collaborate effectively as part of a team
• Experience with process development in a laboratory, pilot-scale, or manufacturing environment
• Experience with developing and executing an experimental program to address issues with process design, robustness, or productivity for an existing product/process
• Familiarity with statistical design and analysis tools
• Familiarity with concepts and application of current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) ideally during pharmaceutical drug substance / drug product development and production, e.g. in a pilot and/or factory setting

Required Skills:

• Chemical Engineering, Data Analysis, Design of Experiments (DOE), Experimental Methods, Experimentation, Good Lab Practices, Maintenance Supervision, Pharmaceutical Process Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Process Design, Process Development (PD), Process Engineering, Process Improvements, Process Scale Up, Process Transfers, Product Transfers, Statistical Data Analysis, Technical Writing, Technology Transfer, Wet Chemistry, Writing Technical Documents

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

The salary range for this role is $71,900.00 - $113,200.00. 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.

• medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family)
• retirement benefits, including 401(k)
• paid holidays
• vacation
• compassionate and sick days

More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.

Employee Status: Regular Relocation: No relocation VISA Sponsorship: No Travel Requirements: 10% Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable Shift: 1st - Day Valid Driving License: No Hazardous Material(s): N/A

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

Job Posting End Date: 09/30/2026. 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.

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.