Lead LAI Formulation Scientist: Depot & Sustained-Release

Merck & Co.; Rahway (NJ); On-site; USD 173,000 - 273,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Long-term incentive

Benefits package

Job summary

Merck & Co. in Rahway, NJ is seeking a principal LAI formulation scientist to lead the design, development, and lifecycle management of long-acting injectable products across depot, microspheres, and in situ forming systems.

You will guide cross-functional teams, define CQAs and CPPs, optimize release mechanisms, and ensure scalable manufacturing, regulatory readiness, and patient-centric delivery throughout development and tech transfer.

Qualifications

• Deep expertise in parenteral drug product development and LAI formulations.
• Experience applying QbD and DOE to formulation and process development.
• Experience with scale-up, validation, and technology transfer for sterile products.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and lifecycle management of LAI products.
• Provide strategic leadership on cross-functional programs and CQAs/CPPs.
• Drive regulatory readiness and support CMC submissions.

Skills

Parenteral development

LAI delivery systems

QbD & DOE

Cross-functional leadership

Drug-polymer interactions

Scale-up & tech transfer

Regulatory submissions

Mentoring

Education

Ph.D. in Pharmaceutics/Pharmaceutical Sciences/related field

M.S. in Pharmaceutics/Pharmaceutical Sciences/related field

B.S. in Pharmaceutics/Pharmaceutical Sciences/related field

Job description

Merck & Co. in Rahway, NJ is seeking a principal LAI formulation scientist to lead the design, development, and lifecycle management of long-acting injectable products across depot, microspheres, and in situ forming systems.

You will guide cross-functional teams, define CQAs and CPPs, optimize release mechanisms, and ensure scalable manufacturing, regulatory readiness, and patient-centric delivery throughout development and tech transfer.