Principal LAI Formulation Scientist – Sterile Injectables

Merck & Co.; Rahway (NJ); On-site; USD 142,000 - 224,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off and 401(k) match

Job summary

Merck & Co. is seeking an LAI formulation scientist to lead the design, development, and lifecycle management of long-acting injectable products across depot and sustained-release systems.

You will drive program strategies, optimize release mechanisms, and collaborate with process development, regulatory, and manufacturing teams. The role requires deep expertise in parenteral drug product development, knowledge of CMC regulatory expectations, and a track record of leading cross-functional

Qualifications

• Deep expertise in parenteral drug product development and LAI formulations.
• Experience applying QbD and DOE to formulation and process development.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and communicating complex science clearly.

Responsibilities

• Serve as an LAI formulation scientist, providing scientific leadership for design, development, and lifecycle management of long-acting injectable products.
• Lead LAI formulation and delivery development for programs, selecting release mechanisms and excipient systems to meet target product profiles.
• Provide technical leadership on cross-functional teams, ensuring alignment of formulation, drug substance, delivery system, and manufacturing considerations.

Skills

LAI formulation leadership

Parenteral formulation

QbD/DOE

Cross-functional leadership

Regulatory submissions

Education

Ph.D. in Pharmaceutics/related field

M.S. in Pharmaceutics/related field

B.S. in related discipline

Job description

Merck & Co. is seeking an LAI formulation scientist to lead the design, development, and lifecycle management of long-acting injectable products across depot and sustained-release systems.

You will drive program strategies, optimize release mechanisms, and collaborate with process development, regulatory, and manufacturing teams. The role requires deep expertise in parenteral drug product development, knowledge of CMC regulatory expectations, and a track record of leading cross-functional