Principal Scientist, Analytical Sciences — Drug Development Leader

Merck; Rahway (NJ); On-site; USD 157,000 - 247,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck in Rahway, NJ is seeking a Principal Scientist in Pharmaceutical Analytical Sciences to lead analytical development across small molecules, peptides, mRNA, and bioconjugates. You will guide studies, collaborate with multiple functions, and contribute to regulatory filings.

You will mentor junior scientists, advance novel analytical technologies, and manage risk while delivering data-driven decisions in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• PhD/Master/Bachelor credentials with required years of pharma industry experience.
• Strong analytical capability and leadership in analytical strategy development.
• Experience authoring regulatory filings (IND/IMPD/NDA) and interacting with agencies.

Responsibilities

• Lead analytical teams across the drug development pipeline from discovery through commercialization.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to design studies guiding product and process development.
• Define end-to-end analytical control strategies for clinical supplies under GMP (method development, validation, specs).
• Author regulatory submission documents (IND/IMPD/NDA/WMA) and respond to agency questions.

Skills

Analytical Characterization

Analytical Chemistry

Analytical Method Development

Assay Development

Bioanalysis

Chromatographic Techniques

Product Development

Scientific Study Design

Stability Testing

Data Science

Education

PhD Degree in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related fields with at least 7 years of pharmaceutical industry experience.

Master’s Degree in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related fields with at least 10 years of pharmaceutical industry experience.

Bachelor’s Degree in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related fields with at least 12 years of pharmaceutical industry experience.

Tools

LC

GC

Mass Spectrometry

Job description

Merck in Rahway, NJ is seeking a Principal Scientist in Pharmaceutical Analytical Sciences to lead analytical development across small molecules, peptides, mRNA, and bioconjugates. You will guide studies, collaborate with multiple functions, and contribute to regulatory filings.

You will mentor junior scientists, advance novel analytical technologies, and manage risk while delivering data-driven decisions in a dynamic environment.