Principal Scientist, Peptide Formulation

MSD Malaysia; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 176,000 - 277,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401(k) retirement plan

Paid holidays

Vacation

Job summary

Merck & Co. in South San Francisco seeks a Principal Scientist to lead peptide formulation development and developability assessment for preclinical and clinical candidates. You will generate critical data, optimize formulations, and guide delivery strategies across multiple administration routes.

Collaboration with Medicinal Chemistry, DMPK, and nonclinical teams is essential. The role emphasizes troubleshooting, innovation, and mentoring junior scientists while contributing to departmental

Qualifications

• PhD with at least 6 years of industrial experience in peptide formulations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with cross-functional collaboration.
• Experience in candidate selection and developability assessment is highly relevant.

Responsibilities

• Lead early formulation development and developability assessments for peptide candidates.
• Characterize physicochemical properties of peptide formulations and delivery strategies.
• Mentor junior scientists and interact with Medicinal Chemistry, DMPK, and Drug Product teams.

Skills

Peptide Formulations

Developability Assessment

Drug Delivery

Preclinical Formulation

Physicochemical Characterization

Team Leadership

Mentoring

Finite Element Analysis

Education

PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Tools

Finite Element Analysis

Job description

Position Description

The Discovery Pharmaceutical Sciences (DPS) group based in South San Francisco, CA is seeking a Principal Scientist with expertise in formulation development and candidate selection of peptides. DPS is a multi-disciplinary research group that provides drug delivery, pre-formulation and formulation support for peptides, biologics and,small molecules at the development and drug discovery interface. Our team is responsible for the characterization of pre-clinical drug candidates' physicochemical properties. We aim to work with partner groups to select candidates with optimal development properties while balancing all other key therapeutic properties. Our research also covers identification of preclinical formulations for pharmacology and toxicology studies and ideally for FIH across a variety of administration routes and modalities (biologics, small molecules, peptides, and oligonucleotides). In this exciting role, you will focus on the characterization, early formulation development, developability assessment and delivery approaches for various peptide modalities. Goals include a) early formulation screening and developability assessment as well as b) recommendation of single candidate together with partner functions. Innovation in peptide formulation and drug delivery will be critical. You will serve as a team member and execute lab experiments yourself with minimal supervision. You will generate these key data sets and convey their meaning to the teams you work on and develop strategies to optimize molecules and their formulations. Within DPS you will have the opportunity to contribute to departmental scientific initiatives as an individual contributor and as a technical lead to mentor junior scientists. You will also closely interact with other key functions required for the progression of clinical candidate selection including Medicinal Chemistry, Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Nonclinical Drug Safety and Drug Product team. The successful candidate will have expertise in characterizing physicochemical properties of peptide molecules such as oligomer state, fibrillation risk. A demonstrated track record of problem-solving skills and ability to drive innovation (as evidenced by publication, talks, or patents) is highly appreciated.

Position Qualifications

Required Experience and Skills

Successful candidates will have a PhD degree with a minimum of 6 years of relevant industrial experience in developing peptide formulations in preclinical or clinical stages. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required. Strong leadership/interpersonal skills and motivation to work in a team environment with cross-functional interactions are essential.

Preferred Experience and Skills

Candidates with experience in pre-clinical /clinical formulation development and physico-chemical characterization of peptides are preferred. Experience in candidate selection, and developability assessment is highly relevant. Additional experience in drug delivery technology is helpful.

Required Skills

Cell Culture Process Development, Cell Line Development, Clinical Development, Combination Products, Drug Delivery, Drug Design, Drug Development, Drug Formulations, Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Messenger RNA, Oligonucleotides, Peptides, Peptide Synthesis, Pharmaceutical Process Development, Pharmacodynamics, Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacology, Product Formulation, Protein Biochemistry, Protein Chemistry, Quality by Design, Scientific Research, Technology Transfer

Preferred Skills

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

Salary range

The salary range for this role is $176,200.00 - $277,300.00 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.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.

Application deadline

The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.

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

Employee Status: Regular Relocation: Domestic VISA Sponsorship: Yes Travel Requirements: 10% Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable Shift: Not Indicated Valid Driving License: No Hazardous Material(s): n/a

Job Posting End Date

10/16/2026

Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA

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.

Company Culture

The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment.

Team Dynamics

We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.

EEO Statements

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.

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