Quality Control (QC) Chemist

Merck & Co.; Fall River (MA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck & Co. is seeking a Quality Control (QC) Chemist in Fall River, MA, specializing in inhalation products. This role demands precision in testing pharmaceutical dosage forms, with a strong emphasis on metered dose inhalers (MDIs).

Candidates need robust analytical expertise and a solid foundation in quality control within the pharmaceutical sphere. The position offers a competitive salary range of $65,000 - $105,000 based on relevant experience. This is a fully onsite opportunity, requiring strict adherence to regulatory standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or Pharmaceutical Sciences.
• Strong foundation in analytical techniques and data interpretation.
• Proven experience in a pharmaceutical QC environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and advanced QC testing for pharmaceutical dosage forms.
• Evaluate critical quality attributes such as particle size distribution.
• Maintain accurate, audit-ready documentation aligned with regulatory expectations.

Skills

Analytical techniques

Quality Control experience

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related field

Tools

Gas Chromatography (GC)

Particle Size Analyzers

ICP

Job description

Quality Control (QC) Chemist - Inhalation Products (MDI Focus)

Location: Fall River, MA (On-site)

Schedule: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (flex based on production/testing needs)

Salary: $65,000 - $105,000 (based on expertise, especially inhalation experience)

Bring Precision to Every Breath

Step into a critical role where science meets patient impact. As a QC Chemist specializing in inhalation products, you'll play a vital role in ensuring the safety, quality, and performance of metered dose inhalers (MDIs) and related dosage forms that patients rely on every day.

This is not your average QC role—here, you'll work on complex aerosol and particle-based delivery systems, applying advanced analytical techniques to confirm product integrity and regulatory compliance in a highly controlled cGMP environment.

What You’ll Do

Analytical Testing & Expertise

• Perform routine and advanced QC testing for pharmaceutical dosage forms, with a strong focus on inhalation products (MDI/DPI systems)
• Evaluate critical quality attributes (CQA) such as particle size distribution, spray pattern, plume geometry, and dose uniformity
• Operate and maintain advanced instrumentation:
  • Gas Chromatography (GC)
  • Particle Size Analyzers (e.g., laser diffraction, cascade impaction)
  • ICP (trace elemental analysis)
• Execute specialized inhalation testing protocols including propellant-based system assessments

Material & Product Understanding

• Apply working knowledge of raw materials, propellants, excipients, and canister/valve systems specific to aerosol delivery
• Support testing across multiple dosage forms (solid oral, liquids, injectables, topical, and inhalation platforms)

Data Integrity & Investigations

• Ensure strict adherence to cGMP, data integrity standards, and ALCOA principles
• Investigate OOS, deviations, and atypical results, contributing to root cause analysis and corrective actions

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate, audit-ready documentation aligned with FDA and regulatory expectations
• Follow and continuously improve SOPs in a structured QC environment

What Makes You a Strong Candidate

Education & Technical Background

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or Physics (highly preferred fields aligned with role expectations)
• Strong foundation in analytical techniques and data interpretation

Industry Experience

• Proven experience in a pharmaceutical QC environment (required)
• Hands‑on exposure to multiple dosage forms, especially:
  • Tablets/Capsules
  • Liquid formulations
  • Injectables
  • Topicals
  • MDI/DPI inhalation products (highly preferred)

Functional Expertise

• Experience specifically in Quality Control roles (primary function)
• Comfortable working in a fully onsite, regulated lab environment with fixed schedules and SOP‑driven workflows
• Strong communication skills and ability to interpret, document, and present scientific findings

Work Environment

• Operate in a state‑of‑the‑art cGMP laboratory handling solvents, powders, and aerosol systems
• Required use of PPE: lab coats, safety glasses, respirators, etc.
• May include shift flexibility (day/evening/night) and occasional weekends based on production demands

Physical Requirements

• Stand/walk for extended periods (~75% of shift)
• Lift up to 10 kg as needed
• Perform detailed lab work requiring precision and focus

Why This Role Stands Out

• Inhalation Expertise – Work on advanced drug delivery systems that directly impact respiratory health
• Technical Depth – Go beyond routine testing into specialized aerosol science and complex analytics
• Career Growth – Build niche expertise in a high‑demand domain within pharmaceuticals
• Quality at the Core – Be a trusted gatekeeper ensuring every product meets the highest standards

Important Notes

• This is a fully onsite role (no remote or hybrid options)
• Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S. (no sponsorship available)

EEO Statement

Cipla is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.

About the Salary / Pay Range: The salary range mentioned above is an anticipated base salary range for this position. Exact salary depends on several factors such as experience, skills, education, and budget. Salary range may vary based on geographic location. In addition to base salary, this position may be eligible for benefits and participation in a bonus program based on performance and company results.