Scientist, Analytical R&D (2nd Shift)

MSD; Rahway (NJ); On-site; USD 105,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401(k) plan

Paid holidays

Vacation

Job summary

Merck & Co., Inc. in Rahway, NJ, seeks a Scientist in Analytical Chemistry to work on cross‑functional teams enabling small molecule, peptide, and oligonucleotide drug development through analytical characterization and data analysis.

This is a second‑shift role (3:30 PM–11:30 PM). You will support GMP release and stability testing, document experiments per ALCOA, troubleshoot challenges, and contribute to method validation and data reporting while collaborating with Quality, Process Chemistry,

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years relevant industry experience for applicants with a Bachelor degree in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or Life Sciences.
• Experience with GMP operations and analytical method validation is preferred.
• Strong written and oral communication and cross‑functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Support GMP release and stability testing for APIs and formulations.
• Document methodology, results, and conclusions following ALCOA principles.
• Troubleshoot GMP testing with cross‑functional teams and Quality stakeholders.
• Validate analytical methods for release and stability testing of clinical materials.
• Generate and review analytical reports or data summaries.
• Collaborate with Analytical R&D and Global Development Quality teams; support audits.

Skills

Analytical Chemistry

GMP

Data Review

Troubleshooting

Chromatography

Empower

LCMS

Education

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

Tools

Empower

LCMS

Spectroscopy

Job description

Job Description Role Description: Join us and experience our culture first‑hand - one of strong ethics & integrity, diversified experiences, exceptional science, and a resounding passion for improving human health through innovative drug delivery technologies and predictive analytical tools. As part of our global team, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with talented and dedicated colleagues while developing and expanding your career. In your role as Scientist, you will be part of a team of Analytical Chemists working on cross‑functional scientific teams to enable novel small molecule, peptide, and oligonucleotide drug development through laboratory‑based analytical characterization and statistical data analysis. Please note that this is a second‑shift position, with working hours from 3:30 PM to 11:30 PM.

Primary Responsibilities

• Support execution of Good Manufacturing Practices activities such as release and stability testing to support development of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), pharmaceutical formulations, and manufacturing processes using both traditional and advanced analytical tools.
• Document the execution, procedure, results, and conclusions of experiments in a detailed and organized manner following ALCOA principles.
• Troubleshoot and investigate any challenges associated with the GMP testing through active collaboration with cross‑functional project teams and/or Quality stakeholders.
• Validate and implement analytical methods to support release and stability testing of clinical materials.
• Perform data entry, data review, and author analytical reports or data summaries.
• Strong collaboration with fellow Analytical Research & Development colleagues as well as cross‑functional partners such as Global Development Quality, Process Chemistry, and Pharmaceutical Operations.
• Support compliance audit/inspection activities.

Education Minimum Requirements

Minimum 3 years relevant industry experience for applicants with a Bachelor of Science degree, or 1 year of relevant industry experience for applicants with a Master of Science degree in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or other Life Sciences.

Required Experience and Skills

Excellent written and oral communication skills, as well as interpersonal skills, are necessary to qualify for this role. Candidates will also be required to work in a team environment with cross‑functional interactions.

Preferred Experience and Skills

Though not required, the ideal applicant would have hands‑on experience in GMP operations, advanced chromatographic separation science, spectroscopy analysis, dissolution testing, and other analytical techniques. In addition, experience with Empower, data science, and LCMS are also a plus.

eligibleforERP ARD Required Skills

• Adaptability
• Analytical Chemistry
• Analytical Development
• Analytical Method Development
• Analytical Reports
• Chemistry
• Data Entry
• Data Review
• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
• Laboratory Techniques
• Multidisciplinary Teamwork
• Self Motivation
• Stability Testing
• Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Writing
• Troubleshooting

Employee Status: Regular Relocation: No relocation VISA Sponsorship: No Travel Requirements: No Travel Required Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable Shift: 2nd - Evening Valid Driving License: No Hazardous Material(s): yes

Job Posting End Date: 11/22/2026 *A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.

Our company is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines and animal health products. The difference between potential and achievement lies in the spark that fuels innovation and inventiveness; this is the space where we have codified our legacy for over a century. Our success is backed by ethical integrity, forward momentum, and an inspiring mission to achieve new milestones in global healthcare.

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.

Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts.

Additional location(s): Please note the salary range above applies to the Primary Location of this position. Where a role has other listed locations, different compensation guidelines may apply. If the salary range is not listed for the location you are applying to, our Talent Acquisition team will provide further information to you relevant to your location.

Additional location(s) Compensation Information: 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.

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits.

• medical
• dental
• vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family)
• retirement benefits, including 401(k)
• paid holidays
• vacation
• compassionate and sick days

More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.