Scientist, Analytical Research and Development (Onsite)

Merck; New Jersey; On-site; USD 87,000 - 137,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck in Rahway, NJ invites a Scientist to join the Small Molecule Analytical Research & Development team. You will contribute to analytical characterization and data analysis across small molecules, peptides, and oligonucleotides, enabling drug development through robust GMP-supported testing.

You will collaborate with analysts and cross-functional partners to sustain high-quality data, implement validated methods, and support regulatory compliance activities in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• BS in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or Life Sciences with 3+ years industry experience.
• MS in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or Life Sciences is acceptable.
• Strong written and oral communication skills; ability to work in cross functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Support GMP activities including release and stability testing for APIs and formulations.
• Document experiments with ALCOA principles and maintain detailed records.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and Quality stakeholders to troubleshoot GMP testing.
• Validate analytical methods for release/stability of clinical materials.
• Enter and review data; prepare analytical reports or summaries.
• Coordinate with Analytical R&D and Global Development Quality, Process Chemistry, and Operations.
• Assist in compliance audits/inspections.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Education

BS in Chemistry/Pharma/Life Sciences

MS in Chemistry/Pharmaceutical Sciences/Life Sciences

Tools

Empower

LCMS

Job description

Job Description

Job Summary:

The Small Molecule Analytical Research and Development group has an opening for a Scientist based in Rahway, NJ. 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.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Support execution of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) 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 principals.
• 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:

Bachelor of Science with at least 3 years relevant industry experience, or some relevant industry experience for applicants with a MS in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or other Life Sciences.

Required Skills:

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

Preferred Skills:

• Hands‑on experience in GMP operations, advanced chromatographic separation science, dissolution, spectroscopy analysis, and other analytical techniques.
• Experience with Empower, data science, and LCMS are a plus.

# eligibleforERP

Required Skills:

Analytical Chemistry, Analytical Development, Analytical Method Development, Analytical Reports, Assay, Cell-based Assays, Chemistry, Chromatography, Drug Formulations, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), Laboratory Techniques, Pharmaceutical Products, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Product Formulation, Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR)

US & Puerto Rico Residents Only:

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicant 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.

For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:

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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. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another's thinking and approach problems collectively.

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The primary location for this posting is:

USA - New Jersey - Rahway

Where required by law, the compensation range for this role is provided below.

The salary range for the primary location of this role is:

$87,300.00 - $137,400.00

This range reflects the Company's reasonable expectation of the base salary applicable to this role at the time of posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualific