Senior Flow Chemistry Scientist – API Process Development

Merck & Co.; Rahway (NJ); On-site; USD 142,000 - 224,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck & Co. in Rahway, NJ seeks an Associate Principal Scientist to lead the design, development, and optimization of scalable API processes with a focus on flow chemistry and continuous processing. You will guide hands‑on laboratory work, influence route design, and collaborate across functions to support programs from discovery to manufacturing.

The ideal candidate has a Ph.D. in Chemistry with 4+ years in industry, strong expertise in organic synthesis and flow chemistry, and a track record

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years of relevant industrial experience following completion of a Ph.D., with demonstrated success in small‑molecule process chemistry using flow chemistry.
• Strong experience in organic synthesis, flow chemistry, and continuous processing, including hands‑on laboratory experimentation in flow.
• Proven ability to design, develop, and optimize practical, scalable chemical processes through scientific rigor, creativity, and data‑driven problem‑solving.
• Ability to apply flow chemistry and continuous processing technologies to enable new chemical transformations, influence route design, and address complex process development challenges.
• Experience with automation approaches for continuous‑flow process development is highly valued.
• Demonstrated success working across multidisciplinary teams and effectively communicating technical concepts to scientific and non‑scientific audiences.
• Strong written communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear technical reports, presentations, publications, and documentation.
• Strong self‑initiative, collaborative mindset, and enthusiasm for serving as a subject matter expert in flow chemistry while mentoring others new to the field.
• Demonstrated scientific impact through publications, patents, presentations, or participation in the broader scientific community.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific leadership for the design, development, and optimization of scalable API processes across multiple development programs, with a strong emphasis on flow chemistry and continuous processing.
• Lead hands-on laboratory experimentation in flow chemistry to develop robust, sustainable, and efficient chemical transformations and manufacturing processes.
• Influence route design and solve complex chemistry, engineering, and manufacturing challenges through mechanistic understanding, innovative process design, and data‑driven decision‑making.
• Support process characterization, scale‑up, technology transfer, and API campaigns at laboratory, pilot, and manufacturing scales in collaboration with cross‑functional partners.
• Mentor scientists and colleagues new to flow chemistry and continuous processing while fostering a culture of scientific excellence, innovation, and collaboration.
• Contribute to the broader scientific community through publications, patents, presentations, and professional engagement.

Skills

Automation

Chemical Reactors

Flow Chemistry

Flow Cytometry

Innovation

Laboratory Experiments

Organic Chemistry

Organic Synthesis

Production Process Development

Scientific Leadership

Education

Ph.D. in Chemistry

Job description

Merck & Co. in Rahway, NJ seeks an Associate Principal Scientist to lead the design, development, and optimization of scalable API processes with a focus on flow chemistry and continuous processing. You will guide hands‑on laboratory work, influence route design, and collaborate across functions to support programs from discovery to manufacturing.

The ideal candidate has a Ph.D. in Chemistry with 4+ years in industry, strong expertise in organic synthesis and flow chemistry, and a track record