Senior Scientist, Analytical R&D

Merck; Rahway (NJ); On-site; USD 117,000 - 184,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck in Rahway, NJ is seeking a Senior Scientist for the Pharmaceutical Analytical Sciences group to advance analytical development for small molecules, peptides, and oligonucleotides. The role involves leading study design, implementing GMP-compliant methods, and collaborating across cross-functional teams.

You will contribute to regulatory submissions, publish innovative research, and mentor teams while engaging with external scientific communities.

Qualifications

• A proven record of strong technical problem solving and innovative research experience, supported by scientific publications.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong leadership, collaboration and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Drive analytical development strategies for small molecules, peptides, and oligonucleotide active pharmaceutical ingredients and products using conventional and novel technologies.
• Design scientific studies to inform the selection and deep understanding of synthetic routes, formulation compositions, and manufacturing processes.
• Implement analytical methods for laboratory development, as well as release and shelf-life assessment of clinical supplies under GMP conditions.
• Provide leadership on drug development pipeline projects and innovative technology teams shaping analytical methods and tools of the future.
• Author regulatory submission documents across the project development lifecycle and respond to agency questions.

Skills

Adaptability

Analytical Method Development

Assay Development

Bioanalytical Analysis

Biochemical Assays

Biopharmaceuticals

Cell-Based Assays

Chromatographic Techniques

Chromatography

Clinical Trials

Data Science

Dosage Forms

GMP Compliance

GMP Environments

Innovative Thinking

Medicinal Chemistry

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)

Pharmaceutical Sciences

Process Analytical Technology (PAT)

Project Management

Regulatory Submissions

Ribonucleic Acid (RNA)

Strategic Thinking

Technical Writing

Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatograph

Education

PhD in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Science, or related discipline

Master’s degree in chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related discipline plus at least 3 years of pharmaceutical industry experience

Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related discipline plus at least 7 years of industry experience

Job description

Job Description

The Pharmaceutical Analytical Sciences group has an opening for a Senior 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.

Your Main Responsibilities Include

• Driving solutions to analytical development challenges for synthetic small molecule, peptide and oligonucleotide active pharmaceutical ingredients and pharmaceutical products using conventional and novel technologies.
• Designing scientific studies to inform the selection and deep understanding of synthetic routes, formulation compositions, and manufacturing processes.
• Implementing analytical methods for laboratory development, as well as release and shelf-life assessment of clinical supplies under good manufacturing practice (GMP) conditions.
• Providing leadership not only on drug development pipeline projects, but also innovative technology teams shaping analytical methods and tools of the future.
• Authoring regulatory submission documents across the project development lifecycle life-cycle, as well as responding to agency questions.
• Documenting work in a detailed and timely manner.
• Collaborating effectively with internal and external partners.
• Presenting results of experiments and innovation efforts to project teams and at various cross‑functional forums.
• Engaging in the external scientific community, e.g. through participation in professional organizations, conferences, and publications.
• Travel Requirements: 5-10% Travel.

Education Minimum Requirements

Applicants must hold one one of:

• PhD in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Science, or related discipline.
• Master’s degree in chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related discipline plus at least 3 years of pharmaceutical industry experience.
• Batchelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related discipline, plus at least 7 years of industry experience.

Required Experience And Skills

• A proven record of strong technical problem solving and innovative research experience, supported by scientific publications.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong leadership, collaboration and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Experience And Skills

While not required, experience in one or more of the following areas is preferred:

• Experience with large molecule characterization (oligonucleotides, enzymes, peptides, etc.)
• Chromatography (e.g. LC, GC) method development, analysis and troubleshooting.
• Other advanced analytical techniques such as mass spectrometry or dissolution.
• Data science.

Required Skills

Adaptability, Analytical Method Development, Assay Development, Bioanalytical Analysis, Biochemical Assays, Biopharmaceuticals, Cell-Based Assays, Chromatographic Techniques, Chromatography, Clinical Trials, Data Science, Dosage Forms, GMP Compliance, GMP Environments, Innovative Thinking, Medicinal Chemistry, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Analysis, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Process Analytical Technology (PAT), Project Management, Regulatory Submissions, Ribonucleic Acid (RNA), Strategic Thinking, Technical Writing, Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC)

US And Puerto Rico Residents Only

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

Requirements

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

EEOC Know Your Rights

EEOC GINA Supplement

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.

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

Primary location for this posting is:

USA - New Jersey - Rahway

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

Salary range for the primary location of this role is:

$117,000.00 - $184,200.00

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, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs. The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

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.

Additional location(s):

Please note the salary range above applies to the Primary Location of the position. Where a role has other listed locations, different compensation guidelines may apply. You may find the salary ranges for additional locations below. 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.

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.

Employee Status

Regular

Relocation

Domestic

VISA Sponsorship

No

Travel Requirements

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements

Not Applicable

Shift

1st - Day

Valid Driving License

No

Hazardous Material(s)

No

Job Posting End Date

10/30/2026

• 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.

Requisition ID

R402823