Senior Scientist, Analytical R&D

MSD Malaysia; Rahway (NJ); On-site; USD 111,000 - 184,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid holidays

Vacation

Job summary

Merck & Co., Inc. in Rahway, NJ is seeking a Senior Scientist in the Pharmaceutical Analytical Sciences group. You will develop analytical methodologies for drug substances and multiple dosage forms, contribute to regulatory submissions, and lead teams across projects from early to late development.

The role emphasizes GMP-compliant methods, collaboration with internal and external partners, and communication of results at cross-functional forums. Travel 5–10% is expected.

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry/Pharmaceutical Science or related discipline.
• Strong technical problem solving with publications.
• Excellent written and oral communication; leadership and collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Drive analytical development for small molecules, peptides and oligonucleotides under GMP conditions.
• Design studies to understand synthetic routes, formulations, and manufacturing processes.
• Develop analytical methods for lab development, release and stability.
• Lead technology teams and contribute to regulatory submissions and project lifecycle.
• Document work thoroughly and present results to cross-functional teams.

Skills

Adaptability

Analytical Method Development

Assay Development

Bioanalytical Analysis

Chromatographic Techniques

Data Science

Education

PhD in Chemistry or Pharmaceutical Science

Master’s in Chemistry with 3+ years experience

Bachelor’s in Chemistry/Pharmaceuticals +7 years industry

Tools

Mass Spectrometry

LC/GC

UPLC

Dissolution

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. In your role as Senior Scientist, you will be part of a team developing innovative analytical methodologies for early to late phase programs with application to drug substance and a broad array of drug product dosage forms, combination products and modalities through analytical characterization, imaging tools, and data analysis. You would also contribute towards regulatory submissions to enable clinical trials.

Responsibilities

• 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 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.
• Bachelor’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

• 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.

Salary

The salary range for this role is $117,000.00 - $184,200.00. This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this 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.

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

Working Hours and Location

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

09/12/2026

Company Profile

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. 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.