Senior Scientist, Materials and Biophysical Characterization

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

Job summary

Merck (MSD) seeks a Senior Scientist in Rahway, NJ to advance biophysical and particle characterization tools within the biotherapeutics CMC development team. You will collaborate with process, formulation and device groups, develop analytical methods, and contribute to regulatory documentation.

The role emphasizes independent research, data presentation, and project management, with opportunities to publish and engage with external scientific societies.

Qualifications

• Experience in analysis of biologics, protein/peptide stability, protein-protein interactions.
• Hands-on biophysical characterization of proteins/peptides (CD, IR, DSC, AUC, DLS).
• Understanding of protein aggregation mechanisms and links between analytical methods.

Responsibilities

• Authoring technical reports and regulatory documents.
• Presenting technical data and project management responsibilities.
• Independent research, publication, and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

Skills

Biophysical characterization

Protein stability

Analytical methods

Cross-functional collaboration

Oral and written communication

Education

PhD in Biophysics/Biochemistry/Chemistry/related

MS in Biophysics/Biochemistry/Chemistry/related

Job description

Job Description The Materials and Biophysical Characterization group in the Pharmaceutical Analysis and Digital Technologies organization is seeking a highly self-motivated and innovative scientist with deep knowledge and problem-solving skills in biotherapeutics characterization. The Materials and Biophysical Characterization team is responsible for building the mechanistic understanding of the interplay between formulation composition, stability, device, and process to ensure robustness and quality of drug substances and drug products in the biotherapeutics pipeline. As a Senior Scientist, you will be contributing to projects in a biotherapeutics pipeline by developing and implementing biophysical and particle characterization tools and collaborating with process, formulation and device functions as part of the CMC development team. You are expected to use your scientific expertise to find creative solutions to challenging problems which require deep analytical insight and critical thinking. Additional responsibilities include authoring technical reports and regulatory documents, presenting technical data, and project management. You will have the opportunity to conduct independent research, publish research findings, present at scientific conferences, and engage with various external scientific societies/organizations. This is an excellent growth and learning opportunity to work in an exciting, collaborative environment with a wide array of scientists from different divisions and make significant contributions towards our life-saving medicines.

Education Minimum Requirement:

• Ph.D. in Biophysics, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related discipline with 0-4 years of relevant industry experience. Ph.D. candidates with expected degree conferment by Fall 2026 will be considered.
• M.S. in Biophysics, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related discipline with 4-8 years of relevant industry experience.

Required Experience and Skills:

• Experience in the analysis of biologics, protein/peptide stability, protein-protein interactions
• Hands-on experience in biophysical characterization of proteins and/or peptides (e.g. Circular Dichroism (CD), Infrared Spectroscopy (IR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Analytical Ultracentrifugation (AUC), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS))
• Understanding of protein aggregation mechanisms and link between analytical methodologies for analysis
• Ability to deliver complex objectives under aggressive timelines in a rapidly changing environment
• Demonstrated ability for taking initiative, creativity, and innovative problem solving
• A strong team player with excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to work both independently and cross-functionally

Desired Experience and Skills:

• Experience with characterization of lyophilized protein formulations
• Experience with biological formulation development and analytical method development
• Experience with various biologics modalities including peptides, mAbs, ADC, fusion proteins
• Experience with characterization of protein-interface interactions (e.g. interfacial rheology, QCMD)
• Experience with subvisible and submicron particle characterization tools (e.g. flow imaging microscopy, backgrounded membrane imaging (BMI), flow cytometry)

Preferred Skills:

• Analytical Method Development, Bioanalytical Analysis, Biologics, Biophysics, Biotherapeutics, Peptides, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Protein Analysis, Protein Characterization

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 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

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

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

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. 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.

Employee Status: Regular Relocation: Domestic VISA Sponsorship: No Travel Requirements: No Travel Required Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable Shift: 1st - Day Valid Driving License: No Hazardous Material(s): N/A Job Posting End Date: 09/17/2026 *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.