Senior Scientist, Materials Science

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

Job summary

Merck is seeking a Pharmaceutical Materials Scientist to advance physicochemical characterization of pharmaceutical materials, including APIs, intermediates, peptides, excipients, and drug products. You will work with cross-functional teams to solve crystallization and stability challenges, while building internal and external networks across discovery and development groups.

The role emphasizes scientific excellence, compliance, and collaboration with partners in several chemistry and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree with minimum 5 years industrial experience.
• PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related discipline.
• Expertise in materials science or physical chemistry with experience in materials characterization techniques.
• Strong publications in peer reviewed journals and presentations at scientific meetings.
• Strong written and verbal communications.

Responsibilities

• Tackle crystallization, polymorph and salt-selection challenges.
• Assess drug–excipient compatibility and characterize amorphous solid dispersions.
• Evaluate physical stability of APIs and drug products.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and external partners.

Skills

Materials science

Physical chemistry

Characterization

Publications

Communication

Education

Master's in Materials Science

PhD in Materials Science

Tools

X-ray diffraction

Thermal analysis

Electron microscopy

Vibrational spectroscopy

Particle size analysis

Job description

Job Description

The Materials Science team within Analytical Enabling Capabilities is seeking a highly motivated and technically focused individual interested in positively impacting our Company's pipeline from discovery through development and commercial launch. This position is for a Pharmaceutical Materials Scientist to be a key member of a team responsible for the physicochemical characterization of pharmaceutical materials including small molecule active pharmaceutical ingredients (API), chemical intermediates, peptides, novel excipients, drug-product intermediates, and drug products.

The candidate will utilize their expertise in physical organic chemistry or materials science as a member of cross-functional teams to tackle scientific challenges related to crystallization, polymorph and salt-selection, drug-excipient compatibility, characterization of amorphous solid dispersions, and physical stability API and drug products. Additional expectations include building a strong network internally and across the external academic and regulatory community. The selected candidate will advance a culture of scientific excellence, a compliance mindset, and collaboration with partners and stakeholders across our company network within Discovery and Process Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences and our company Manufacturing Division.

Education Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related discipline, with a minimum of (5) years relevant industrial experience.

OR

• PhD in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related discipline.

Experience and Skills

• Expertise in materials science or physical chemistry with experience in materials characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, electron microscopy, vibrational spectroscopy, particle size analysis or powder property characterization.
• Strong academic record including publications in peer reviewed journals and presentations at scientific meetings
• Self-motivated, creative and energetic scientist willing to continually learn and solve complex problems.
• Strong written and verbal communications

Preferred

• Expertise with at least one of the following:
• Active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) polymorph screening and crystallization.
• Amorphous solid dispersion characterization
• Design and Characterization of Modified release dosage forms
• Integration of digital tools to experimental design and data analysis
• Late-stage product development and regulatory documentation / filing.

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.

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

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.

The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.

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

• Employee Status Regular
• Relocation Domestic
• VISA Sponsorship Yes
• Travel Requirements 10%
• Flexible Work Arrangements Not Applicable
• Shift 1st - Day
• Valid Driving License No
• Hazardous Material(s) N/A
• Job Posting End Date 09/25/2026

A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date.