Senior Scientist, Oral Formulation Sciences (On-site)

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

Job summary

MSD Malaysia is seeking a Scientist to support formulation development of new chemical entities as part of a matrix team from first in human formulations through final market formulation definition and manufacturing process robustness assessment.

You will propose new approaches, design experiments, and coordinate development activities with process chemistry, preformulation, analytical, and physical characterization groups. Collaboration with external CDMOs and internal teams is essential.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related discipline (with expected graduation no later than March 2027).
• B.S. or M.S. in Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related discipline with minimum of 5 years' relevant industrial experience.

Responsibilities

• Propose new, innovative approaches for product development and design experiments.
• Coordinate development activities with process chemistry, preformulation, analytical, and physical characterization groups.
• Outsource/coordinate formulation development or clinical manufacturing at CDMOs.
• Facilitate manufacturing, packaging, and release of clinical supplies for studies and scale-up activities.
• Share knowledge with others and pursue patents, publications, and technical improvements.

Skills

Innovative Thinking

Data Analysis

Design of Experiments

Preformulation

Process Development

Process Optimization

Product Formulation

Materials Science

Cross-Functional Teamwork

Education

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or related

B.S./M.S. in Engineering or Pharmaceutical Sciences with 5+ years industrial experience

Job description

Our company's Pharmaceutical Sciences and Clinical Supply organization translates molecules to medicines, working from the discovery interface through registration stability manufacturing by designing, developing and scaling-up the formulation, device, and manufacturing process. Driving drug product design from the bench top to the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) manufacturing facilities, our Scientists use cutting edge science to transform drug delivery and manufacturing technology to positively impact patients. The successful candidate will be a passionate Scientist with strong academic fundamentals and a drive to develop new medicines to improve human health.

In this role, the individual will be responsible for supporting the formulation development of new chemical entities as part of a matrix team from initial first in human formulations (suspensions, solutions, capsules, tablets) through final market formulation definition and manufacturing process robustness assessment.

Primary Responsibilities

Propose new, innovative approaches for product development, generate experimental designs, execute experimental plans, and interpret data. Support internal capability development by evaluating new technologies and deploying them to pipeline assets. Collaborate effectively within and across functional areas and possess advanced knowledge or experience in a specialized scientific area. The desired individual is someone who will bring knowledge and creativity to the position as well as have the discipline to drive results. Execute formulation and process development activities using Design of Experiments for new chemical entities or life cycle management opportunities. Coordinate development activities with process chemistry, preformulation, analytical, and physical characterization groups. Outsource/coordinate formulation development or clinical manufacturing at Contract Development or Manufacturing Organizations. Facilitate manufacturing, packaging, and release of clinical supplies for clinical studies, assist in scale up activities at pilot and commercial scale, and summarize results in technical reports and presentations. Enhance our professional image and competitive advantage through patents, presentations, publications, and professional activities and advance areas such as science and technology development, technical and business strategic improvements, business process innovations. Maintain awareness of relevant new and current technologies, capabilities, and effectively share this knowledge with others.

Education Minimum Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related discipline (with expected graduation no later than March 2027).
• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related discipline with minimum of 5 years' relevant industrial experience.

Required Experience and Skills

• Proven ability to identify and develop innovative ideas.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design and execute complex experiments and data analysis.
• Ability to work effectively with team members of different skill sets and backgrounds.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Pharmaceutical development experience.
• Demonstrated ability to identify, fundamentally characterize, and address manufacturing challenges through the development and optimization of novel production technologies.
• Experience with advanced drug product manufacturing technologies, including: continuous manufacturing, three dimensional (3D) printing, controlled release, and/or oral delivery of large molecules.
• Experience with process modeling, simulation, and automation integration in the pharmaceutical and/or industrial manufacturing sector.
• Desire to build new capabilities through the evaluation of new technologies and hands‑on optimization of existing technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to apply the principles of physical/organic chemistry, physical pharmacy, and materials science to solving practical pharmaceutical development problems.
• Hands‑on experience in pharmaceutical pilot plants.

EligibleforERP Required Skills

• Chemical Engineering
• Chemistry
• Cross‑Functional Teamwork
• Data Analysis
• Design of Experiments (DOE)
• Innovative Thinking
• Manufacturing Processes
• Materials Science
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Preformulation
• Process Development (PD)
• Process Optimization
• Product Development
• Product Formulation
• Technology Development

We are a research-driven biopharmaceutical company. Our mission is built on the simple premise that if we "follow the science" and that great medicines can make a significant impact to our world. And we believe that a research-driven enterprise dedicated to world-class science can succeed by inventing medicine and vaccine innovations that make a difference for patients across the globe.

We are driven by our purpose to develop and deliver innovative products that save and improve lives.

With 69,000 employees operating in more than 140 countries, we offer state of the art laboratories, plants and offices that are designed to Inspire our employees as we learn, develop and grow in our careers.

We are proud of our 125 years of service to humanity and continue to be one of the world's biggest investors in Research & Development.

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.

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.

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: Not Indicated

Valid Driving License: No

Hazardous Material(s): n/a

Job Posting End Date: 10/3/2026