Senior Scientist, Preclinical Development

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision coverage

401(k)

Job summary

Merck & Co., Inc. in Rahway, NJ is seeking a Senior Scientist for the Animal Health Formulation Group to develop dosage forms and processes across development stages.

You will design experiments, analyze data, author reports and regulatory submissions, and collaborate cross-functionally to drive milestones.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a relevant field with strong formulation development background.
• Proven ability to independently design and conduct experiments and analyze data.
• Experience working in cross-functional teams including project management, manufacturing, quality, and regulatory.
• Hands-on experience with solid oral dosage form processing technologies is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop diverse dosage forms (oral, topical, injectable, implant) and related processes.
• Lead experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation to support development stages.
• Prepare technical reports, regulatory submissions, and patent applications as needed.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to meet project milestones.

Skills

Formulation development

Independent experimental design

Cross-functional collaboration

Data analysis

Education

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering

Ph.D. in Materials Science

Ph.D. in Chemistry

Pharmaceutics

Job description

Job Description Join Our Company’s Rahway Animal Health Team Our Company's Global Animal Health Research & Development (R&D) division is a pioneer in the discovery, development and registration of medicines, products, and therapeutics for animals. To strengthen the team responsible for our global initiatives, we are looking for a highly skilled and motivated Senior Scientist to join our R&D team.

Purpose of the Role The Senior Scientist within our company's Animal Health Formulation Group is responsible for the development of variety of different dosage forms (oral, topical, injectable, implant, etc.) and related processes across all stages of development. The successful candidate will be a self-motivated scientist with an outstanding scientific track-record and passion for pharmaceutical product development. This individual will use innovative approaches to support both early and late-stage development candidates including screening, design, and development of formulations defined by robust drug product compositions and processes. Other responsibilities include statistical experimental design & data analysis, authoring of technical reports, regulatory submissions and patent applications. Active participation on formulation development teams while interfacing with other functional areas (e.g. project management, manufacturing, quality, regulatory affairs) and external partners to drive project milestones will be required. The candidate should have strong communication skills, good interpersonal and collaboration skills, an ability to multitask and a strong desire to learn and contribute.

Education Minimum Requirement: Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Material Science, Chemistry, Pharmaceutics

Required Experience and Skills: Experience developing formulations Demonstrated ability in independently designing and conducting experiments and analyzing data Ability to work in a cross-functional team environment

Preferred Experience and Skills: Proven ability to identify and develop innovative ideas Strong verbal and written communication skills Hands-on experience in pharmaceutical pilot plants Experience in formulating pharmaceutical products Experience in solid oral dosage form processing technology such as granulation, tablet compaction, and film coating desired

Animal Health Our Animal Health Division is a trusted global leader in veterinary medicine, dedicated to preserving and improving health, well-being, and performance of animals and the people who care for them. We are a global team of professionals working together to make a positive difference in animal care and the world’s food supply and have a deep sense of responsibility towards our customers, consumers, animals, society, and our planet. Through our commitment to The Science of Healthier Animals®, we offer veterinarians, farmers, pet owners and governments one of the widest ranges of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services. We invest in dynamic and comprehensive R&D resources and a modern, global supply chain. We are present in more than 50 countries, while our products are available in some 150 markets.

Required Skills: Adaptability, Chemical Engineering, Chemical Technology, Corporate Management, Cross-Functional Teamwork, Data Analysis, Design, Drug Delivery Technology, High-Throughput Screening, Innovative Thinking, Interpersonal Relationships, Materials Science, Pharmacodynamics, Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacology, Preformulation, Process Optimization, Project Management, Regulatory Affairs Compliance, US Patent, Written Communication

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.

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: 25% Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable Shift: Not Indicated Valid Driving License: No Hazardous Material(s): N/A Job Posting End Date: 09/10/2026 *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.