Senior Scientist, Small Molecule Chemical Engineering

Merck; New Jersey; On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck is seeking a Senior Scientist, Engineering in the Chemical Commercialization Technology (CCT) department to develop safe and robust manufacturing processes through characterization, tech transfer, and validation for late-stage small molecule projects.

The role involves hands-on bench and kilo-lab work, risk management, cGMP compliance, GDPs, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to move processes from lab to commercial facilities.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Chemical Engineering with ≥5 years of relevant work experience, or PhD with no industry experience.
• Experience in chemical process development and robust experimentation.
• Ability to design and execute experiments addressing design, robustness, and productivity.
• Strong written and verbal communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop safe and robust manufacturing processes through characterization, transfer, validation, and supply support for late‑stage projects.
• Apply Quality Risk Management and DOE methods for experimental design.
• Conduct hands-on bench and kilo lab experiments and transfer technology to commercial facilities.
• Maintain safety and GDP/cGMP compliance and participate in risk assessments and deviation investigations.
• Collaborate across cross‑functional process development teams to meet project milestones.

Skills

Bioreactors

cGMP Regulations

Chemical Processes

Chromatographic Techniques

Computational Design

Design of Experiments

Good Manufacturing Practices

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

Process Development

Process Scale Up

Small Molecule Drug Development

Small Molecule Synthesis

Teamwork

Technology Transfer

Education

Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering

Master of Science in Chemical Engineering

PhD in Chemical Engineering

Job description

Job Description

We are seeking a self-motivated individual to join our Chemical Commercialization Technology (CCT) department, part of our manufacturing division. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a highly collaborative environment with substantial technical responsibility and leadership of internal and external work. If you are passionate about developing safe and robust manufacturing processes and thrive in a dynamic setting, we invite you to apply.

The Senior Scientist, Engineering position leverages scientific/technical experience to develop safe and robust manufacturing processes through process characterization, technology transfer, validation, filing and supply support of late-stage projects in the small molecule pipeline.

The candidate will provide scientific expertise by learning and utilizing Quality Risk Management methodologies and tools for statistical design of experiments. This role involves hands‑on experimentation at the laboratory bench and kilo lab scales in addition to technology transfer to commercial manufacturing facilities. The scientist will be expected to exhibit a mindset of safety and quality compliance, which will include following current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs), and participating in risk assessments, deviation investigations, and Good Documentation Practices (GDPs).

Responsibilities

• Develop safe and robust manufacturing processes through process characterization, technology transfer, validation, filing, and supply support of late‑stage projects in the small molecule pipeline.
• Provide scientific expertise by learning and utilizing Quality Risk Management methodologies and tools for statistical design of experiments.
• Conduct hands‑on experimentation at the laboratory bench and kilo lab scales.
• Transfer technology to commercial manufacturing facilities.
• Exhibit a mindset of safety and quality compliance, including following current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs).
• Participate in risk assessments, deviation investigations, and Good Documentation Practices (GDPs).

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor of Science (BS)/Master of Science (MS) in Chemical Engineering with a minimum of five (5) years of required work experience. PhD in Chemical Engineering from an accredited college/university with no industry experience required.
• Relevant work experience in chemical process development.
• Demonstrated capability to develop and execute an experimental program to address issues of process design, robustness, and productivity.
• Highly effective communication and collaboration skills.
• Good organizational, interpersonal, writing, and time management skills.
• Ability to operate within a cross‑functional process development team.

Preferred

• Experience performing lab‑based research/process development, including performing unit operations common in small molecule drug substance process development such as chemical reactions, work‑up, and crystallization.
• Experience leading regulatory file authoring, validation planning, and execution.
• Experience guiding internal/external technical discussions.
• Familiarity with statistical design and analysis tools.
• Experience with process scale‑up and technology transfer, moving from laboratory to pilot plant or factory.
• Familiarity with concepts and application of current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) ideally during pharmaceutical drug substance/drug product development and production.
• Experience with mathematical modeling, theoretical scaling calculations, and Quality by Design principles.

WE2026

Required Skills

• Bioreactors, cGMP Regulations, Chemical Processes, Chromatographic Techniques, Computational Design, Design of Experiments (DOE), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Pharmaceutics, Process Development (PD), Process Development Engineering, Process Optimization, Process Scale Up, Small Molecule Drug Development, Small Molecule Synthesis, Teamwork, Technology Transfer

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

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