Senior Specialist, Chemistry (Onsite)
Merck & Co.
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Job summary
Merck & Co. in Rahway, New Jersey, seeks a Senior Specialist in Process Chemistry to advance our pipeline of drug substances, including small molecules, macrocyclic peptides, and bioconjugates.
This lab-based role focuses on process characterization for late-stage programs and supports kilo lab scale syntheses and route scouting. You will perform independent analyses with HPLC, MS, and NMR, document rigorously, and collaborate effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Qualifications
- Training must be in the field of organic synthesis, including synthetic methodology, catalysis, or total synthesis.
- Significant experience in chemical synthesis, compound purification, and analytical characterization, including HPLC, MS, and NMR techniques.
- Strong written and oral communication skills and the ability to work effectively and with urgency in a collaborative and team environment.
- The ability to work independently with minimum supervision of daily tasks.
- Productivity and efficiency working in an organic chemistry lab.
Responsibilities
- Laboratory-based characterization of late-stage syntheses to support commercialization of small molecule manufacturing by performing Design of Experiments, fate and purge studies, and chemical marker preparation
- Laboratory work with a large variety of chemicals, using a set of modern manual and automated laboratory equipment, and leveraging an array of analytical technologies, in a safe, compliant, and rigorously documented manner
- Laboratory-based synthesis and characterization of starting materials and intermediates to support route scouting, including kilo lab scale up of intermediates and APIs
- Non-lab-based work includes experimental planning, data analysis, and writing clear and concise development reports
Skills
Education
Job description
The Process Chemistry group within the Small Molecule Process Research & Development Department in Rahway, New Jersey is seeking a Senior Specialist to play a key role in advancing our pipeline of drug substances, including small molecules, macrocyclic peptides, and bioconjugates. This lab-based position offers an opportunity to drive Process Characterization of late-stage programs through establishment of proven acceptable ranges, fate and purge studies, and chemical marker preparation.- This individual will also synthesize starting materials and intermediates to support route scouting efforts and support kilo lab scale syntheses.- The ideal candidate is highly motivated and has substantial synthetic chemistry experience, can perform independent analysis using various analytical characterization methods, and pays close attention to detail to ensure safe lab practices and rigorous documentation of work. A-proven record of technical strength,-clear written and oral communication,-and collaboration and adaptability-in a fast-paced, dynamic-research environment-is essential.
- Laboratory-based characterization of late-stage syntheses to support commercialization of small molecule manufacturing by performing Design of Experiments, fate and purge studies, and chemical marker preparation
- Laboratory work with a large variety of chemicals, using a set of modern manual and automated laboratory equipment, and leveraging an array of analytical technologies, in a safe, compliant, and rigorously documented manner
- Laboratory-based synthesis and characterization of starting materials and intermediates to support route scouting, including kilo lab scale up of intermediates and APIs
- Non-lab-based work includes experimental planning, data analysis, and writing clear and concise development reports
- Ph.D. degree in Chemistry, an M.S. degree with 6 years of pharma/biopharma experience, or a B.S. with 9 years of pharma/biopharma experience.
- Training must be in the field of organic synthesis, including synthetic methodology, catalysis, or total synthesis
- Significant experience in chemical synthesis, compound purification, and analytical characterization, including HPLC, MS, and NMR techniques
- Strong written and oral communication skills and the ability to work effectively and with urgency in a collaborative and team environment
- The ability to work independently with minimum supervision of daily tasks
- Productivity and efficiency working in an organic chemistry lab
Biopharmaceutical Industry, Biopharmaceuticals, Biopharmaceutics, Chemical Synthesis, Cross-Cultural Teams, Data Analysis, Deviation Management, Facility Management, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR), Pharmaceutical Biology, Pharmacokinetics, Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Sterile Manufacturing, Vaccine Manufacturing
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.
The salary range for this role is $117,000.00 - $184,200.00
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 successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.
We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
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
Regular
Domestic
No
10%
Not Applicable
Not Indicated
No
n/a
10/15/2026
R412103
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