Sr. Scientist, Engineering

Merck; New Jersey; On-site; USD 117,000 - 184,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck's Chemical Engineering Research & Development (CERD) in New Jersey seeks engineers for hands-on process development and scale-up from lab to manufacturing. You will conceive, design, and execute advanced experiments, support pilot plant operations, and collaborate with cross-functional colleagues to meet API development goals.

This role emphasizes safety, cGMP compliance, and proactive project planning. Travel about 10-15% and potential management of external supplier activities.

Qualifications

• Experience performing lab-based research/process development in a chemical engineering-related area.
• Experience with process scale-up and/or technology transfer, moving from laboratory to pilot plant or production scale.
• Highly effective communication and collaboration skills
• Good organizational, interpersonal, writing, and time management skills

Responsibilities

• Conceive, design, plan, and implement advanced experiments for process development and tech development.
• Support pilot plant operations and interface with cross-functional colleagues.
• Oversee transfer of processes to external suppliers when needed.
• Ensure safety, quality compliance (cGMP/GDocP) in all activities.

Skills

Lab-based research

Process development

Scale-up

Communication

Education

Bachelors/Masters in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering

PhD in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering

Tools

Design of Experiments

Process Modeling

PAT

Job description

Position Description

The Chemical Engineering Research & Development department (CERD), part of the Process Research and Development organization, is seeking highly motivated individuals who are looking for an opportunity to work in a fast-paced job that provides a high degree of technical responsibility. This position involves hands‑on process development/scale‑up work performed at scales spanning the range from laboratory scale to commercial manufacturing scale. Under scientific and administrative direction, an engineer in this role conducts independent research which involves conceiving, designing, planning, and implementing advanced experiments aimed at achieving research goals related to process development, technology development, and production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API). The candidate may also have the opportunity to manage process development and/or manufacturing activities at external suppliers. The engineer 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 (GDocP). A high level of innovation, creativity, and self‑initiative along with the ability to plan and organize activities are expected. Successful candidates will be required to communicate regularly, clearly, and with confidence as they discuss technical problems, support pilot plant operations, and interface with cross‑functional colleagues/customers.

This position requires approximately 10% -15% travel.

Position Qualifications :

• BS and/or MS in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering (or comparable) from an accredited college/university plus at least 5 years of relevant work experience in process development, OR
• PhD in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering (or comparable) from an accredited college/university.

Required Experience and Skills :

• Experience performing lab-based research/process development in a chemical engineering-related area.
• Experience with process scale-up and/or technology transfer, moving from laboratory to pilot plant or production scale.
• Highly effective communication and collaboration skills
• Good organizational, interpersonal, writing, and time management skills

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Direct experience with pharmaceutical drug substance processing
• Familiarity with concepts and application of cGMP and GDocP during pharmaceutical development and production.
• Experience applying statistical experimental design (i.e. Design of Experiments) and/or process modeling
• Experience with organic chemical synthesis and wet chemistry including running experiments, and generating and analyzing data
• Familiarity with Process Analytical Technologies (PAT) and/or data-rich experimentation
• Background with chemical engineering-related technology development

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

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

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, certification