Associate Principal Pharmaceutical Commercialization Scientist (Engineer)

MSD

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

We are currently seeking an Associate Principal Scientist (Engineer) for our Pharmaceutical Commercialization Technology (PCT) team. PCT is responsible for pharmaceutical process development of primarily oral solid dosage forms from Phase IIb through regulatory filings, process performance qualification, and into commercial supply. Our work is supported by development facilities in West Point, PA, and Rahway, NJ, a primary commercialization site in Ireland, and a global network of internal and external supply sites. The Associate Principal Scientist will serve as a key technical and business leader, overseeing process development activities for a segment of the late-stage pharmaceutical project portfolio. This role leads teams responsible for creating and executing process development plans, aligning with clinical supply plans, developing and documenting the knowledge base needed for regulatory filings, and managing the project through early launch and supply steps. The Associate Principal Scientist also ensures that interfaces with relevant partner groups - upstream, downstream, and parallel - are managed collaboratively, efficiently, and effectively. The successful candidate may lead high-impact, complex, cross-functional teams and initiatives,. The Associate Principal Scientist will champion cultural change to support and realize PCT’s and our company's vision, driving technical excellence and understanding. The Associate Principal Scientist should have fluency in risk-based approaches to development, design of experiments, and process modeling. Proficiency in scientific writing is essential for preparing technical reports and authoring CTD sections to support product registration efforts.

Requirements

• B.S., M.S., pr PhD in Engineering, Chemistry, or related engineering/scientific discipline required.
• Relevant experience (B.S. +7 years, M.S. + 5 years, or PhD + 4 years) in oral solid dosage drug product development or closely related area.
• Required Skills: Data Analytics, Design of Experiments (DOE), Detail-Oriented, Process Design, Process Optimization, Process Scale Up, Solid Dosage Forms, Statistical Literacy

Nice To Haves

• Experience in one or more of the following areas is preferable but not required:
• Spray Drying for Amorphous Solid Dispersions
• Bilayer Compression
• Process or formulation development for Peptide drug products and/or formulations using permeation enhancement
• Process modelling, Discrete Element Modelling (DEM), Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
• Data analysis and digital expertise, including digital fluency in one or more of these areas: python, R, powerBI, power apps, Generative AI as a productivity tool, data literacy and statistical reasoning
• Technology Transfer between Sites

Responsibilities

• Advance the pipeline: Decides on development plans and outcomes for Final Market Formulations and commercial processes
• As project team leader, develops high-performing teams, or as a key member of multiple smaller teams influences direction for optimal solutions based on use of systematic planning, risk and options analysis tools. Escalates issues appropriately for visibility and resolution
• Technical expertise and technology development: Acts as Subject Matter Expert (SME) in technical areas in order to efficiently solve problems using appropriate tools and prior knowledge. Has fluency of scientific/technical concepts and techniques, applies and furthers those concepts and techniques in pursuit of resolving scientific/technical issues. Supports technical capability build and knowledge sharing within organization
• Technical depth and breadth in all aspects of solid dosage form and process development, including standard and enabled formulations and processes, characterization techniques, experimental data analysis and modeling, including statistical and first principal approaches. Leads application of process development in accordance with ICH principles in regulatory filings, with an emphasis on process robustness and flexibility with business benefits using enhanced and traditional control strategies.
• Build capability and strategic thinking: Makes informed cost/benefit decisions based on analysis of inputs, risk and likely return, and takes ownership of the outcomes. Influences departmental strategy and tactics, particularly with regard to technical issues
• Leverages communication mechanisms and business processes to facilitate decision making and leverages the collective experience of the organization
• Influences interactions with key partner groups, and helps to set strategy and tactics across functions

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees