Associate Principal Scientist, Chemical Engineering R&D

Merck & Co.•Rahway, NJ

65d•Hybrid

About The Position

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 (GDPs). 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.

Requirements

The position requires either a BS and/or MS in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering (or comparable) from an accredited college/university plus at least 8 years of relevant work experience in process development, or a PhD in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering (or comparable) from an accredited college/university with at least 3 years of relevant work experience post PhD defense.
For BS/MS candidates, at least 8 years of relevant work experience post-graduation - OR - for PhD candidates with at least 3 years of relevant work experience post PhD defense, where relevant work experience would include the following:
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
Accountability
Adaptability
Bioprocessing
Chemical Engineering
Communication
Data Analysis
Decision Making
Detail-Oriented
Experimental Methods
Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
Machine Learning
Maintenance Supervision
Manufacturing Process Validation
Manufacturing Quality Control
Manufacturing Scale-Up
Mentorship
Pharmaceutical Development
Pilot Plant Operations
Process Design
Process Improvements
Process Research
Process Scale Up
Production Process Development
Protein Purifications

Nice To Haves

Direct experience with pharmaceutical drug substance development
Familiarity with concepts and application of cGMP and GDP during pharmaceutical development and production.
Experience applying statistical experimental design (i.e. Design of Experiments) and/or process modeling
Experience with chemical engineering-related technology development

Responsibilities

Conduct 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).
Manage process development and/or manufacturing activities at external suppliers.
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).
Communicate regularly, clearly, and with confidence as they discuss technical problems, support pilot plant operations, and interface with cross-functional colleagues/customers.