Associate Principal Scientist, Engineering

Merck • Rahway, NJ

1d • $142,400 - $224,100

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.
This role requires approximately 10-15% travel.

Requirements

• 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 PhD in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering (or comparable) from an accredited College/University with at least 3 years of relevant work experience post PhD defense.
• 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
• Chemical Engineering
• Communication
• Data Analysis
• Decision Making
• Detail-Oriented
• Manufacturing Scale-Up
• Mentorship
• Pharmaceutical Development

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

• 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).
• May 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.

Benefits

• medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family)
• retirement benefits, including 401(k)
• paid holidays
• vacation
• compassionate and sick days

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior