Associate Principal Scientist, Process Analytical Technologies

Merck • Upper Gwynedd Township, PA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced and innovative Associate Principal Scientist to join the Process Analytical Technologies (PAT) team within Analytical Enabling Capabilities. In this role, you will collaborate with a cross-functional, highly engaged team to advance the development pipeline and support commercial manufacturing. The successful candidate will lead the development, validation, and implementation of in-line, on-line, and at-line PAT solutions for both small- and large-molecule modalities. Join our company and contribute to our mission of delivering innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals.

Requirements

• B.S. in chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology, bioengineering, chemical engineering, or a related discipline with a minimum of 12 years of relevant industry experience; or M.S. with at least 8 years; or Ph.D. with at least 4 years.
• Demonstrated experience in PAT.
• Strong technical background in spectroscopy (Raman, FTIR, NIR), chromatography, and chemometric/modeling approaches.
• Proven track record of scientific contributions (peer-reviewed publications or equivalent technical outputs).

Nice To Haves

• Experience preparing PAT content for regulatory filings and interacting with regulatory agencies.
• Experience with PAT implementation in commercial manufacturing and technology transfer.
• Strong collaborative and interpersonal skills; ability to work across functions and with external partners.
• Project leadership and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership for systematic assessment and deployment of in-line, on-line, and at-line PAT methods across small- and large-molecule programs.
• Design and develop standardized analytical platforms to enable PAT implementation, including real-time monitoring and rapid shop-floor analytics.
• Develop, validate, and implement PAT methods (in-line, on-line, at-line) to monitor and control process parameters and product quality attributes.
• Lead scale-up activities and technology transfer of PAT applications to commercial manufacturing.
• Partner with capital project and facility teams to design and establish integrated PAT infrastructure aligned with the Launch Preparedness strategy.
• Create integrated control strategies that leverage PAT platforms to enable robust, highly capable manufacturing processes across modalities (e.g., small molecule drug product, biologics, and vaccines).
• Prepare and maintain scientific documentation and validation packages for PAT methods; contribute content for regulatory submissions.
• Interact with global regulatory agencies as needed to support acceptance of PAT-based process control and release strategies.

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
• annual bonus
• long-term incentive

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees