Associate Principal Scientist, Small Molecule Analytical Research and Development

MSD

20h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Small Molecule Analytical Research and Development (SMAR&D) group has an exciting opportunity for an Associate Principal Scientist based in Rahway, NJ. Join us and experience our culture firsthand - one of strong ethics & integrity, diversified experiences, exceptional science and a resounding passion for improving human health through innovative drug delivery technologies and predictive analytical tools. As part of our global team, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with talented and dedicated colleagues while developing and expanding your career. As an Associate Principal Scientist, you will be part of a team developing innovative analytical methodologies for medicines based on small molecules, peptides, mRNA, oligonucleotides and bioconjugates. Our responsibilities range from early stage up to commercialization for both drug substance and a broad array of oral, sterile and combination products. You will also contribute towards regulatory submissions to enable clinical trials. Your main responsibilities will include: Driving our Company's Pipeline: Leading or participating on analytical teams driving the development of drugs in our Company's pipeline, with a deep understanding of product development from early stage through commercialization. Actively partnering with other functional areas to design scientific studies guiding product and process development. Defining and implementing end-to-end analytical control strategies for clinical supplies under good manufacturing practices (including method development and validation as well as specification setting). Authoring investigational new drug (IND), investigational medicinal product dossier (IMPD), and new drug application (NDA)/ worldwide marketing application (WMA) submission documents across the project development lifecycle, as well as responding to agency questions. Scientific Excellence and Regulatory Influence: Promoting our Company's scientific excellence and regulatory influence through leadership in the scientific community. Advancing and expanding analytical capabilities via the adoption and implementation of novel technologies for product and process characterization. Designing and executing the experiments needed to influence programs with data-driven decisions. Leadership: Mentoring and providing day-to-day oversight of junior analytical scientists. Representing your team and/or department via presentations to governance committees and other internal audiences. Proactively identifying and escalating program risks. Fostering strong collaborations with internal stakeholders and external partners by actively engaging in two-way communication to build trusting relationships. Applying a strong understanding of new product development and commercialization to analytical development challenges for small molecules, peptides, mRNA, oligonucleotides, and bioconjugates. Use conventional and novel technologies through active collaboration with cross functional project teams and external vendors.

Requirements

Applicants must hold one of: PhD Degree in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related fields with at least 3 years of pharmaceutical industry experience. Master’s Degree in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related fields with at least 7 years of pharmaceutical industry experience. Bachelor’s Degree in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related fields with at least 10 years of pharmaceutical industry experience.
A strong team player with excellent written and oral communication skills, as well as leadership and interpersonal skills are necessary to qualify for this role.
Possess technical expertise and strategic experience in analytical control strategy development and execution
Ability to develop talent through good mentoring skills
Demonstrated ability for taking initiative, creativity, and innovation in problem solving
Ability to design, execute and/or direct the development and qualification of release, characterization, and stability assays for testing of clinical trial material and in support of product and process development
Strong technical problem-solving ability
External scientific engagement demonstrated by scientific publications and presentations.
Ability to work both independently for development of analytical methodologies and cross-functionally for successful transfer methods.
Plan optimization and documentation to meet program deadlines.
Authoring and reviewing internal technical reports, sections of regulatory filings (e.g., IND, BLA) and external scientific publications.
Experience with matrix management and peer to peer coaching
Ability to deliver complex objectives under aggressive timelines in a rapidly changing environment.

Nice To Haves

Hands-on chromatography (e.g., LC, GC) method development, analysis and troubleshooting.
Other advanced analytical techniques such as mass spectrometry or dissolution.
Experience in development and characterization of small and/or large molecules, mRNA, and/or antibody drug conjugates
Established scientific reputation supported by publications and external presentations
Experience in high-throughput experimentation and data-rich experimentation, or data science

Responsibilities

Driving our Company's Pipeline: Leading or participating on analytical teams driving the development of drugs in our Company's pipeline, with a deep understanding of product development from early stage through commercialization.
Actively partnering with other functional areas to design scientific studies guiding product and process development.
Defining and implementing end-to-end analytical control strategies for clinical supplies under good manufacturing practices (including method development and validation as well as specification setting).
Authoring investigational new drug (IND), investigational medicinal product dossier (IMPD), and new drug application (NDA)/ worldwide marketing application (WMA) submission documents across the project development lifecycle, as well as responding to agency questions.
Scientific Excellence and Regulatory Influence: Promoting our Company's scientific excellence and regulatory influence through leadership in the scientific community.
Advancing and expanding analytical capabilities via the adoption and implementation of novel technologies for product and process characterization.
Designing and executing the experiments needed to influence programs with data-driven decisions.
Leadership: Mentoring and providing day-to-day oversight of junior analytical scientists.
Representing your team and/or department via presentations to governance committees and other internal audiences.
Proactively identifying and escalating program risks.
Fostering strong collaborations with internal stakeholders and external partners by actively engaging in two-way communication to build trusting relationships.
Applying a strong understanding of new product development and commercialization to analytical development challenges for small molecules, peptides, mRNA, oligonucleotides, and bioconjugates.
Use conventional and novel technologies through active collaboration with cross functional project teams and external vendors.

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.

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