Associate Principal Scientist

MSD • Rahway, NJ

1d • $142,400 - $224,100 • Onsite

About The Position

The Process Chemistry organization, located at our Rahway, NJ site, is seeking a highly motivated and accomplished scientist with deep expertise in flow chemistry and continuous processing to join the Catalysis and Flow Lab. This position offers an opportunity to play a key role in advancing our pipeline of drug substances, including small molecules, macrocyclic peptides, and bioconjugates, by developing and implementing robust, sustainable, and efficient API manufacturing processes from discovery through commercialization.
The successful candidate will lead laboratory experimentation in flow chemistry, develop and implement novel continuous processing technologies, enable new chemical transformations, and influence route design across development programs. The role requires close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including synthetic and analytical chemists, chemical engineers, manufacturing partners, and other stakeholders, to support API campaigns at laboratory, pilot, and manufacturing scales. Responsibilities also include solving complex chemistry and processing challenges, supporting technology transfer, mentoring scientists new to the field, and contributing to the external scientific community through publications, patents, presentations, and professional engagement.
The ideal candidate will possess strong expertise in synthetic organic chemistry, process development, flow chemistry, and continuous processing, along with the passion and capability to serve as a subject matter expert within the Process Chemistry Department. A proven record of scientific innovation, technical achievement, self-initiative, and effective collaboration in a dynamic team environment is essential.

Requirements

• Minimum of 4 years of relevant industrial experience following completion of a Ph.D., with demonstrated success in small-molecule process chemistry using flow chemistry.
• Strong experience in organic synthesis, flow chemistry, and continuous processing, including hands-on laboratory experimentation in flow.
• Proven ability to design, develop, and optimize practical, scalable chemical processes through scientific rigor, creativity, and data-driven problem-solving.
• Ability to apply flow chemistry and continuous processing technologies to enable new chemical transformations, influence route design, and address complex process development challenges.
• Demonstrated success working across multidisciplinary teams and effectively communicating technical concepts to scientific and non-scientific audiences.
• Strong written communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear technical reports, presentations, publications, and documentation.
• Strong self-initiative, collaborative mindset, and enthusiasm for serving as a subject matter expert in flow chemistry while mentoring others new to the field.
• Demonstrated scientific impact through publications, patents, presentations, or participation in the broader scientific community.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with automation approaches for continuous-flow process development is highly valued.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific leadership for the design, development, and optimization of scalable API processes across multiple development programs, with a strong emphasis on flow chemistry and continuous processing.
• Lead hands-on laboratory experimentation in flow chemistry to develop robust, sustainable, and efficient chemical transformations and manufacturing processes.
• Influence route design and solve complex chemistry, engineering, and manufacturing challenges through mechanistic understanding, innovative process design, and data-driven decision-making.
• Support process characterization, scale-up, technology transfer, and API campaigns at laboratory, pilot, and manufacturing scales in collaboration with cross-functional partners.
• Mentor scientists and colleagues new to flow chemistry and continuous processing while fostering a culture of scientific excellence, innovation, and collaboration.
• Contribute to the broader scientific community through publications, patents, presentations, and professional engagement.

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: Principal
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree