Associate Scientist, Post Doctoral Fellow- Material Science and Crystallization

Merck & Co.•Rahway, NJ

68d•$75,000 - $86,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Postdoctoral Research Fellow - High-throughput Crystallization Be a part of the legacy: Postdoctoral Research Fellow Program Our Research Laboratories' Postdoctoral Research Fellow Program aims to be a best-in-industry program for industrial postdoctoral researchers, designed to provide you with an academic focus in a commercial environment. With the resources, reach, and expertise of a large pharmaceutical company, postdoctoral researchers will be positioned to excel in an institution committed to breakthrough innovation in research and discovery. Position Overview: We are seeking a highly driven and motivated postdoctoral research scholar to join the Materials & Biophysical Characterization group within Analytical Research & Development. This individual will develop innovative high-throughput crystallization strategies and methodologies to discover new solid forms. The project will utilize automation techniques to screen various crystallization processes to control solid form outcomes. It will also involve high-throughput characterization techniques, such as Raman microscopy, optical microscopy, and powder X-ray diffraction, to effectively identify new solid forms using spectral and imaging data. Additionally, new analytical platforms will be developed utilizing machine learning and other analytical tools to process large datasets of spectra and images. These integrated approaches can significantly reduce the time and material consumption required for solid form discovery, while effectively constructing comprehensive solid form landscapes. The postdoctoral research scholar will collaborate closely with other functional areas, including Automation, Crystal Structure Prediction, Digital Science & Statistics, and Structure Elucidation.

Requirements

Candidates must currently hold a Ph.D. or will you have completed your PhD within the next year.
Preferred educational background includes but is not restricted to Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutics, Physical Chemistry, or a related field.
Experience in physical characterization (Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, crystallography, thermal analysis, etc.) of organic and/or inorganic materials
Experience in crystallization and crystal growth
Interest in automation, high-throughput physical characterization, and machine learning.
Proven ability to independently design and execute experiments, interpret data, and identify appropriate follow-up studies
Track record of adaptability, creativity, critical thinking, innovation, integrity, and teamwork
Strong attention to detail with the ability to multi-task and handle multiple responsibilities simultaneously
Strong track record of scientific achievements (publications, patent, etc.) and effective writing skills

Nice To Haves

Experience in automation, Raman microscopy, and crystallography
Knowledge and skills in machine learning or large dataset analytics
Demonstrated ability to be productive and a strong aptitude for learning and adopting new techniques and technologies.

Responsibilities

Design and develop automated crystallization methodologies, and execute studies to discover and identify novel solid forms
Perform high-throughput physical characterization using Raman microscopy, high-throughput microscopy, or powder X-ray diffraction
Build analytical methods using machine learning or other analytical tools to process and analyze spectra or image datasets.
Leverage traditional and advanced physical characterization and crystallography techniques to understand solid-state and structural properties, respectively
Interpret and present data to internal and external collaborators
Collaborate effectively with cross-functional and technical experts to facilitate scientific success and breakthroughs
Publish research in peer-reviewed journals and present work at scientific meetings
Ensure that safe laboratory practices are followed