Postdoctoral Research Fellow- Biologics Formulation and Drug Delivery

MSD • Rahway, NJ

6d • $82,000 - $92,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Merck’s Research Laboratories Division, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Device Development organization, is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow for its Discovery Pharmaceutical Sciences Department in Rahway, New Jersey. The fellow will contribute to research on biologics formulation and drug delivery, including innovative technologies for high- and ultra-high-concentration biologics that enable subcutaneous administration and support drug product design. The work focuses on formulation science, crystal engineering, suspension systems, physicochemical characterization, and combination drug product design in a collaborative research environment.

Requirements

• Must currently hold a Ph.D. or receive a Ph.D. no later than Spring 2027.
• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline.
• Expertise in protein science, sample handling, and analytical characterization.
• Strong record of scientific achievement, including peer-reviewed publications and/or conference presentations.
• Ability to design, execute, analyze, and communicate independent research in a collaborative environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work across multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in biologics formulation design, especially parenteral and suspension systems.
• Experience with protein crystallization and process design.
• Experience with microscopy and imaging techniques.
• Familiarity with syringeability, injectability, viscosity characterization, and subcutaneous delivery concepts.
• Knowledge of molecular modeling, machine learning, or generative AI.
• Experience with data analysis tools for experimental and computational research.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute independent research in biologics formulation and drug delivery.
• Develop and optimize experimental strategies to evaluate formulation behavior, stability, and performance of complex biologics.
• Design and interpret studies related to protein crystallization, suspension properties, and physicochemical characterization.
• Apply experimental, analytical, and modeling approaches to understand relationships among formulation composition, material attributes, and delivery performance.
• Explore advanced data analysis and predictive methods, including statistical modeling, machine learning, and other computational tools, as appropriate.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across discovery, formulation, device, process, and analytical functions.
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and present research at scientific meetings.

Benefits

• Annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.
• 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.
• Domestic relocation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree