Principal Scientist/Engineer, Drug/Device Combination Products - Device Characterization

MSD • Rahway, NJ

1d • $156,900 - $247,000

About The Position

The company Device Product and Process Development (DPPD) Team is seeking a hands-on device characterization and design focused technical leader. This position will be responsible for technical interrogation of the various drug delivery device technology platforms supporting our company's pipeline to identify risks (i.e. when/how will the device fail?) and opportunities for improvement. In this role, the successful candidate will utilize a wide variety of cutting-edge analytical instruments and methods, including in silico modeling, to build fundamental understanding of the devices’ material and functional properties and attributes. This understanding, combined with extensive data analysis/interpretation, will allow the role to design and develop functional improvements for these platforms and, as the opportunities arise, develop new and novel delivery technologies. These drug delivery device technology platforms can be but not limited to, pre-filled syringes, auto injectors, onbody injectors and inhalers. The successful candidate must have effective cross functional collaboration skills, demonstrated excellent scientific leadership, and superior written and oral communications abilities.
Our company is a global health care leader with a portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines and animal health products. The difference between potential and achievement lies in the spark that fuels innovation and inventiveness; this is the space where our company has codified its legacy for over a century. Our company's success is backed by ethical integrity, forward momentum, and an inspiring mission to achieve new milestones in global healthcare.
Our company is on a quest for cures and is committed to being the world’s premier, most research-intensive biopharmaceutical company. Today, we’re doubling down on this goal. Our company's Research Laboratories is a true scientific research facility of tomorrow and will take our company's leading discovery capabilities and world-class small molecule and biologics R&D expertise to create breakthrough science that radically changes the way we approach serious diseases.
Join us and experience our culture first-hand — one of strong ethics & integrity, experiences, exceptional science, and a resounding passion for improving human health. As part of our global team, you’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with talented and dedicated colleagues while developing and expanding your career.

Requirements

• Ph.D. with 8+ years of industry experience in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or an equivalent field.
• Proven record of scientific accomplishments in combination product development with a strong scientific publication and presentation track record.
• Fluency in structural finite element analysis (FEA).
• Solid testing and troubleshooting skills able to work independently in a laboratory setting.
• Expertise with mechanical testing, imaging, and measurement equipment and techniques, including mechanical testing, surface characterization, x-ray computed tomography, rheometry, and microscopy.
• Experience in 3D CAD (e.g. Solidworks), geometric tolerancing and stack-up analysis.
• Fluency in Design Failure Modes and Effect Analysis (FMEA, DFMEA).
• Cross-functional communication – communicating complex engineering information in layman’s terms to facilitate CMC cross-functional understanding and to support project timelines.
• Development experience in risk-oriented, regulated environments.
• Development project leadership with a proven track record collaborating with and managing external vendors/research partners.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with medical device development with understanding of Design Controls (21 CFR 820.30).
• Familiarity with the following standards: Quality Management – ISO 13485, Risk Management – ISO 14971, EU MDR, ISO 11608 Needle-based injection system for medical use.
• Familiarity with Design Verification (DV) strategies and mechanical tests with validations, including engineering studies, design verification protocols, stability studies and validation protocols, ensuring appropriate selection of acceptance criteria and sampling plans.
• Ensures measurement systems analysis (MSA’s) for all finished product performance test methods as needed in tech transfer or lifecycle.
• Additional familiarity/experience with the following knowledge is a plus: 21 CFR Part 4, 21 CFR 211, FDA Guidance for Industry, Container Closure Systems for Packaging Human Drugs & Biologics, ISO 13485, ISO 14971, ISO 11040, ISO 10993.

Responsibilities

• Technical interrogation of various drug delivery device technology platforms to identify risks and opportunities for improvement.
• Utilize cutting-edge analytical instruments and methods, including in silico modeling, to understand devices’ material and functional properties.
• Design and develop functional improvements for existing platforms.
• Develop new and novel delivery technologies.
• Effective cross-functional collaboration.
• Demonstrate excellent scientific leadership.
• Superior written and oral communication abilities.

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