Principal Scientist, Materials Science

MSD • Rahway, NJ

2d • $156,900 - $247,000

About The Position

The Materials & Biophysical Characterization (MBC) group within Analytical Research & Development is seeking a highly motivated and technically focused individual interested in positively impacting our Company's pipeline from discovery through development and commercial launch. This position is for a Pharmaceutical Materials Scientist to be a key member of a team responsible for the physicochemical characterization of pharmaceutical materials including small molecule active pharmaceutical ingredients (API), chemical intermediates, peptides, novel excipients, drug-product intermediates, and drug products. The candidate will utilize their expertise in physical organic chemistry or materials science as a member of cross-functional teams to tackle scientific challenges related to crystallization, polymorph and salt-selection, drug-excipient compatibility, characterization of amorphous solid dispersions, and physical stability API and drug products. Additional expectations include building a strong network internally and across the external academic and regulatory community. Furthermore, the selected candidate will advance a culture of scientific excellence, a compliance mindset, and collaboration with partners and stakeholders across our company's network such as Discovery Chemistry, Process & Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Formulations Sciences.

Requirements

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related discipline, with a minimum of 12 years relevant industrial experience (non-academic). OR PhD in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related discipline with a minimum of 8 years relevant industrial experience (non-academic).
• Expertise in materials science or physical chemistry with experience in materials characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, electron microscopy, vibrational spectroscopy, particle size analysis or powder property characterization.
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional teams
• Commitment to mentoring scientists
• Strong academic record including publications in peer reviewed journals and presentations at scientific meetings
• Self-motivated, creative and energetic scientist willing to continually learn and solve complex problems.
• Strong written and verbal communications

Nice To Haves

• Expertise with at least one of the following: Active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) polymorph screening and crystallization
• Chemometric analysis of spectroscopic data
• Amorphous solid dispersion characterization
• Modified release dosage form development and characterization.
• Rheological characterization of complex fluids or suspensions
• Late-stage product development and regulatory documentation / filing.

Responsibilities

• Utilize expertise in physical organic chemistry or materials science as a member of cross-functional teams to tackle scientific challenges related to crystallization, polymorph and salt-selection, drug-excipient compatibility, characterization of amorphous solid dispersions, and physical stability API and drug products.
• Build a strong network internally and across the external academic and regulatory community.
• Advance a culture of scientific excellence, a compliance mindset, and collaboration with partners and stakeholders across the company's network such as Discovery Chemistry, Process & Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Formulations Sciences.

Benefits

• 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
• annual bonus
• long-term incentive

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal