Principal Scientist, Materials Science

Merck • 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

• 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.
• 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).
• 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).

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.
• Lead cross-functional teams.
• Mentor scientists.

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