Senior Scientist, Drug/Device Combination Products (Hybrid)

Merck • Rahway, NJ

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Our company's Combination Product Characterization and Verification (CPCV) Team is seeking a hands-on device characterization and design focused scientist. 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 leverage a broad range of cutting-edge analytical instruments and methodologies, including in silico modeling, to develop a fundamental understanding of device material and functional properties, with a focus on intravitreal injection combination product development. 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 diversified 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, diversified 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

• B.S., M.S or Ph.D. in Material Science, Chemistry or equivalent field.
• A minimum of a Ph.D., M.S. plus 4 years, or B.S. plus 6 years of design, engineering, and testing/test method development experience.
• Solid testing and troubleshooting skills able to work independently in a laboratory setting.
• Strong background in optical imaging, mechanical testing, particle analysis and measurement equipment and techniques.
• Excellent collaboration, ideation, and prototyping skills, including facilitating design brainstorming sessions, developing proof of concepts, working prototypes and conducting functional testing.
• Experience in 3D CAD (e.g. Solidworks), geometric tolerancing and stack-up analysis.
• Fluency in Design Failure Modes and Effect Analysis (FMEA, DFMEA).
• Development experience in risk-oriented, regulated environments.

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, Medical Electrical Equipment – EN 60601, Medical Device Software Standard – IEC 62304, ISO 11608 Needle-based injection system for medical use.
• Additional familiarity/experience with the following industry related 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 drug delivery device technology platforms to identify risks and opportunities for improvement.
• Leverage analytical instruments and methodologies, including in silico modeling, to understand device material and functional properties.
• Focus on intravitreal injection combination product development.
• Liaise closely with partner functions including QA, Analytical Sciences, CROs and others to support project timelines.
• Communicate complex mechanical engineering information in layman’s terms to facilitate cross-functional understanding.
• Development project leadership with a proven track record collaborating with and managing external vendors/manufacturers.

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: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed