Senior Scientist, Process Chemistry

MSD • Rahway, NJ

3d • $117,000 - $184,200 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Process Chemistry organization located at our Rahway, NJ site is seeking highly motivated and exceptional chemists who are looking for an opportunity to work in a fast-paced environment that provides a high degree of technical responsibility. A successful candidate will design and develop efficient, scalable manufacturing routes and clinical supply processes for multi‑modality drug substances — including small molecules, macrocyclic peptides, and bioconjugates — supporting preclinical through clinical deliveries in our internal facilities and enabling successful tech transfer. Responsibilities include researching and evaluating chemical routes, optimizing reaction conditions, ensuring reproducibility at scale, and conducting process demonstrations and tech transfers. In addition, the candidate will be expected to stay current with modern synthetic methodologies, drive continuous improvement and innovation within the group, and engage with the external scientific community through publications and presentations. The ideal candidate must possess a Ph.D. in chemistry with experience in methodology/catalysis (including chemocatalysis, biocatalysis, and heterogeneous catalysis), total synthesis, physical organic chemistry, or flow chemistry, along with a proven track record of solving complex problems. The candidate must be highly self-motivated, possess strong experimental skills, have excellent written and oral communication abilities, collaborate effectively on multidisciplinary teams, and be able to demonstrate adaptability in a fast-paced, dynamic research environment. We expect the chosen candidate to start the role in 2026. Specific responsibilities will include the following: Act as an expert in the laboratory, executing on program and chemistry strategy. Develop innovative solutions to complex chemistry problems across a diverse portfolio of projects and modalities. Design and develop efficient processes for clinical campaigns, this involves extensive reaction design and optimization to ensure the scalability and reproducibility of our processes.

Requirements

• Must have conducted outstanding research that may be shared during the interview process.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and possess exceptional written and oral communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.
• High-level leadership and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Act as an expert in the laboratory, executing on program and chemistry strategy.
• Develop innovative solutions to complex chemistry problems across a diverse portfolio of projects and modalities.
• Design and develop efficient processes for clinical campaigns, this involves extensive reaction design and optimization to ensure the scalability and reproducibility of our processes.

Benefits

• The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.
• We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include 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.
• More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees