Sr. Scientist, Analytical Research & Development- Materials Science

Merck•Rahway, NJ

3d•Hybrid

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 active pharmaceutical ingredients (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 in Process, Engineering, Chemistry and Formulation departments.

Requirements

Bachelors in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related discipline, with a minimum of five (5) years relevant industrial experience OR Master’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related discipline, with a minimum of three (3) years relevant industrial experience OR PhD in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related discipline
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.
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.
Amorphous solid dispersion characterization
Modified release dosage forms
Chemical Imaging and Chemometrics
Late-stage product development and regulatory documentation / filing.

Responsibilities

Physicochemical characterization of pharmaceutical materials including small molecule active pharmaceutical ingredients (API), chemical intermediates, peptides, novel excipients, drug-product intermediates, and drug products.
Utilize expertise in physical organic chemistry or materials science to tackle scientific challenges related to crystallization, polymorph and salt-selection, drug-excipient compatibility, characterization of amorphous solid dispersions, and physical stability of active pharmaceutical ingredients (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 Process, Engineering, Chemistry and Formulation departments.