Associate Principal Scientist, Combination Product Characterization Full-time

Device Characterization And Design Scientist

Our Company's Device Product and Process Development (DPPD) 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.

They will utilize a wide variety of cutting-edge analytical instruments and methods, including in silico modeling, to build fundamental understanding of the devices' material and functional properties and attributes. This understanding, combined with extensive data analysis/interpretation, will allow the role to design and develop functional improvements for these platforms and, as the opportunities arise, develop new and novel delivery technologies.

These drug delivery device technology platforms are often assemblages of glass pre-filled syringes, injection molded plastic components driving delivery of a drug, typically though mechanical or electro-mechanical means. Examples include, but not limited to, autoinjectors and inhalers.

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.

Education Requirement (minimum): Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent field is required.

Required Experience and Skills:

• A minimum of a Ph.D. plus 4 years of device design and engineering evaluation experience.
• Fluency in structural finite element analysis (FEA).
• Solid testing and troubleshooting skills able to work independently in a laboratory setting
• Experience with mechanical testing, imaging, and measurement equipment and techniques. Including, but not limited to, mechanical testing, surface characterization, x-ray computed tomography, rheometry, and microscopy.
• Experience in 3D CAD (e.g. Solidworks), geometric tolerancing and stack-up analysis.
• Fluency in Design Failure Modes and Effect Analysis (FMEA, DFMEA).
• Strong cross-functional communication – communicating complex mechanical engineering information in layman's terms to facilitate cross-functional understanding and to support project timelines.
• Development experience in risk-oriented, regulated environments
• Development project leadership with a proven track record collaborating with and managing external vendors/research partners.

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• 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, ISO 11608 Needle-based injection system for medical use.
• Familiarity with Design Verification (DV) strategies and mechanical tests with validations, including engineering studies, design verification protocols, stability studies and validation protocols, ensuring appropriate selection of acceptance criteria and sampling plans. Ensures measurement systems analysis (MSA's) for all finished product performance test methods as needed in tech transfer or lifecycle.

Additional familiarity/experience with the following 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

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:

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We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another's thinking and approach problems collectively.

The salary range for this role is $142,400.00 – $224,100.00. This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.

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.

You can apply for this role through https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.

San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.

Employee Status: Regular

Relocation: Domestic

VISA Sponsorship: Yes

Travel Requirements: No Travel Required

Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid

Shift: Not Indicated

Valid Driving License: No

Hazardous Material(s): n/a

Job Posting End Date: 02/17/2026

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