Associate Principal Scientist, Discovery Pharmaceutical Sciences Full-time NEW

Associate Principal Scientist

The Discovery Pharmaceutical Sciences (DPS) group based in South San Francisco, CA is seeking an Associate Principal Scientist with small molecule and peptide experience.

DPS is a multi-disciplinary research group that provides drug delivery, solid state crystal form characterization, pre-formulation and formulation support and small molecule and biologics developability assessments at the development and drug discovery interface. Our team is responsible for the characterization of pre-clinical drug candidates' physicochemical properties. We aim to work with partner groups to select candidates with optimal development properties while balancing all other key therapeutic properties. Our research also covers identification of preclinical formulations for pharmacology and toxicology studies and ideally for FIH across a variety of administration routes and modalities (small molecules, peptides, proteins, oligonucleotides, and biologics).

In this exciting role, you will focus on the characterization, early formulation studies and developability assessment and delivery approaches for potential small molecule and peptide drug candidates. Goals include a) compound profiling, b) early formulation screening for stability and performance as well as c) development of prototype and concept formulations/drug delivery which would benefit the molecule given its therapeutic area. Research areas include solubilization of small molecules, permeation enhancement, and modification of drug release. In order to profile these compounds and their delivery routes the candidate must develop physical and chemical methods (XRD, TGA, DSC, DVS, HPLC, HP-SEC, DLS, microscopy, etc.). Innovation in small molecule drug delivery will be critical. The successful candidate will have a strong track record of solving deep technical challenges. You will serve as a team member and execute lab experiments yourself with minimal supervision. You will generate these key data sets and convey their meaning to the teams you work on and develop strategies to optimize molecules and their formulations. Within DPS you will have the opportunity to contribute to departmental scientific initiatives.

Finally, you will also closely interact with other key functions required for the progression of clinical candidate selection including Safety Assessment, Process Research, Medicinal Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, and Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics.

The successful candidate should have a track record of industrial small molecule and peptide development activities as well as a demonstrated track record of problem solving (as evidenced by publication, talks, or patents).

Education Requirements

• Master's degree required

Required Experience and Skills:

• Successful candidates will have a minimum of 4 years of relevant industrial experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required.
• Strong leadership/interpersonal skills and motivation to work in a team environment with cross-functional interactions are essential.
• Candidate must have demonstrated work in the small molecule drug delivery.

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Candidates with experience in pre-clinical / clinical formulation development and physico-chemical characterization of small molecule and peptide development are preferred.

Required Skills:

Analytical Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Bioanalysis, Biotechnology, Cell Line Development, Cytometry, Detail-Oriented, Downstream Process Development, Drug Delivery, Drug Delivery Technology, Drug Development, Drug Metabolism, Expression Vectors, Immunoassays, Immunoprecipitation, Interpersonal Relationships, Leading Project Teams, Microscopies, Molecular Biology, Pharmaceutical Formulations, Pharmaceutical Process Development, Physical Characterization, Stable Cell Lines, Strategic Planning, Technical Problem-Solving

The salary range for this role is $159,600.00 – $251,200.00

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.