Principal Scientist, Materials Science Full-time

Pharmaceutical Materials Scientist

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 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 such as Discovery Chemistry, Process & Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Formulations Sciences.

Education Requirements

Bachelors or Masters degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related discipline, with a minimum of 12 years relevant industrial experience (non-academic).

OR

PhD in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related discipline with a minimum of 8 years relevant industrial experience (non-academic).

Experience and Skills

Required

• 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.
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional teams
• Commitment to mentoring scientists
• 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

Preferred

• Expertise with at least one of the following:
• Active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) polymorph screening and crystallization
• Chemometric analysis of spectroscopic data
• Amorphous solid dispersion characterization
• Modified release dosage form development and characterization.
• Rheological characterization of complex fluids or suspensions
• Late-stage product development and regulatory documentation / filing.

Required Skills:

Analytical Chemistry, Analytical Method Development, Assay Development, Bioanalytical Analysis, Chemical Engineering, Chemical Technology, Chromatographic Techniques, Clinical Judgment, Cross-Functional Teamwork, Crystallizations, Dosage Forms, Liquid Chromatography (LC), Materials Science, Mentoring Staff, Method Validation, Thermal Analysis

Preferred Skills:

The salary range for this role is $156,900.00 – $247,000.00

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.