Associate Principal Scientist, Materials and Biophysical Characterization
Merck
June 26, 2026
On-site
Rahway, NJ
Other
Associate Principal Scientist — Materials and Biophysical Characterization (Biotherapeutics)
Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement biophysical and particle characterization tools for biotherapeutics.
- Collaborate with process, formulation, and device teams as part of CMC development.
- Use scientific expertise to solve challenging problems requiring analytical insight and critical thinking.
- Author technical reports and regulatory documents; present technical data.
- Conduct independent research; publish findings; present at scientific conferences.
- Support project management.
Education:
- Ph.D. in Biophysics, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related field + 4+ years relevant industry experience; OR
- M.S. in same disciplines + 8+ years relevant industry experience.
Required experience/skills:
- Hands-on biophysical characterization of proteins/peptides (CD, IR, DSC, AUC).
- Biologics analysis: protein/peptide stability and protein-protein interactions.
- Subvisible/submicron particle characterization (flow imaging microscopy, BMI, flow cytometry, DLS).
- Biological formulation development and analytical method development.
- Understanding of protein aggregation mechanisms and how analytical methods link to mechanisms.
- Ability to deliver under aggressive timelines; initiative, creativity, innovative problem-solving.
- Strong oral/written communication; works independently and cross-functionally.
Desired experience/skills:
- Lyophilized protein formulation characterization.
- Protein-interface interactions (interfacial rheology, QCMD).
- Combination product characterization (e.g., autoinjectors).
- Molecular modeling; modalities including peptides, mAbs, ADC, fusion proteins.
Application:
- Apply via https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or Workday Jobs Hub). Application deadline listed on posting.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement biophysical and particle characterization tools for biotherapeutics.
- Collaborate with process, formulation, and device teams as part of CMC development.
- Use scientific expertise to solve challenging problems requiring analytical insight and critical thinking.
- Author technical reports and regulatory documents; present technical data.
- Conduct independent research; publish findings; present at scientific conferences.
- Support project management.
Education:
- Ph.D. in Biophysics, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related field + 4+ years relevant industry experience; OR
- M.S. in same disciplines + 8+ years relevant industry experience.
Required experience/skills:
- Hands-on biophysical characterization of proteins/peptides (CD, IR, DSC, AUC).
- Biologics analysis: protein/peptide stability and protein-protein interactions.
- Subvisible/submicron particle characterization (flow imaging microscopy, BMI, flow cytometry, DLS).
- Biological formulation development and analytical method development.
- Understanding of protein aggregation mechanisms and how analytical methods link to mechanisms.
- Ability to deliver under aggressive timelines; initiative, creativity, innovative problem-solving.
- Strong oral/written communication; works independently and cross-functionally.
Desired experience/skills:
- Lyophilized protein formulation characterization.
- Protein-interface interactions (interfacial rheology, QCMD).
- Combination product characterization (e.g., autoinjectors).
- Molecular modeling; modalities including peptides, mAbs, ADC, fusion proteins.
Application:
- Apply via https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or Workday Jobs Hub). Application deadline listed on posting.