Sr. Scientist, Materials Science
Merck
June 25, 2026
On-site
Rahway, NJ
Clinical Research and Development
Responsibilities:
- Serve as a key team member responsible for physicochemical characterization of pharmaceutical materials (small-molecule API, chemical intermediates, peptides, novel excipients, drug-product intermediates, and drug products).
- Use expertise in physical organic chemistry or materials science to address challenges in crystallization, polymorph/salt selection, drug-excipient compatibility, characterization of amorphous solid dispersions, and physical stability.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with internal partners (e.g., Discovery Chemistry, Process & Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Formulations Sciences) and build external academic/regulatory networks.
Education Requirements:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s in Materials Science/Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related discipline, with at least 5 years relevant industrial (non-academic) experience; OR
- PhD in a related field.
Required:
- Expertise in materials science/physical chemistry and characterization methods (e.g., X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, electron microscopy, vibrational spectroscopy, particle size analysis, powder property characterization).
- Strong publication/presentation record.
- Self-motivated, creative problem-solver with strong written/verbal communication.
Preferred:
- API polymorph screening/crystallization; amorphous solid dispersion characterization; modified release dosage forms; automation/data science; late-stage development and regulatory documentation/filing.
Skills (Required):
- Analytical chemistry/method development; assay development; bioanalytical and cell-based assays; crystallizations; GMP environments; NMR; PAT; UPLC (plus related analytical/chemical engineering knowledge).
Benefits (as stated):
- Comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision, retirement (401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, and sick/compassionate days.
Application:
- Apply via https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or Workday Jobs Hub for current employees). Application deadline is stated on the posting.
- Serve as a key team member responsible for physicochemical characterization of pharmaceutical materials (small-molecule API, chemical intermediates, peptides, novel excipients, drug-product intermediates, and drug products).
- Use expertise in physical organic chemistry or materials science to address challenges in crystallization, polymorph/salt selection, drug-excipient compatibility, characterization of amorphous solid dispersions, and physical stability.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with internal partners (e.g., Discovery Chemistry, Process & Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Formulations Sciences) and build external academic/regulatory networks.
Education Requirements:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s in Materials Science/Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related discipline, with at least 5 years relevant industrial (non-academic) experience; OR
- PhD in a related field.
Required:
- Expertise in materials science/physical chemistry and characterization methods (e.g., X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, electron microscopy, vibrational spectroscopy, particle size analysis, powder property characterization).
- Strong publication/presentation record.
- Self-motivated, creative problem-solver with strong written/verbal communication.
Preferred:
- API polymorph screening/crystallization; amorphous solid dispersion characterization; modified release dosage forms; automation/data science; late-stage development and regulatory documentation/filing.
Skills (Required):
- Analytical chemistry/method development; assay development; bioanalytical and cell-based assays; crystallizations; GMP environments; NMR; PAT; UPLC (plus related analytical/chemical engineering knowledge).
Benefits (as stated):
- Comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision, retirement (401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, and sick/compassionate days.
Application:
- Apply via https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or Workday Jobs Hub for current employees). Application deadline is stated on the posting.