Job DescriptionPostdoctoral Research Fellow, Biologics Formulation and Drug DeliveryOur company's Research Laboratories Division's Pharmaceutical Sciences and Device Development (PSDD) organization is responsible for translating therapeutic agents into functional drug products optimized for patients. The Discovery Pharmaceutical Sciences (DPS) Department within PSDD is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join our biologics formulation and drug delivery research project in Rahway, New Jersey.
This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to innovative drug delivery technologies for high- and ultra-high-concentration biologics which enable subcutaneous administration for patent-centric drug product design. The successful candidate will support research focused on formulation science, crystal engineering, suspension systems, physicochemical characterization, and combination drug product design. This role offers the opportunity to work in a highly collaborative environment and to develop research capabilities that advance next-generation biologics delivery.
Responsibilities- Plan and execute independent research in biologics formulation and drug delivery.
- Develop and optimize experimental strategies to evaluate formulation behavior, stability, and performance of complex biologics.
- Design and interpret studies related to protein crystallization, suspension properties, and physicochemical characterization.
- Apply experimental, analytical, and modeling approaches to understand relationships among formulation composition, material attributes, and delivery performance.
- Explore advanced data analysis and predictive methods, including statistical modeling, machine learning, and other computational tools, as appropriate.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across discovery, formulation, device, process and analytical functions.
- Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and present research at scientific meetings.
Education- Must currently hold a Ph.D. or
- Receive a Ph.D. no later than Spring 2027
- Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline
Required Experience and Skills- Expertise in protein science, sample handling, and analytical characterization
- Strong record of scientific achievement, including peer-reviewed publications and/or conference presentations
- Ability to design, execute, analyze, and communicate independent research in a collaborative environment
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work across multidisciplinary teams
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Preferred Experience and Skills- Experience in biologics formulation design, especially parenteral and suspension systems
- Experience with protein crystallization and process design
- Experience with microscopy and imaging techniques
- Familiarity with syringeability, injectability, viscosity characterization, and subcutaneous delivery concepts
- Knowledge of molecular modeling, machine learning, or generative AI
- Experience with data analysis tools for experimental and computational research
postdoctoralopportunities
The salary range for this role is: $82,000-$92,000
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.
Required Skills:Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Crystallizations, Development of Innovative Products, Microscopy Techniques, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Product Development, Structural Biology
Preferred Skills:Current Employees apply HERE
Current Contingent Workers apply HERE
US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.
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:10%
Flexible Work Arrangements:Not Applicable
Shift:Not Indicated
Valid Driving License:No
Hazardous Material(s):N/A
Job Posting End Date:11/2/2026
*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date. 
