Merck & Co, Inc

Senior Scientist, Analytical R&D

Merck & Co, Inc$117K — $184K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • PhD in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Science, or relevant field, or equivalent experience in the industry.
  • Proven record in problem-solving and innovative research with scientific publications.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills.
  • Leadership and collaboration skills.
  • Experience in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in analytical methodologies.

Responsibilities

  • Drive solutions to analytical challenges for various pharmaceutical ingredients and products.
  • Design scientific studies for route selection, formulation, and process understanding.
  • Implement analytical methods under GMP conditions for clinical supply assessments.
  • Lead drug development projects and innovative technology teams.
  • Author regulatory submission documents and handle agency inquiries.
  • Document work in detail and in a timely manner.
  • Collaborate with internal and external partners.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and families.
  • Retirement benefits including a 401(k) plan.
  • Paid holidays and vacation days, along with sick and compassionate leave.
  • Opportunity for annual bonuses and long-term incentives.
Full Job Description

Job Description

The Pharmaceutical Analytical Sciences group has an opening for a Senior Scientist based in Rahway, NJ. Join us and experience our culture first-hand - one of strong ethics & integrity, diversified experiences, exceptional science and a resounding passion for improving human health through innovative drug delivery technologies and predictive analytical tools. As part of our global team, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with talented and dedicated colleagues while developing and expanding your career.

In your role as Senior Scientist, you will be part of a team developing innovative analytical methodologies for early to late phase programs with application to drug substance and a broad array of drug product dosage forms, combination products and modalities through analytical characterization, imaging tools, and data analy­sis. You would also contribute towards regulatory submissions to enable clinical trials.

Your main responsibilities include:

  • Driving solutions to analytical development challenges for synthetic small molecule, peptide and oligonucleotide active pharmaceutical ingredients and pharmaceutical products using conventional and novel technologies.

  • Designing scientific studies to inform the selection and deep understanding of synthetic routes, formulation compositions, and manufacturing processes.

  • Implementing analytical methods for laboratory development, as well as release and shelf-life assessment of clinical supplies under good manufacturing practice (GMP) conditions.

  • Providing leadership not only on drug development pipeline projects, but also innovative technology teams shaping analytical methods and tools of the future.

  • Authoring regulatory submission documents across the project development lifecycle life-cycle, as well as responding to agency questions.

  • Documenting work in a detailed and timely manner.

  • Collaborating effectively with internal and external partners.

  • Presenting results of experiments and innovation efforts to project teams and at various cross-functional forums.

  • Engaging in the external scientific community, e.g. through participation in professional organizations, conferences, and publications.

  • Travel Requirements: 5-10% Travel.

Education Minimum Requirements:

Applicants must hold one one of:

  • PhD in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Science, or related discipline.

  • Master’s degree in chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related discipline plus at least 3 years of pharmaceutical industry experience.

  • Batchelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related discipline, plus at least 7 years of industry experience. 

Required Experience and Skills

  • A proven record of strong technical problem solving and innovative research experience, supported by scientific publications.

  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.

  • Strong leadership, collaboration and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Experience and Skills

While not required, experience in one or more of the following areas is preferred:

  • Experience with large molecule characterization (oligonucleotides, enzymes, peptides, etc.)

  • Chromatography (e.g. LC, GC) method development, analysis and troubleshooting.

  • Other advanced analytical techniques such as mass spectrometry or dissolution.

  • Data science.

Required Skills:

Adaptability, Analytical Method Development, Assay Development, Bioanalytical Analysis, Biochemical Assays, Biopharmaceuticals, Cell-Based Assays, Chromatographic Techniques, Chromatography, Clinical Trials, Data Science, Dosage Forms, GMP Compliance, GMP Environments, Innovative Thinking, Medicinal Chemistry, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Analysis, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Process Analytical Technology (PAT), Project Management, Regulatory Submissions, Ribonucleic Acid (RNA), Strategic Thinking, Technical Writing, Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC)

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply

Current Contingent Workers apply

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 if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.

The salary range for this role is

$117,000.00 - $184,200.00

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 .

You can apply for this role through (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.

San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

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:

No

Travel Requirements:

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

1st - Day

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

No

Job Posting End Date:

06/26/2026

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFOREthe listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.

About Merck & Co, Inc

Schering-Plough Corporation is a major U.S.-based manufacturer of pharmaceuticals. It operates in three segments: Prescription Pharmaceuticals, Animal Health, and Consumer Health Care. Schering-Plough develops products targeting on allergy, cancer, hepatitis, cardiovascular, central nervous system, respiratory system, and more.  It was founded in 1851 by Ernst Christian Friedrich Schering as Schering AG in Germany. Schering-Plough manufactured several pharmaceutical drugs, the most well-known of which were the allergy drugs Claritin and Clarinex, an anti-cholesterol drug Vytorin, and a brain tumor drug Temodar. It also developed drugs targeting on central nervous system and the respiratory system. Schering Plough also owned and operated the major foot care brand name Dr. Scholl's and the skin care line Coppertone. These also became a part of the new company. Schering-Plough was a full member of the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA), a membership which is also maintained by the new Merck.

Merck & Co, Inc Careers

Join the visionary team at Merck & Co, Inc, a global leader in healthcare dedicated to advancing the world of medicine. As part of our professional community, you'll find dynamic job opportunities that foster innovation and leadership across various fields. Merck & Co, Inc is not just a company; it's a place where you can make a difference.

Work You’ll Do

At Merck & Co, Inc, we are committed to improving global health through groundbreaking research and innovative healthcare solutions. Our team is at the forefront of developing new therapies and vaccines that significantly impact public health worldwide. By joining us, you will collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry, using your skills to contribute to projects that save and improve lives around the globe.

Explore Career Paths

Whether you're seeking an internship, a graduate opportunity, or a professional position, Merck & Co, Inc offers a range of career paths in environments that promote rapid professional growth and development. Explore job opportunities in research, digital transformation, manufacturing, and more, all while benefiting from a culture that supports diversity and inclusion.

Innovate and Lead

Merck & Co, Inc is an ideal environment for those who lead with curiosity and the drive to innovate. Our leadership is committed to fostering a culture where inventive thinking and collaboration are encouraged, making it a perfect place for professionals who seek to make an impact through their work.

Develop Your Skills

With Merck & Co, Inc, you are not just getting a job; you're gaining access to unparalleled career development opportunities. Enhance your skills through diverse training programs, workshops, and continuous learning courses designed to help you grow at every stage of your career.

Benefits and Culture

We understand that our employees are our greatest asset, which is why we offer competitive benefits designed to support the health and well-being of you and your family. From comprehensive health care coverage and retirement plans to flexible working conditions and wellness programs, our benefits package is designed to meet the diverse needs of our team members.

Join Our Team

Ready to advance your career at Merck & Co, Inc? Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are continuously hiring and looking for passionate, creative, and solution-driven team players. Prepare your resume, sharpen your interview skills, and become part of a company that's dedicated to making a difference.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. Engage with us through our careers blog and by participating in networking events and employment fairs. Subscribe to receive personalized job alerts and the latest news tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at Merck & Co, Inc. Join us in our mission to improve health and wellness around the world.
Learn more about Merck & Co, Inc
Size
68,000 employees
Market Cap
$282.6 billion
Industry
Net Income
$7 billion
Founded
1668
5 Year Trend
+4.1%
Revenue
$47.9 billion
NASDAQ

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Merck & Co, Inc

More Pharmaceuticals & Biotech Jobs

Find similar Senior Scientist, Analytical R&D jobs: