Job Description
The Process Chemistry group within the Small Molecule Process Research & Development Department in Rahway, New Jersey is seeking a Senior Specialist to play a key role in advancing our pipeline of drug substances, including small molecules, macrocyclic peptides, and bioconjugates. This lab-based position offers an opportunity to drive Process Characterization of late-stage programs through establishment of proven acceptable ranges, fate and purge studies, and chemical marker preparation. This individual will also synthesize starting materials and intermediates to support route scouting efforts and support kilo lab scale syntheses. The ideal candidate is highly motivated and has substantial synthetic chemistry experience, can perform independent analysis using various analytical characterization methods, and pays close attention to detail to ensure safe lab practices and rigorous documentation of work. A proven record of technical strength, clear written and oral communication, and collaboration and adaptability in a fast-paced, dynamic research environment is essential.
Specific Responsibilities
- Laboratory-based characterization of late-stage syntheses to support commercialization of small molecule manufacturing by performing Design of Experiments, fate and purge studies, and chemical marker preparation
- Laboratory work with a large variety of chemicals, using a set of modern manual and automated laboratory equipment, and leveraging an array of analytical technologies, in a safe, compliant, and rigorously documented manner
- Laboratory-based synthesis and characterization of starting materials and intermediates to support route scouting, including kilo lab scale up of intermediates and APIs
- Non-lab-based work includes experimental planning, data analysis, and writing clear and concise development reports
Education
Minimum Requirement
- Ph.D. degree in Chemistry, an M.S. degree with 6 years of pharma/biopharma experience, or a B.S. with 9 years of pharma/biopharma experience.
Required Experience and Skills
- Training must be in the field of organic synthesis, including synthetic methodology, catalysis, or total synthesis
- Significant experience in chemical synthesis, compound purification, and analytical characterization, including HPLC, MS, and NMR techniques
- Strong written and oral communication skills and the ability to work effectively and with urgency in a collaborative and team environment
- The ability to work independently with minimum supervision of daily tasks
- Productivity and efficiency working in an organic chemistry lab
#PRD
#eligibleforERP
Required Skills:
Biopharmaceutical Industry, Biopharmaceuticals, Biopharmaceutics, Chemical Synthesis, Cross-Cultural Teams, Data Analysis, Deviation Management, Facility Management, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR), Pharmaceutical Biology, Pharmacokinetics, Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Sterile Manufacturing, Vaccine Manufacturing
Preferred Skills:
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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:
Not Indicated
Valid Driving License:
No
Hazardous Material(s):
n/a
Job Posting End Date:
08/21/2026
*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.
