Principal Scientist, Materials Science

Job Description

The Materials & Biophysical Characterization (MBC) group within Analytical Research & Development is seeking a highly motivated and technically focused individual interested in positively impacting our Company's pipeline from discovery through development and commercial launch.  This position is for a Pharmaceutical Materials Scientist to be a key member of a team responsible for the physicochemical characterization of pharmaceutical materials including small molecule active pharmaceutical ingredients (API), chemical intermediates, peptides, novel excipients, drug-product intermediates, and drug products.

The candidate will utilize their expertise in physical organic chemistry or materials science as a member of cross-functional teams to tackle scientific challenges related to crystallization, polymorph and salt-selection, drug-excipient compatibility, characterization of amorphous solid dispersions, and physical stability API and drug products. Additional expectations include building a strong network internally and across the external academic and regulatory community.  Furthermore, the selected candidate will advance a culture of scientific excellence, a compliance mindset, and collaboration with partners and stakeholders across our company's network such as Discovery Chemistry, Process & Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Formulations Sciences.

Education Requirements

Bachelors or Masters degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related discipline, with a minimum of 12 years relevant industrial experience (non-academic).

OR

PhD in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related discipline with a minimum of 8 years relevant industrial experience (non-academic).

Experience and Skills

Required

• Expertise in materials science or physical chemistry with experience in materials characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, electron microscopy, vibrational spectroscopy, particle size analysis or powder property characterization.

• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional teams

• Commitment to mentoring scientists

• Strong academic record including publications in peer reviewed journals and presentations at scientific meetings

• Self-motivated, creative and energetic scientist willing to continually learn and solve complex problems.

• Strong written and verbal communications

Preferred

• Expertise with at least one of the following:

• Active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) polymorph screening and crystallization

• Chemometric analysis of spectroscopic data

• Amorphous solid dispersion characterization

• Modified release dosage form development and characterization.

• Rheological characterization of complex fluids or suspensions

• Late-stage product development and regulatory documentation / filing.

#AR&D

Required Skills:

Analytical Chemistry, Analytical Method Development, Assay Development, Bioanalytical Analysis, Chemical Engineering, Chemical Technology, Chromatographic Techniques, Clinical Judgment, Cross-Functional Teamwork, Crystallizations, Dosage Forms, Liquid Chromatography (LC), Materials Science, Mentoring Staff, Method Validation, Thermal Analysis

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.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.  As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.  For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:

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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.

Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts

The salary range for this role is

$156,900.00 - $247,000.00

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 https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.

You can apply for this role through https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (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:

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:

07/25/2026

*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.