MSD
Principal Scientist, Early Development Chemistry, Small Molecule Process R&D
MSD, Rahway, New Jersey, us, 07065
Job Description
Principal Scientist, Early Development Chemistry, Small Molecule Process R&D
Nature and Scope of Position
Reports to the Early Development Chemistry Lead within the External Capabilities group of Small Molecule Process R&D, our Research & Development Division. Responsible for the work of teams of scientists at our external partners, the role provides daily scientific oversight and real‑time problem‑solving in the areas of synthetic route design, scouting, optimization, and development, and API deliveries in support of our Company’s small molecule pipeline. Collaborates effectively with Process Chemistry, Discovery Process Chemistry, Enabling Technologies, Chemical Engineering R&D, Analytical R&D, Quality, and other Company partner groups to provide innovative and practical solutions to synthetic chemistry and development problems and ensure successful API deliveries under tight timelines.
Must have deep subject matter expertise in synthetic chemistry and broad experience in general drug development. As a scientific leader in SM PR&D, the incumbent is expected to establish a broad internal network, influence a diverse portfolio of programs both technically and strategically, and mentor young scientists within SM PR&D.
Builds and maintains strong working relationships with both management and scientists at our strategic external partners. Promotes a culture of scientific excellence, trust, collaboration, quality, safety, and compliance that extends beyond our Company’s team and into partner organizations. Refined communication, negotiation, influencing, and relationship management skills are essential for establishing partnerships in diverse geographies and cultures.
Qualifications
Ph.D. in Synthetic Chemistry.
6+ years of pharmaceutical industry experience in synthetic chemistry and demonstrated ability in leading and inspiring dynamic teams.
Must have a strong track record of delivering results via innovation and fearless problem‑solving.
Have experience in driving the supply strategy and science of new modalities.
Excellent interpersonal, communication, negotiating, influencing, and collaboration skills.
Must be recognized in the pharmaceutical industry through publications/presentations for subject matter expertise.
Travel: Yes, 25% of the Time.
Required Skills —
Preferred Skills —
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and 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. For more information about personal rights under U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, please visit the EEOC resources.
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. If you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process, please click here.
U.S. Hybrid Work Model Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office‑based positions in the U.S. will be working a Hybrid work consisting of three total days on‑site per week, Monday – Thursday, although the specific days may vary by site or organization, with Friday designated as a remote‑working day, unless business critical tasks require an on‑site presence. This Hybrid work model does not apply to field‑based, facility‑based, manufacturing‑based, or research‑based positions where the work is located at a Company site, to positions covered by a collective‑bargaining agreement (unless the agreement provides for hybrid work), or to any other position for which the Company has determined the job requirements cannot be reasonably met working remotely. Please note, this Hybrid work model guidance also does not apply to roles that have been designated as “remote”.
Compensation and Benefits The salary range for this role is $169,700.00 – $267,200.00. 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 an 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 on our benefits portal.
Application Information You can apply for this role through our careers site. The application deadline for this position is stated on the posting.
Special Hiring Considerations 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 Merck & Co., Inc., 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.
Employment Status Employee Status: Regular
Relocation —
Visa Sponsorship —
Travel Requirements —
Flexible Work Arrangements Not Applicable
Shift —
Valid Driving License —
Hazardous Materials —
Job Posting End Date 12/16/2025
A job posting is effective until 11:59:59 PM 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.
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Must have deep subject matter expertise in synthetic chemistry and broad experience in general drug development. As a scientific leader in SM PR&D, the incumbent is expected to establish a broad internal network, influence a diverse portfolio of programs both technically and strategically, and mentor young scientists within SM PR&D.
Builds and maintains strong working relationships with both management and scientists at our strategic external partners. Promotes a culture of scientific excellence, trust, collaboration, quality, safety, and compliance that extends beyond our Company’s team and into partner organizations. Refined communication, negotiation, influencing, and relationship management skills are essential for establishing partnerships in diverse geographies and cultures.
Qualifications
Ph.D. in Synthetic Chemistry.
6+ years of pharmaceutical industry experience in synthetic chemistry and demonstrated ability in leading and inspiring dynamic teams.
Must have a strong track record of delivering results via innovation and fearless problem‑solving.
Have experience in driving the supply strategy and science of new modalities.
Excellent interpersonal, communication, negotiating, influencing, and collaboration skills.
Must be recognized in the pharmaceutical industry through publications/presentations for subject matter expertise.
Travel: Yes, 25% of the Time.
Required Skills —
Preferred Skills —
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and 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. For more information about personal rights under U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, please visit the EEOC resources.
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. If you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process, please click here.
U.S. Hybrid Work Model Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office‑based positions in the U.S. will be working a Hybrid work consisting of three total days on‑site per week, Monday – Thursday, although the specific days may vary by site or organization, with Friday designated as a remote‑working day, unless business critical tasks require an on‑site presence. This Hybrid work model does not apply to field‑based, facility‑based, manufacturing‑based, or research‑based positions where the work is located at a Company site, to positions covered by a collective‑bargaining agreement (unless the agreement provides for hybrid work), or to any other position for which the Company has determined the job requirements cannot be reasonably met working remotely. Please note, this Hybrid work model guidance also does not apply to roles that have been designated as “remote”.
Compensation and Benefits The salary range for this role is $169,700.00 – $267,200.00. 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 an 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 on our benefits portal.
Application Information You can apply for this role through our careers site. The application deadline for this position is stated on the posting.
Special Hiring Considerations 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 Merck & Co., Inc., 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.
Employment Status Employee Status: Regular
Relocation —
Visa Sponsorship —
Travel Requirements —
Flexible Work Arrangements Not Applicable
Shift —
Valid Driving License —
Hazardous Materials —
Job Posting End Date 12/16/2025
A job posting is effective until 11:59:59 PM 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr