Senior Specialist, Chemistry (Onsite)

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. 

• →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

• 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.

• 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

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The salary range for this role is

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.