Principal Scientist (Director), Chemistry
Merck, Rahway, NJ, United States
Job Description
We are seeking an exceptional chemist for a group leader position within the Process Chemistry Department at our Rahway, NJ site. The successful candidate will lead a team of laboratory scientists, oversee design of manufacturing routes for drug candidates, and coordinate delivery of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) to support the company’s pipeline and products. The candidate will work closely with multidisciplinary teams of synthetic organic chemists, engineers, and external research partners.
Qualifications Education: Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or related discipline.
Required Experience and Skills
Minimum 7 years of experience in process chemistry with a proven track record of successful research.
Strong track record of delivering results via innovation and fearless problem solving.
Broad expertise in organic synthesis and pharmaceutical process chemistry.
Demonstrated initiative, creativity, and innovation in problem solving.
High productivity and efficiency in the laboratory.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Strong collaboration and scientific leadership skills.
Established scientific reputation supported by publications and external presentations.
Preferred Skills
Academic presentations, accountability, bioconjugation, computational chemistry, creativity, data analysis, deep learning, high‑throughput experimentation, machine learning, organic synthesis, professional networking, project leadership, research proposal development, scientific literature search, strategic thinking, structure‑based drug design, synthetic chemistry.
Location Rahway, NJ; U.S. only.
Work Arrangement Hybrid work model: 3 days on site per week (Monday‑Thursday), Friday remote.
Compensation Salary: $173,200.00 – $272,600.00.
Benefits Medical, dental, vision, and other insurance benefits, retirement 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, compassionate and sick days.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement 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 EEOC Know Your Rights, EEOC GINA Supplement. 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.
Regulatory and Local Requirements U.S. and Puerto Rico residents only. San Francisco residents: consideration for qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records under the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. Los Angeles residents: consideration for all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, per Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.
Additional Information Employee Status: Regular Relocation: Domestic Visa Sponsorship: Yes Travel Requirements: 10% Requisition ID: R391447 Job Posting End Date: 04/20/2026
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Qualifications Education: Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or related discipline.
Required Experience and Skills
Minimum 7 years of experience in process chemistry with a proven track record of successful research.
Strong track record of delivering results via innovation and fearless problem solving.
Broad expertise in organic synthesis and pharmaceutical process chemistry.
Demonstrated initiative, creativity, and innovation in problem solving.
High productivity and efficiency in the laboratory.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Strong collaboration and scientific leadership skills.
Established scientific reputation supported by publications and external presentations.
Preferred Skills
Academic presentations, accountability, bioconjugation, computational chemistry, creativity, data analysis, deep learning, high‑throughput experimentation, machine learning, organic synthesis, professional networking, project leadership, research proposal development, scientific literature search, strategic thinking, structure‑based drug design, synthetic chemistry.
Location Rahway, NJ; U.S. only.
Work Arrangement Hybrid work model: 3 days on site per week (Monday‑Thursday), Friday remote.
Compensation Salary: $173,200.00 – $272,600.00.
Benefits Medical, dental, vision, and other insurance benefits, retirement 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, compassionate and sick days.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement 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 EEOC Know Your Rights, EEOC GINA Supplement. 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.
Regulatory and Local Requirements U.S. and Puerto Rico residents only. San Francisco residents: consideration for qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records under the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. Los Angeles residents: consideration for all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, per Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.
Additional Information Employee Status: Regular Relocation: Domestic Visa Sponsorship: Yes Travel Requirements: 10% Requisition ID: R391447 Job Posting End Date: 04/20/2026
#J-18808-Ljbffr