Associate Principal Scientist, Long-Acting Injectable Sterile Product Development

Merck · Rahway, NJ

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ResearchFull-time$142k–$224kCompany career page

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Role summary

Associate Principal Scientist role leading long-acting injectable formulation development at Merck. Position involves scientific leadership of LAI drug products across the portfolio, from preclinical through commercialization, working with multidisciplinary teams to design scalable parenteral delivery solutions.

What they're looking for

Ph.D. with 4+ years industry experience, or M.S. with 8+, or B.S. with 10+ years in pharmaceutics or related discipline
Deep expertise in parenteral drug product development with demonstrated LAI or sustained-release formulation experience
Strong understanding of controlled-release mechanisms, drug-polymer interactions, and formulation stability
Experience applying Quality by Design principles and DOE to formulation and process development
Experience with sterile injectable process scale-up, validation, and technology transfer
Working knowledge of CMC regulatory expectations for parenteral and extended-release products
Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and communicate complex scientific concepts

What you'll be doing

Provide scientific leadership for design, development, and lifecycle management of long-acting injectable drug products
Lead LAI formulation development for programs, including selection and optimization of release mechanisms and excipient systems
Design and interpret studies on drug-excipient interactions, in vitro/in vivo performance, stability, and injectability
Support early and late-stage development including manufacturing process selection, design space definition, and scale-up
Partner with cross-functional teams to define critical quality attributes, support clinical strategy, and contribute to regulatory submissions

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