Associate Scientist, Environmental & Process Safety Engineering

MSD • Rahway, NJ

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Environmental & Process Safety Engineering (EPSE) group within the Chemical Engineering Research & Development (CERD) department is seeking highly motivated individuals who are looking for an opportunity to work in a fast-paced job that provides a high degree of technical responsibility. Under scientific and administrative direction, Associate Scientists in this role carry out independent work conceiving, designing, planning, and implementing advanced small scale laboratory studies aimed at characterizing the hazards associated with the materials and process used to produce active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) at all scales, from laboratory to commercial manufacturing. Specific areas include thermal hazard assessment and potential for gas generation by performing experimentation with a variety of calorimeters such as DSC, MMC, SuperCRC and Insight, as well as Bruker IR and GC instrumentation, and then modeling for expected behavior on scale-up. In addition, this individual is required to conduct basic dust testing of organic solids such as MIE, MIT and burning classification. This position requires expertise in laboratory instruments and techniques, managing the workflow of requests for testing and guidance, organizing collaboration to complete testing, and issuing reports to document results. The Associate Scientist in this role is expected to interpret and apply safety and environmental regulations and make scientific contributions to research programs of major importance to the Research and Manufacturing Divisions. This position is seeking an individual looking to become a deep subject matter expert in EPSE lab instrumentation. Mechanic aptitude and instrument trouble shooting is a must. A high level of innovation and creativity are necessary to adapt to evolving technologies and tools. Also, a high level of self-initiative, attention to detail, and ownership along with the ability to plan and organize activities are expected. Strong communication and collaboration skills are also critical to success in EPSE/CERD because scientists/engineers are required to communicate regularly, clearly, and with confidence as they discuss technical problems, provide oversight to laboratory, pilot plant and commercial manufacturing operations, and interface with cross-functional colleagues/customers to influence process development and drive a safer process design.

Requirements

• The position requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Chemical/Biochemical Engineering or a comparable area of study from an accredited college/university (with expected completion no later than December 2026)
• Strong knowledge and experience with safely handling solvents and chemicals, running experiments, proper disposal of waste, and generating and analyzing data
• Experience with lab instrumentation with good mechanical aptitude
• Good organizational, interpersonal, writing, communication, multi-tasking, and time management skills
• Keen attention to detail and the ability to author clear reports
• The ability to strictly follow established procedures, policies and guidelines required to comply with safety, environmental and GMP expectations in the lab
• Initiative and independence to develop, apply, and/or improve new systems and best practices

Nice To Haves

• Experience with thermal analysis techniques including DSC, MMC and SuperCRC/Insight
• Experience with off-gas analysis instruments including Bruker IR, Mettler headspace FTIR and MicroGC
• Experience with process modeling software such as Dynochem, Aspen, AKTS or other software.
• Experience with evaluating process safety including risks of thermal decomposition, gas generation, static/conductivity, or dust explosivity
• Experience with process scale-up and/or technology transfer, moving from laboratory to pilot plant or manufacturing scale

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees