Associate Principal Scientist, Drug Delivery Device and Combination Product Characterization and Design

Job Description

Our Development team ensure production can be scaled up whilst remaining stable, effective, deliverable and safe. Following formulation, cutting edge computer modelling techniques are used to simulate outcomes and, if successful, PKPD and toxicity studies bring the science one step closer to giving hope to patients.

The Device Development (DD) Team is seeking a hands-on analytical characterization and design focused engineer. This position will be responsible for technical interrogation of the various drug delivery device technology platforms supporting our Company’s pipeline to identify risks (i.e. when/how will the device fail?) and opportunities for improvement. They will utilize a wide variety of cutting-edge analytical instruments and methods, including in silico modeling, to build fundamental understanding of the devices’ material and functional properties and attributes. This understanding, combined with extensive data analysis/interpretation, will allow the role to design and develop functional improvements for these platforms and, as the opportunities arise, develop new and novel delivery technologies.

These drug delivery device technology platforms are often assemblages of injection molded plastic components driving delivery of a drug, typically though mechanical (i.e. compress/torsion spring, compressed gas) or electro-mechanical (i.e. DC motor and battery driving a gearbox) means. Examples include, but not limited to, injector pens and inhalers. At this early stage of evaluation material is often limited and will demand creative approaches. Additionally, this position will leverage design and prototyping skills to ideate, breadboard, and reduce to proactive novel drug delivery device concepts.

Education Requirement (minimum):

• B.S., M.S or Ph.D.. in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent field is required.

Required Experience and Skills:

• A minimum of 4 years with Ph.D. (minimum 10 years with B.S.) of design, engineering, and testing experience.

• Solid testing and troubleshooting skills able to work independently in a laboratory setting.

• Experience with mechanical testing, imaging, and measurement equipment and techniques. Including, but not limited to, tensile/compression testing, surface characterization, x-ray computed tomography, rheometry, and microscopy.

• Excellent collaboration, ideation, and prototyping skills, including facilitating design brainstorming sessions, developing proof of concepts, working prototypes and conducting functional testing.

• Experience in 3D CAD (e.g. Solidworks), geometric tolerancing and stack-up analysis.

• Fluency in finite element analysis (FEA) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD).

• Fluency in Design Failure Modes and Effect Analysis (FMEA, DFMEA).

• Cross-functional communication – communicating complex mechanical engineering information in layman’s terms to facilitate cross-functional understanding.

• Development experience in risk-oriented, regulated environments.

• Development project leadership with a proven track record collaborating with and managing external vendors/manufacturers.

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Experience with medical device development with understanding of Design Controls (21 CFR 820.30).

• Familiarity with the following standards: Quality Management – ISO 13485, Risk Management – ISO 14971, EU Medical Device requirements – Council Directive, 93/42/EEC, Medical Electrical Equipment – EN 60601, Medical Device Software Standard – IEC 62304, ISO 11608 Needle-based injection system for medical use

We are a research-driven biopharmaceutical company. Our mission is built on the simple premise that if we “follow the science” that great medicines can make a significant impact to our world. We believe that a research-driven enterprise dedicated to world-class science can succeed by inventing medicine and vaccine innovations that make a difference for patients across the globe.

Who we are …

We are known as Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey, USA in the United States and Canada and MSD everywhere else. For more than a century, we have been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world's most challenging diseases. Today, our company continues to be at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions and advance the prevention and treatment of diseases that threaten people and animals around the world.

What we look for …

Imagine getting up in the morning for a job as important as helping to save and improve lives around the world. Here, you have that opportunity. You can put your empathy, creativity, digital mastery, or scientific genius to work in collaboration with a diverse group of colleagues who pursue and bring hope to countless people who are battling some of the most challenging diseases of our time. Our team is constantly evolving, so if you are among the intellectually curious, join us—and start making your impact today.

NOTICE FOR INTERNAL APPLICANTS

In accordance with Managers' Policy - Job Posting and Employee Placement, all employees subject to this policy are required to have a minimum of twelve (12) months of service in current position prior to applying for open positions.

If you have been offered a separation benefits package, but have not yet reached your separation date and are offered a position within the salary and geographical parameters as set forth in the Summary Plan Description (SPD) of your separation package, then you are no longer eligible for your separation benefits package. To discuss in more detail, please contact your HRBP or Talent Acquisition Advisor.

Employees working in roles that the Company determines require routine collaboration with external stakeholders, such as customer-facing commercial, or research-based roles, will be expected to comply not only with Company policy but also with policies established by such external stakeholders (for example, a requirement to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to access a facility or meet with stakeholders). Please understand that, as permitted by applicable law, if you have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 and an essential function of your job is to call on external stakeholders who require vaccination to enter their premises or engage in face-to-face meetings, then your employment may pose an undue burden to business operations, in which case you may not be offered employment, or your employment could be terminated. Please also note that, where permitted by applicable law, the Company reserves the right to require COVID-19 vaccinations for positions, such as in Global Employee Health, where the Company determines in its discretion that the nature of the role presents an increased risk of disease transmission.

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We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing diverse, talented, and committed people together. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when diverse ideas come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.

Under New York City, Washington State and California State law, the Company is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this job. Final determinations with respect to salary will take into account a number of factors, which may include, but not be limited to the primary work location and the chosen candidate’s relevant skills, experience, and education.

Expected salary range:

Available benefits include bonus eligibility, health care and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, paid holidays, vacation, and sick days. For Washington State Jobs, a summary of benefits is listed here.

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Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, 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.

Employee Status:

Relocation:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Requisition ID:R229002