Scientist - II

The Formulation Scientist will provide hands-on laboratory support to the Sterile Formulation Sciences team at the Rahway, NJ site. The primary focus of this role is supporting sterile pharmaceutical product development, with an emphasis on formulation composition, process development, and rigorous laboratory execution. Working within a fast-paced environment, the candidate will contribute to the design, preparation, testing, analysis, and documentation of solution and lyophilized dosage forms while collaborating closely with cross-functional scientific and operational partners.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute hypothesis-driven formulation and process-development experiments for sterile pharmaceutical products.
• Prepare formulation buffers and reagents, executing development batches and fill-finish activities using proper aseptic techniques and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).
• Support processing activities for solution and lyophilized formulations, as well as other dosage-form preparation techniques.
• Conduct formulation characterization and analytical studies, including pH, osmolality, viscosity, particle-size measurements, DLS, and HPLC.
• Support stability and stress studies by analyzing data, summarizing findings, and documenting conclusions in lab notebooks, protocols, and technical reports.
• Draft, review, and execute protocols that support laboratory batches and process-development activities.
• Maintain clear, accurate, and contemporaneous laboratory records, equipment, and a clean working environment to support overall lab readiness.
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners (such as analytical operations and manufacturing) to ensure project timelines and key deliverables are met.
• Continuously apply relevant literature, scientific methods, and technologies to enhance formulation processes while maintaining strict compliance with safety policies.

Education

• B.S. or M.S. degree (or equivalent) in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or a related field.

Experience

• Bachelor’s with 5+ years, Master’s with 3+ years, or PhD with 0–1 year of exeprience.
• Excellent hands-on laboratory skills in pharmaceutical formulation, sterile product development, process development, or a related field.
• Preferred: Pharmaceutical industry experience in biologics, sterile formulation, and/or process development in a non-GMP/GLP environment.
• Preferred: Hands-on experience with benchtop unit operations (mixing, pumping, filtration, lyophilization) and statistical software such as JMP.
• Preferred: Familiarity with biophysical or biochemical analytical methods (DLS, DSC, DSF, SDS-PAGE, UV/Vis) and previous pharmaceutical/biologics (including Merck) experience.

Additional Information

• Location & Setup: On-site position located in Rahway, New Jersey.
• Duration: 1-year contract assignment.
• Key Soft Skills: Requires strong written/verbal communication, high organization, self-motivation, attention to detail and timelines, and the ability to adapt to changing project needs.