Merck
Associate Principal Scientist, Biopharmaceutics
- Location
- Rahway, NJ (NJ)
- Posted
- Posted today (employer shows the date only)
- Source
- Workday (employer's applicant tracking system)
- Category
- R&D/Science
- Industry
- Pharma/Biotech
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Job Description
We are seeking an experienced Associate Principal Scientist to join our team and lead biopharmaceutics strategy for subcutaneously (SC) administered biologics across the pipeline—from early formulation screening through late-stage commercialization and lifecycle management. Working in close collaboration with formulation, analytical, device engineering, pharmacokinetics, and clinical pharmacology teams, you will apply fundamental mechanistic principles, quantitative translational modeling, and experimental frameworks to evaluate SC absorption, formulation and device compatibility, product bridging, and immunogenicity risk. The ideal candidate will combine deep scientific rigor with strong matrix leadership to de-risk clinical delivery and influence program decision-making at key governance milestones.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead SC Biopharmaceutics Strategy: Define integrated experimental and modeling strategies to guide formulation, dose volume, injection site, and device decisions across development.
- Drive Translation and Product Bridging: Apply mechanistic and quantitative approaches to translate preclinical findings, assess exposure variability, and support formulation, device, process, scale, and site changes.
- Assess Immunogenicity and Bio performance Risk: Evaluate how product quality attributes, formulation, particles, aggregates, and delivery conditions may affect local tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and immunogenicity.
- Influence Governance and Regulatory Strategy: Communicate risks and recommendations at program and governance forums and author or review relevant regulatory submissions and health authority briefing materials.
- Advance Scientific Capabilities: Develop predictive tools and experimental approaches, mentor scientists, and contribute to external scientific engagement.
Qualifications:
Education Minimum Requirements:
- Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biochemistry, Chemical or Biomedical Engineering, or related scientific disciplinewith 3+ years of relevant experience; OR
- Master’s degree in a relevant discipline with 8+ years of relevant industry experience.
Required Experience and Skills:
- Demonstrated expertise in biologics drug product development with a strong focus on the mechanistic principles governing subcutaneous absorption, interstitial transport, and translational pharmacokinetics.
- Proven track record as a biopharmaceutics, formulation, or translational PK lead within cross-functional matrix development teams.
- Hands-on experience developing and executing biopharmaceutics risk assessments for product comparability, device transitions (e.g., vial to PFS/autoinjector), and formulation bridging.
- Working understanding of the interplay between biologic quality attributes (e.g., aggregation, opalescence, viscosity, particle formation), delivery devices, and clinical immunogenicity / ADA impact.
- Strong critical thinking and problem solving, with the ability to translate complex or incomplete data into clear development decisions.
- Outstanding oral, written, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate technical complexity clearly to senior leadership and cross-functional teams.
Preferred Experience and Skills:
- Hands-on proficiency with mechanistic modeling and simulation platforms (e.g., GastroPlus, Simcyp, Phoenix WinNonlin, PK-Sim, MATLAB, or Python/R).
- Experience with high-concentration and/or large-volume SC biologic delivery, including co-formulation approaches or permeation-enhancing technologies.
- Direct experience authoring biopharmaceutics and comparability sections for regulatory filings (IND/BLA) or supporting agency briefing books.
- Prior experience evaluating device-biologic interactions and human factors considerations for pre-filled syringes, autoinjectors, or wearable delivery systems.
- Record of sustained scientific contributions, including peer-reviewed publications, invited presentations, or active participation in cross-industry consortia.
Required Skills:
- Biologics Drug Product, Biopharmaceutics, Bridging Strategies, Comparability, Drug Delivery, Formulation Characterization, Immunogenicity Risk Assessment, In Vitro-In Vivo Translation, Matrix Leadership, Pharmacokinetics (PK), Pre-Filled Syringes & Autoinjectors, Regulatory Submissions, Subcutaneous Absorption, Translational Modeling.
Required Skills:
Biopharmaceuticals, Cell Line Development, Clinical Pharmacology, Downstream Process Development, Drug Delivery Technology, Drug Development, Expression Vectors, Immunogenicity, Molecular Biology, Pharmaceutical Formulations, Pharmaceutical Process Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacokinetics, Physical Characterization, Stable Cell Lines
Preferred Skills:
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