The Senior Scientist role in the Analytical External Capabilities team within Pharmaceutical Analysis and Digital Technologies focuses on driving externalization strategies for small molecule drug development. This position involves leading the build of analytical capabilities at external partners, managing timelines for method development and testing across multiple programs, and ensuring compliance with GMP standards. The candidate will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to optimize operating models and enhance scientific and operational excellence. Key responsibilities include overseeing analytical methods, resolving issues, authoring technical documents, and fostering strategic partnerships with vendors. Ideal candidates should have a strong background in pharmaceutical sciences or chemistry, along with experience in project management, GMP compliance, and data-driven decision-making. This role offers an opportunity to work on diverse small molecule programs at various stages of development, requiring expertise in analytical methods and the ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes.
Skills
GMP
ICH
CMC
Project Management
Financial Forecasting
Risk Assessment
Analytical Method Development
Chromatography
Mass Spectrometry
PAT
Process Analytical Technology
Chemical Biology
Pharmaceutical Sciences
Flow Cytometry
Data-Driven Decision Making
Operational Excellence
What you'll do
Lead the build of analytical capabilities at external partners for small molecule programs.
Oversee method development, transfer, and testing for multiple drug substance and product programs.
Manage timelines and deliverables for small molecule projects with cross-functional teams.
Ensure high-quality documentation from external partners adhering to compliance standards.
Partner with internal stakeholders to author technical protocols and review documents.
What we're looking for
Ph.D. in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Science, or related field.
Strong knowledge of small molecule CMC landscape and GMP compliance.
Experience with analytical method development and transfers.
Project management skills including resource management and risk assessment.
Ability to lead capability build at external partners for small molecule programs.
Excellent communication and leadership skills for stakeholder alignment.
Track record of working across internal and external networks to meet timelines.
Market check
Salary context
This
$117,000–$184,200
range sits above
37%
of similar postings on FindRole.
Peer median band
$117,000–$220,000
Median floor and ceiling across peers.
Typical midpoint (25–75%)
$137,158–$188,437
Middle half of comparable postings.
Based on 240 comparable postings.*
* 240 is the maximum number of comparable postings sampled.
Employer
About MSD
MSD (Merck Sharp & Dohme) is the international name for Merck & Co., a major U.S.-based pharmaceutical company.
Remote (Usa - New Jersey - Rahway, US)15 days ago
$117,000–$184,200
cGMP
GDocP
Design of Experiments
Process Analytical Technologies (PAT)
organic chemical synthesis
wet chemistry
pharmaceutical drug substance processing
process scale-up
technology transfer
statistical experimental design
data-rich experimentation