Job Description

The Center for Materials Science and Engineering (CMSE) is a comprehensive physical / material science laboratory in the Manufacturing Division that supports commercial supply of human-health products and important elements of new product commercialization. Our group has responsibilities in many areas, including analytical technical stewardship for commercial medical device & combination products (MDCP) and development of new product primary (container) and secondary (protective) packaging for all products.

We are seeking an Associate Principal Scientist-Engineer who can bring advanced mechanical engineering science capabilities to our mission of delivering sustainable (biodegradable) and highly protective packaging designs for our high-value and diverse drug products, such as autoinjectors, prefilled syringes and vials.

Responsibilities would include:

Lead our predictive mechanical characterization, by experiments (augmented with simulation & models), of packaging designs to identify risks and evolve prototypes for optimal performance: product protection, robustness in manufacturing/assembly, and adaptability across product configurations.
Critically evaluate and elucidate root causes of poorly performing packaging with high business impact.
Approach projects with a sharp scientific, hands-on mindset that draws upon both established industry and our more advanced internal approaches while looking to evolve/invent methodologies in the flow of work.
With a long-term view, define & drive strategic internal cross-functional projects and external engagement to ensure that we are a pharmaceutical industry leader in protective packaging technology.
In addition to this focused role, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop and contribute within the larger CMSE project portfolio and technology space.
The ideal candidate is an independent, innovative, and curious thinker who loves problem solving, strives to deliver impactful analyses, and can delight partner groups [drug product, device, and packaging] through listening, flexibility, positive collaboration, and clear/effective written & verbal communication.

Required/minimum qualifications:

Education: M.S. or Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, materials science & engineering, or equivalent discipline.
Experience: Ph.D. - at least three years of industrial and/or relevant post-doctoral experience; M.S. - at least six years of relevant industrial experience.
Peer-reviewed publications involving research of engineered structures for load bearing applications.

Useful experience areas:

Development of packaging or other complex structured 3D products [design, prototyping, simulation or testing].
Mechanical testing, solid mechanics, and finite-element modeling.
Material and packaging technologies—covering film laminates, paper-based materials, thermoplastics, etc.
Simulated distribution testing.

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

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U.S. Hybrid Work Model

Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office-based positions in the U.S. will be working a Hybrid work consisting of three total days on-site per week, Monday - Thursday, although the specific days may vary by site or organization, with Friday designated as a remote-working day, unless business critical tasks require an on-site presence.This Hybrid work model does not apply to, and daily in-person attendance is required for, field-based positions; facility-based, manufacturing-based, or research-based positions where the work to be performed is located at a Company site; positions covered by a collective-bargaining agreement (unless the agreement provides for hybrid work); or any other position for which the Company has determined the job requirements cannot be reasonably met working remotely. Please note, this Hybrid work model guidance also does not apply to roles that have been designated as “remote”.

San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

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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:

Regular

Relocation:

Domestic

VISA Sponsorship:

Yes

Travel Requirements:

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

1st - Day

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

n/a

Job Posting End Date:

04/29/2025

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