Director, Discovery Pharmaceutical Sciences
Job Description
Discovery Pharmaceutical Sciences (DPS) enables drug discovery and drug product development through application of pharmaceutical science and drug delivery research from target identification through clinical candidate selection for both small molecules, peptides, biologics and vaccines. DPS influences molecular design of these clinical candidates through physicochemical property profiling and then applying insights to better understand, and resolve, drug product developability risks. We further utilize our expertise to identify and develop solid state phases, develop and study prototype formulations intended for clinical use, and deliver robust GLP formulations. In aggregate, our team enables the transition of optimal molecules from discovery to clinical formulation development with formulation strategies in place.
The Director is responsible for leading a team in West Point, PA to enable the R&D goals of the organization. Goals include a) compound profiling, b) early formulation screening for stability and performance as well as c) development of prototype and concept formulations/drug delivery which would benefit the molecule given its therapeutic area. Research areas include solubilization, targeted delivery, permeation enhancer application, long acting parenteral, and modification of drug release. In order to profile these compounds and their delivery routes the team must develop physical and chemical methods (XRD, TGA, DSC, DVS, HPLC, HP-SEC, DLS, Microscopy, etc.). The successful candidate will have a strong track record of solving deep technical challenges. The role includes assessment of both small, peptide and protein-based modalities as the pipeline demands.
The Director reports to the Executive Director of Discovery Pharmaceutical Sciences and will lead staff who work within multidisciplinary drug discovery and development teams. The Director will effectively team with the Discovery Pharmaceutical Sciences leadership team in order to identify and advance key departmental technical, strategic and cultural initiatives.
The Director drives scientific excellence and must excel in leading the conduct of scientific research in the pharmaceutical sciences field (preformulation, drug delivery, formulation development and analytical). This should be evident via a publication track record. The candidate will work in collaboration with sister departments within the Pharmaceutical Sciences and Clinical Supply organization in order to translate compounds and formulation technology from prototype / clinical formulations into final commercial drug products. The successful candidate will create, influence, and support the direction of Pharmaceutical Sciences research initiatives through the mentioned collaborations. The Director selects, trains, mentors and carries out performance management for staff under direction within the framework of Company policy. The position directs the preparation of and approves disclosures prepared within their group to be used as the basis for patent applications and scientific presentations/publications. Plans, prepares and submits technical programs for budgetary approval annually.
Further the position will be responsible for identifying work appropriate for contract research organizations / service providers and ensures that appropriate quality and time attributes are achieved.
Education:
- B.S. in chemistry or related pharmaceutical science is required with 14+ years of experience.
- M.S. in chemistry or related pharmaceutical science is preferred with 10+ years of experience
- Ph.D. in chemistry or related pharmaceutical science is preferred with 7+ years of experience
Required:
- 7 years drug product development experience
- Demonstrated ability in leading a research team (scientific mentorship or direct management).
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills.
- Strength in delivering results on firm deadlines in support of discovery/development programs
Must:
- West Point, PA
Required Skills:
Drug Delivery, Drug Development, Immunotherapy, Medicinal Chemistry, Microscopies, Patent Applications, Pharmaceutical Development, Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Pharmaceutical Research, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Product Development, Scientific Research, Technical Problem-Solving
Preferred Skills:
Drug Discovery Process, Pharmaceutical Formulations, Pharmaceutical Products, Preformulation
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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".
The salary range for this role is
$169,700.00 - $267,200.00
This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.
The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at [click to reveal website link].
You can apply for this role through [click to reveal website link] (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.
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/International
VISA Sponsorship:
Yes
Travel Requirements:
10%
Flexible Work Arrangements:
Not Applicable
Shift:
Not Indicated
Valid Driving License:
No
Hazardous Material(s):
N/A
Job Posting End Date:
12/10/2025
*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.
Requisition ID:R373087