Job Description

Discovery Pharmaceutical Sciences (DPS) enables drug discovery and drug product development through application of pharmaceutical science, physicochemical profiling, and drug delivery research from target identification through clinical candidate selection for small molecules, peptides and biologics. DPS influences molecular design of discovery compounds selected as clinical candidates through physicochemical property profiling and research 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 for small molecule and biologics, and deliver robust GLP formulations. In aggregate our team enables the transition of the most developable molecules from discovery to clinical formulation development with sound formulation strategies in place.  

The Director is responsible for leading a team in South San Francisco, CA to enable the R&D goals of the organization. Goals for programs include a) molecule 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 and Target Product Profile. Research areas include solubilization, inhalation, targeted delivery, paracellular delivery, and modification of molecule release in-vivo.  In order to profile these compounds and formulation delivery routes the team must develop physical and chemical methods (XRD, TGA, DSC, DVS, HPLC, HP-SEC, CE-SDS, SVP analysis, DLS, Microscopy, etc.).  The successful candidate will have a strong history of solving deep technical challenges.

The Director reports to the Executive Director of Discovery Pharmaceutical Sciences and will lead staff who work within multidisciplinary drug discovery and development teams at the South San Francisco at our Company site. The Director will effectively team with the Discovery Pharmaceutical Sciences leadership team, made up of directors from other sites, to identify and advance key departmental technical, strategic and team development 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 characterization). This should be evident via a publication record or apparent through their experience. The candidate will work in collaboration with sister departments within the Pharmaceutical Sciences and Clinical Supply organization to transfer information on formulation technology to aid in transition from prototypes towards clinical drug products. The Director will create, influence, and support the direction of broader Pharmaceutical Sciences research initiatives through the mentioned collaborations. The Director selects, trains, mentors and carries out performance management for staff under their direction.  The position directs the preparation of and approves disclosures prepared within their group used as the basis for patent applications and scientific presentations/publications. The position plans, prepares and submits technical programs for budgetary approval.

Finally, the position will be responsible for identifying work appropriate for contract research organizations / service providers and ensures that appropriate quality and timely delivery of work is achieved.

Education: 

• Bachelor's (with 14+ years), Master's (with 10+ years) or Ph.D. (with 8+ years) in chemistry or related pharmaceutical science field and relevant experience listed below

Required Experience and Skills:

• Extensive 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

#EligibleforERP 

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.  For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:

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We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing diverse, talented, and committed people together. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when diverse ideas come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.

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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 Company is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this job in certain states and cities within the United States. Final determinations with respect to salary will take into account a number of factors, which may include, but not be limited to the primary work location and the chosen candidate’s relevant skills, experience, and education.

Expected US salary range:

$0.00 - $0.00

Available benefits include bonus eligibility, long term incentive if applicable, health care and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, paid holidays, vacation, and sick days. A summary of benefits is listed here.

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

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully 
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:

1st - Day

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

N/A

Job Posting End Date:

04/20/2025

*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.