Principal Scientist, Preclinical Development

Overview

The Discovery Pharmaceutical Sciences (DPS) group based in South San Francisco, CA is seeking a Principal Scientist with experience in small molecule and peptide development. DPS is a multi‑disciplinary research group that provides drug delivery, solid‑state crystal form characterization, pre‑formulation and formulation support, and small‑molecule and biologics develop ability assessments at the development and drug discovery interface. The team characterizes pre‑clinical drug candidates’ physicochemical properties and works with partner groups to select candidates with optimal development properties while balancing therapeutic goals.

• Characterize physicochemical properties of pre‑clinical drug candidates.
• Conduct early formulation studies for stability and performance.
• Develop prototype and concept formulations/drug delivery systems.
• Apply physical and chemical methods such as XRD, TGA, DSC, DVS, HPLC, HP‑SEC, DLS, microscopy, etc.
• Generate key data sets, interpret results, and communicate findings to cross‑functional teams.
• Serve as a team member and execute laboratory experiments with minimal supervision.
• Contribute to departmental scientific initiatives as an individual contributor or small team leader.
• Collaborate closely with Safety Assessment, Process Research, Medicinal Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, and Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics functions.

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Science, Protein Engineering or related field with a minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience.

• Extensive experience working in small‑molecule solid oral dosage form.
• Proficient in physical‑chemical characterization of small‑molecule and peptide candidates.
• Experience in drug delivery technologies to overcome challenges in solubility, permeability, drug release profile, etc.
• Strong leadership/interpersonal skills and motivation to work in a team environment with cross‑functional interactions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Experience in pre‑clinical/clinical formulation development and physico‑chemical characterization of small molecules and peptides.
• Additional experience in biologics development or drug delivery.

Salary range: $ - $. The position offers annual bonus and long‑term incentive eligibility where applicable. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, retirement (401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, compassionate and sick days, and other insurance benefits. More information is available at Merck Compensation & Benefits.

U.S. Hybrid Work Model:
Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office‑based positions in the U.S. will work a hybrid schedule of three total days on‑site per week (Monday‑Thursday) and one remote day (Friday), unless business‑critical tasks require an on‑site presence.

Eligibility: U.S. and Puerto Rico residents only. Current employees and contingent workers may apply via the provided links. Qualifications for sponsorship, relocation, travel, and driving license are noted. Job posting ends December 31, 2025.

Merck is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Apply through Merck Jobs Hub or the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee. The Final date to receive applications is stated in the posting.