Associate Specialist – Modality Agnostic Chemistry Scaleup Operations

About the role

The MACS Operations team at MSD is seeking an Associate Specialist to support the startup and pilot‑scale operations of a new multi‑modality drug substance manufacturing facility in Rahway, NJ. The role involves hands‑on wet chemistry, dry powder processing, and equipment commissioning in a GMP environment.

Key responsibilities

• Contribute to equipment and facility design, testing, commissioning and qualification for the MACS Center.
• Support Operational Readiness by developing procedures, documentation and training for the new facility.
• Perform wet‑chemistry operations (reactions, extractions, distillations, crystallizations, filtration, drying) and dry‑powder processing (e.g., milling).
• Assist with raw material sampling, solution preparation, batch planning and execution at pilot scale.
• Collaborate with development engineers, chemists and compliance teams to ensure safe, quality clinical supply delivery.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related field with at least 1 year relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Willingness to work 8‑hour shifts on alternating 1st and 2nd shift schedule, five days a week onsite.
• Strong mechanical aptitude, problem‑solving ability and effective written and verbal communication.

Required skills

• Experience with GMP facility design, equipment start‑up and qualification.
• Technical writing and proficiency with word processing, spreadsheets, graphing and presentation software.
• Knowledge of cGMP, SOP development, Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) and Level of Protection Analysis (LOPA).
• Familiarity with potent compound processing, containment systems and clean‑room operations.
• Experience with automation systems such as DeltaV or PLCs.