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Associate Formulation Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Scientist

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$98K - $135K/yr

The Late-Stage Formulation Sciences Group is responsible for development of intended commercial formulations to advance the late-stage biologics portfolio, and the life cycle management of ...

... in scientific services and pharmaceutical manufacturing, known for innovation, quality, and ... In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other ...

New

Small Molecule Formulation and Process Development (FPD) provide formulation, process, and ... An Associate Scientist within FPD may support teams conducting compounding screening to enable drug ...

Small Molecule Formulation and Process Development (FPD) provide formulation, process, and ... A Sr. Associate Scientist within FPD may support teams conducting compounding screening to enable ...

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Associate Formulation Scientist information

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$19

$37

$72

How much do associate formulation scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate formulation scientist in the United States is $37.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.24 and $43.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate Formulation Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Formulation Scientist, you need a solid background in chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related field, often supported by a bachelor's or master's degree. Experience with laboratory techniques, analytical instruments (like HPLC, GC), and familiarity with GLP/GMP regulations are essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills for this role. These skills ensure accurate formulation development, compliance with regulatory standards, and successful collaboration in a research-driven environment.

What is the difference between Associate Formulation Scientist vs Formulation Scientist?

AspectAssociate Formulation ScientistFormulation Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in pharmacy, chemistry, or related field; some roles may require 1-2 years of experienceBachelor's or master's degree; typically 2+ years of experience in formulation development
Work EnvironmentLaboratory setting, supporting formulation projects under supervisionLaboratory and development environment, leading formulation tasks
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceutical, biotech, and cosmetic companiesPharmaceutical and biotech industries, R&D departments

The Associate Formulation Scientist role is an entry-level position supporting formulation development, often with less experience required. The Formulation Scientist typically has more experience and takes on greater responsibility in developing and optimizing formulations. Both roles are common in pharmaceutical and biotech industries, with the Associate position serving as a stepping stone to more advanced formulation roles.

What does an Associate Formulation Scientist do?

An Associate Formulation Scientist is responsible for developing and optimizing formulas for products such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, or food items. They conduct experiments to test the stability, safety, and effectiveness of different formulations, often working under the guidance of more senior scientists. Their duties may also include documenting results, preparing reports, and collaborating with other teams such as quality control or production. This role is essential for ensuring that products meet regulatory standards and perform as intended.

What are the typical collaboration points between an Associate Formulation Scientist and other departments?

As an Associate Formulation Scientist, you’ll frequently collaborate with teams from analytical chemistry, quality assurance, regulatory affairs, and manufacturing. This cross-functional interaction is essential for troubleshooting formulation issues, ensuring regulatory compliance, and scaling up laboratory formulations for production. Regular meetings and project updates with these departments not only help streamline workflow but also provide valuable exposure to different areas of the product development process, fostering both learning and career growth.
What cities are hiring for Associate Formulation Scientist jobs? Cities with the most Associate Formulation Scientist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Formulation Scientist jobs? The most popular types of Formulation Scientist jobs are:
What states have the most Associate Formulation Scientist jobs? States with the most job openings for Associate Formulation Scientist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Associate Formulation Scientist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,236 per year, or $37.6 per hour.
Associate Scientist, Oral Formulation Sciences (Onsite)

Associate Scientist, Oral Formulation Sciences (Onsite)

MSD

Rahway, NJ

$71K - $113K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Job Description

Our company's Pharmaceutical Sciences organization translates molecules to medicines, working from the discovery interface through registration stability manufacturing by designing, developing and scaling-up the formulation, device, and manufacturing process. Driving drug product design from the bench top to the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) manufacturing facilities, our Scientists use cutting edge science to transform drug delivery and manufacturing technology to positively impact patients.

The successful candidate will be a passionate Scientist with strong academic fundamentals and a drive to develop new medicines to improve human health. In this role, the individual will be responsible for supporting the formulation development of new chemical entities as part of a matrix team from initial first in human formulations (suspensions, solutions, capsules, tablets) through final market formulation definition and manufacturing process robustness assessment.

Additional responsibilities are as follows:

  • Develops and applies basic principles and scientific concepts to execute work in a laboratory or pilot plant environment to advance new solid oral drug products.

  • Capability to support manufacturing operations in non-GMP and GMP environments.

  • Executes routine experiments and data interpretation with appropriate technical guidance.

  • Ability to operate and trouble-shoot equipment and processes.

  • Capable of learning practical laboratory/pilot plant skills and fundamental scientific principles to utilize as part of their daily responsibilities.

  • Can understand overall project timelines to manage prioritization of individual contributor deliverables with appropriate supervision.

  • Works well with others in collaborative team environments.

  • Builds awareness of relevant new and current technologies to grow as a pharmaceutical scientist.

Education Minimum Requirement:

B.S. or M.S. degree in Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences or related discipline (expected no later than June 2027).

Required Experience and Skills:

  • Ability to learn and apply new scientific principles to execution of daily responsibilities

  • Demonstrated ability to collate and conduct basic data analysis

  • Prior experience with Microsoft Office

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills

Preferred Experience and Skills:

  • Prior experience in a laboratory environment

  • Prior experience with statistical software (JMP, Minitab) and numerical analysis software (Matlab)

  • Strong mechanical aptitude

  • Passion to learn and develop as a pharmaceutical scientist

#eligibleforERP

#PSCS

Required Skills:

Analytical Thinking, Biochemical Analysis, Biomedical Engineering, Biopharmaceutical Industry, Chemical Engineering, Clinical Manufacturing, Data Analysis, Dosage Forms, Evaluating New Technologies, GMP Compliance, Manufacturing Support, Numerical Analysis Software, Pharmaceutical Production, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Product Development, Scientific Methods

Preferred Skills:

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.

As 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. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:

EEOC Know Your Rights

EEOC GINA Supplement

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

Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts

The salary range for this role is

$71,900.00 - $113,200.00

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 https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.

You can apply for this role through https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (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

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

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:

07/6/2026

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFOREthe listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.