Process Research and Development (PR&D)

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Who we are

The PR&D organization within Merck Research Laboratories is dedicated to developing novel, robust manufacturing processes and technologies for small molecules, biologics and vaccines across Merck's pipeline.

Innovation is at the heart of our PR&D organization, in which we invent and deliver world class processes to supply medicines and vaccines across the globe for the patients that need them.  

Our commitment is to enable faster discovery of medicines and vaccines, ensure uninterrupted drug substance supply across preclinical, clinical and commercial efforts and deliver the best science at first filing via aspirational research endeavors and sustainable science.

Small molecules

Peptides

Biologics

Vaccines

What we do

Drug discovery and preclinical studies

Accelerate discovery of medicines and vaccines.

Early development (phase I, phase II)

Deliver uninterrupted supply for preclinical and clinical efforts.

Late development (phase III, commercialization)

Develop best process at first filing.

Our organization

PR&D is a multidisciplinary organization encompassing four functional areas:

Biologics PR&D

We rapidly deliver diverse biotherapeutics to patients by developing innovative, robust manufacturing processes and technologies.

Small molecule PR&D

We think creatively to strategically invent novel synthetic methods to develop small molecules, peptides and bioconjugate therapeutics.

Vaccine & advanced biotechnologies PR&D

We develop scalable, innovative and cost-effective processes for vaccines, adjuvants and novel therapeutics.

PR&D enabling technologies

We invent cutting-edge technologies to enable the current and future needs of our small molecule, biologic and vaccines portfolio.

Worldwide operations

We have a global organization that includes sites located in Rahway, West Point, Boston and South San Francisco.

Rahway, New Jersey

West Point, Pennsylvania

 

Boston, Massachusetts

South San Francisco, California

Our commitment to talent development

We are committed to attracting, hiring and retaining talent that represents our patients and customers.


Internships, co-op experiences and postdoctoral fellowships.

Rotation opportunities across departments to expand skillsets.

Education assistance programs for continued development.

Global recognition and awards for scientific excellence.

Strong track record of publications and presentations.


Collaborations with academic and industrial partners. Engagement in professional societies and consortia.

What our employees are saying

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Process R&D at Merck helps bring medicines and vaccines to patients by achieving aspirational science in a multidisciplinary manner. This pursuit of innovation in the service of patients is inspiring and deeply empowers me to lead my talented team, collaborate across functions and help guide others to strive for ambitious research goals that enable small molecules, biologics and vaccines.
Joseph Smith
Director, PR&D Enabling Technologies
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One of the things I value most about PR&D is the incredibly supportive and collaborative culture that encourages curiosity, continuous learning and building connections with colleagues from day one. This environment has been essential to my growth and development, while also fostering scientific innovation that ultimately leads to positive impacts on patients’ lives.
Saaniya Rupani  
Associate Scientist, Biologics PR&D
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One thing I love about my job is that there is always something new to learn and new challenges to work on.  There are always opportunities for more growth and professional development working in PR&D.
Janelle Lukens
Principal Scientist, Vaccine & Advanced Biotechnologies PR&D
Screenshot2025-08-12at10.07.02
It’s great to work with a group of scientists dedicated to developing the best process to make our medicines. We are committed to developing processes that minimize our environmental footprint and maximize sustainability. In my opinion, there is no better place to be a chemist. The focus on innovation and scientific impact is unmatched.
Patrick Fier
Principal Scientist, Small Molecule PR&D
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I was drawn to work at Merck because of its demonstrated commitment to innovative science. I have found that no challenge is too great to tackle, and no idea is too ambitious to explore. I am inspired by this mindset, as it fosters growth, creativity and interdisciplinary collaboration. In turn, we are able to develop cutting-edge science that advances the field and positively impacts patients.
Anne Marie Crooke
Senior Scientist, PR&D Enabling Technologies
Screenshot2025-08-12at10.08.12
I have the privilege of leading a talented team united by a passion for developing robust biotherapeutic processes. We embrace hard work, dedication and resilience. Together, we learn from challenges, drive innovation and grow both personally and as a team.
Sandra Bennun
Director, Biologics PR&D
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This careers website is intended for Residents of the United States, Canada & Puerto Rico. Residents in other markets, please visit our MSD Careers page. Information on this site is for the purpose of presenting career opportunities at our organization and give our audience a view of our culture and growth opportunities. Our company is an equal opportunity employer, committed to fair and inclusive employment practices and welcoming individuals from all backgrounds and experiences.