Principal Scientist Jobs in New Jersey
Principal Scientist jobs in New Jersey are among the most active in the country, concentrated in pharmaceutical research, biotechnology, and specialty chemicals, with demand at every level from scientist II through distinguished principal. Most of the hiring is anchored in the Parsippany-Troy Hills, Princeton, and Newark metro areas, where companies like Johnson and Johnson, Merck, and Sanofi have long maintained major research operations. The most in-demand specialties are oncology drug development, analytical chemistry, and computational biology. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Principal Scientist JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 19+ Principal Scientist jobs











Role Overview:
Highly advanced understanding of safety/risk management to allow for overall accountability for the assigned cross departmental process owned by CSRM. The incumbent will have end to end accountability for CSRM owned process including the related SOPs and Execution resources. The incumbent is accountable to the Executive Director of CSRM Safety Science Innovation, Process and Systems with input from VP, CSRM as needed, for process direction and oversight, including ensuring consistency of execution, development and monitoring of metrics and continuous oversight for success of process as applied to the relevant products. Empowered representative of CSRM department on cross functional and cross divisional process teams. The incumbent will have continued product accountabilities including the development and execution of pharmacovigilance and risk management plans under the overall direction of the CSRM physician/TA CSRM management as assigned.
PRIMARY ACTIVITIES:
- Serves as the end-to-end process owner, overseeing the development and maintenance of departmental SOPs and execution resources for assigned processes. Ensures appropriate cross-functional and cross-divisional stakeholder engagement on behalf of CSRM.
- Independently evaluates emerging regulations and assesses their implications for assigned processes. Leads coordination with SOP owners and relevant stakeholders to integrate necessary changes and support a compliant end-to-end process.
- Is accountable to CSRM leadership for continuous process evaluation, development and collection of metrics, compliance monitoring, and identification of opportunities for process improvement.
- Serves as the single point of contact for assigned processes for key internal and external stakeholders, contributing functional areas, and process governance committees. Partners with the Executive Director of CSRM Safety Science Innovation, Process and Systems to develop and implement mitigation plans for process risks.
- Provides expert consultation to CSRM teams on pharmacovigilance, risk management, and application of assigned processes, including but not limited to health authority interactions. Advises on process interpretation, product-specific considerations, and approaches to addressing complex issues in collaboration with relevant subject matter experts.
- Applies advanced pharmacovigilance and risk management knowledge and mentoring skills to educate stakeholders within and outside CSRM on their responsibilities. Oversees cross-divisional communication regarding process changes and emerging issues, identifies training needs, and supports development and delivery of appropriate training.
- Serves as the overall process expert and leads engagement, as needed, with auditors, inspectors, and other regulators on behalf of the company.
- For assigned product-related work,applies advanced skills in safety surveillance and in developing and evaluating pharmacovigilance activities, Risk Management Plans (RMPs), and Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS), including risk minimization strategies in collaboration with the CSRM physician.
- Develops strategies for regulatory documents and prepares responses to safety inquiries from healthcare professionals, regulatory agencies, subsidiary staff, and other internal customers, in conjunction with the CSRM physician and management assigned to the product, as needed.
- Supports IPV in assessing and addressing local regulatory considerations relevant to assigned processes, in collaboration with appropriate regulatory stakeholders. Provides consultation on product-specific considerations, identifies local training needs, and supports alignment of local implementation with global processes.
- Serves as the CSRM process point of contact for post-authorisation safety studies (PASS),PSMPs, and Additional Risk Minimization Measures (ARMMs) facilitating consultation, coordination, and communication among CSRM teams, IPV, and relevant stakeholders on applicable process requirements, product-specific considerations, and emerging issues.
- Partners with the QPPV office to ensure timely awareness and escalation of process- and product-related issues that may affect its areas of responsibility, including matters relevant to the Pharmacovigilance System Master File (PSMF). Coordinates relevant information and input to support QPPV oversight and maintenance of accurate, current PSMF content within the scope of assigned processes.
- Master's degree in nursing, PharmD, PA or other relevant clinical health related field preferred. Clinically relevant medical experience in the undergraduate or graduate program (e.g. nursing, pharm D, PA, or other relevant clinical health-related field).
- 10-12 years of professional experience with both clinical and pharmaceutical industry experience required, of which a minimum of 5 years must include safety experience (e.g. PV or clinical) involving direct participation in a variety of PV processes.
- Demonstrated expertise in pharmacovigilance and risk management processes, with the ability to translate complex regulatory and procedural requirements into practical, product-specific guidance.
- Strong consultative, written and verbal communication, facilitation, and stakeholder-management skills, including the ability to influence without direct authority and resolve complex cross-functional issues.
- Demonstrated experience in process governance, compliance monitoring, metrics interpretation, continuous improvement, and development and delivery of training.
- Ability to partner effectively with CSRM teams, IPV, regulatory stakeholders, and the QPPV office to address global and local considerations and communicate issues requiring awareness or escalation.
- Knowledge of PASS, PSMPs, ARMMs and the interface of assigned processes with QPPV oversight and the PSMF; direct experience in these areas preferred.
Adverse Event Report, Clinical Judgment, Cross-Functional Teamwork, Detail-Oriented, Drug Safety Surveillance, Global Program Development, Pharmacovigilance, Regulatory Compliance Audits, Risk Management, Safety Databases
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 primary location for this posting is:
USA - Pennsylvania - North Wales (Upper Gwynedd)
Where required by law, the compensation range for this role is provided below.
The salary range for the primary location of this role is:
$210,400.00 - $331,100.00
This range reflects the Company's reasonable expectation of the base salary applicable to this role at the time of 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.
Additional location(s): Please note the salary range above applies to the Primary Location of the position. Where a role has other listed locations, different compensation guidelines may apply. You may find the salary ranges for additional locations below. If the salary range is not listed for the location you are applying to, our Talent Acquisition team will provide further information to you relevant to your location.
Additional location(s) Compensation Information:
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:
VISA Sponsorship:
Travel Requirements:
Flexible Work Arrangements:
Hybrid
Shift:
Valid Driving License:
Hazardous Material(s):
Job Posting End Date:
11/14/2026*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.
Requisition ID: R424589
See All 19 Principal Scientist Jobs in New Jersey
Find roles in New Jersey that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Principal Scientist JobsPrincipal Scientist Jobs by City in New Jersey
Where New Jersey roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Principal Scientist Job Market in New Jersey
A snapshot from current New Jersey openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Distribution & Wholesale
- Banking & Financial Services
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
What New Jersey Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in principal scientist jobs across New Jersey.
- PhD in life sciences, chemistry, or a related scientific discipline typically required
- Minimum eight to twelve years of relevant research or drug development experience expected
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional scientific teams and mentor junior researchers
- Deep expertise in a defined therapeutic area such as oncology, immunology, or rare disease
- Experience driving IND-enabling studies or regulatory submissions preferred by most employers
- Strong publication record or patent portfolio signaling independent scientific contribution
Principal Scientist Jobs in New Jersey: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a principal scientist in New Jersey?
Reaching a principal scientist level in New Jersey typically requires a doctoral degree in a life science, chemistry, or engineering discipline followed by postdoctoral or industry research experience. New Jersey does not require a state-issued license for this role, but positions in pharmaceutical and biotech firms often expect candidates to hold relevant professional certifications and a record of independent research contributions recognized within their specific scientific domain.
Which companies hire principal scientists in New Jersey?
Employers hiring principal scientists in New Jersey right now include Merck, Crystal Pharmatech, and MSD, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. New Jersey's dense concentration of pharmaceutical headquarters and contract research organizations means openings are steady across both large global firms and mid-size specialty biotech companies throughout the state.
Which New Jersey cities have the most principal scientist jobs?
The cities with the most principal scientist openings in New Jersey are Rahway, Cranbury, and Princeton. This distribution reflects the corridor of pharmaceutical and biotech campuses stretching from the Parsippany and Morris County area through Princeton, with Newark drawing openings tied to larger corporate headquarters and academic medical partnerships in the northern part of the state.
Are there remote principal scientist jobs in New Jersey?
Yes, but they're relatively limited. About 71% of principal scientist openings tied to New Jersey are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the hands-on laboratory and collaborative nature of most roles. The work most likely to be performed remotely involves computational modeling, data analysis, and scientific writing responsibilities rather than bench or experimental work.
How can I get hired as a principal scientist in New Jersey with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a postdoctoral research fellowship at a New Jersey-based pharmaceutical company or academic medical center such as Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, which feeds directly into industry roles. Large employers like Merck and Johnson and Johnson run structured postdoctoral and early career scientist programs that place candidates into associate or scientist roles. Building from a scientist I or research scientist title gives you the project ownership needed to advance toward the principal level over time.
Where can I find and apply to principal scientist jobs in New Jersey?
You can find and apply to principal scientist jobs in New Jersey on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers actively hiring in the state. Search the listings, find roles that match your background and preferred location, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 19 Principal Scientist Jobs in New Jersey
Find roles in New Jersey that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Principal Scientist Jobs