Join to apply for the Forensic Chemist (m/f/d) role at MSD Switzerland.
Description
Reporting to the Supervisory Forensic Chemist, the Forensic Chemist is responsible for professional forensic science analysis at our company’s Forensic Services Laboratory in Schachen, Switzerland. The Forensic Chemist will provide the necessary forensic capacity and capability to identify, characterize, and report on suspected counterfeit and other illicit company products in a manner consistent with the Product Integrity mission and in compliance with associated scientific and forensic standards. The successful candidate must excel in a collaborative, diverse, and complex environment and be able to support time-sensitive workflows on a global scale. The work is varied and may include roles as evidence manager, in shipping/logistics, and as a scientist. The role typically works in a small team and frequently with a multicultural team via remote access.
Responsibilities
* Provide expert-level forensic analysis on the testing of suspected counterfeit, diverted, tampered, and other illicit company products.
* Evaluate evidence submitted to the Forensic Services Laboratory to provide the best professional scientific examinations.
* Support the development of new analytical methods for counterfeit drug detection and characterization, including research and validation of new or existing techniques, procedures, methods, and instruments used in the laboratory.
* Participate in the quality management system and in quality assurance evaluations through internal and external quality system audits; competency and proficiency testing; and facilitate the improvement of laboratory systems.
* Maintain and evaluate laboratory procedures, quality standards, and application of best practices to assess system enhancements and incorporate industry advances.
* Maintain internal and external cooperative working relationships through effective written and oral communication.
* Maintain and support evidentiary admissibility standards.
* Compile statistical data and maintain records; write scientific reports; and present and interpret analytical results.
* Testify in court as a subject matter expert witness regarding laboratory operations, physical evidence, forensic results, scientific analysis, and case knowledge. Understand the admissibility complexities of scientific evidence and provide expert testimony.
* Coordinate and collaborate with investigators.
* Serve as a scientific and technical subject matter expert on forensic testing for the detection, identification, and characterization of illicit company products.
Laboratory Management and Organizational Leadership
* Consult with the Laboratory Supervisor to ensure instruments, equipment, and tools are well-maintained and operational to allow for maximum efficiency and protection from evidence contamination. Document proper operation, calibration, and maintenance of instruments, equipment, and tools.
* Consult with the Laboratory Supervisor regarding the operation of the Forensic Services Laboratory; ensuring the examination, analysis, and interpretation of physical evidence meets the appropriate standards in the scientific investigation of pharmaceutical crimes.
* Consult with the Laboratory Director and Laboratory Supervisor to develop short- and long-term planning strategies based on forensic standards and best scientific practices.
* Demonstrate self- and time management, independence, and prioritization.
* Develop core competencies.
* Develop emotional intelligence core competencies.
* Model leadership behaviors within GSAG and the larger company-wide organization.
Qualifications
Requirements
* Bachelor’s degree in forensic science, chemistry, or a related scientific field plus 2 years of relevant laboratory experience, or completion of a graduate degree in a relevant scientific field.
* Demonstrates an expert understanding of the principles and practices, applications, concepts, theories, and limitations of methods associated with forensic science and analytical counterfeit drug detection.
* Able to provide subject matter expert witness testimony based on scientific analysis.
* Strong commitment to safety and compliance requirements and laboratory accreditation standards.
* Must possess and demonstrate strong oral and written communication, and analytical skills.
* Ability to work in a highly collaborative and matrixed environment.
* Must be innovative, independent, and able to manage an aggressive workload in a high-performing environment.
Preferred Experience and Skills
* Advanced degree (MS) preferred.
* Experience in Forensic Sciences.
* Knowledge of pharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution operations (GxP, etc.) and counterfeit drug detection and investigations.
* Demonstrates an expert ability to plan, direct, organize, and coordinate projects. Makes effective decisions or recommendations to resolve and mediate conflicts. Initiates and follows through on projects.
* Experience with biologics, protein characterization, and identifying unknown small and large molecules.
* Demonstrates an ability to identify and analyze problems, evaluate alternative solutions, make decisions or recommendations, resolve problems, and consult with appropriate staff and resources as needed, based on knowledge, experience, and expertise.
* Demonstrated experience interacting with and supporting senior leadership.
* Ability to champion new ideas or positions to meet key laboratory goals and initiatives.
The Company
Our company has had a presence in Switzerland since 1963. With a regional office and manufacturing/packaging facility, Lucerne is considered the center of operations. A fifth location has been established in Zurich to accelerate development and commercialization of medicines and vaccines, supporting our mission to save and improve lives. We are certified as a “Top Employer Switzerland” and “Top Employer Europe.” Our Schachen site focuses on producing and testing new biological medicines and investigating suspected drug counterfeiting, operating as one of only three such laboratories worldwide.
Current employees and contingent workers can apply through the internal portals.
Search Firm Representatives: Merck & Co., Inc. does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. No fee will be paid for agency referrals without a valid written agreement.
Job Details
* Employee Status: Regular
* Relocation: No relocation
* VISA Sponsorship: No
* Travel Requirements: No Travel Required
* Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable
* Shift: Not Indicated
* Valid Driving License: No
* Hazardous Material(s): N/A
* Required Skills: Adaptability, Analytical Instrumentation, Analytical Method Development, Chemistry, Decision Making, Detail-Oriented, Forensic Chemistry, GMP, LIMS, Laboratory Operations, Quality Standards, RCA, Science, Statistical Analysis, Team Problem Solving, Technical Transfer, Technical Writing, T&E
Job Posting End Date: 09/17/2025
Requisition ID: R363819
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