Assoc. Scientist,Post Doc Fellow

Job Description

Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Crystallization Sciences

 

Be a part of the legacy: Postdoctoral Research Fellow Program

Our Research Laboratories’ Postdoctoral Research Fellow Program aims to be a best-in-industry program for industrial postdoctoral researchers, designed to provide you with an academic focus in a commercial environment. With the resources, reach, and expertise of a large pharmaceutical company, postdoctoral researchers will be positioned to excel in an institution committed to breakthrough innovation in research and discovery.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a highly driven and motivated postdoctoral research scholar to join the Materials & Biophysical Characterization group within Analytical Research & Development. This individual will develop innovative high-throughput crystallization strategies and methodologies to discover new solid forms. The project will utilize automation techniques to screen various crystallization processes to control solid form outcomes. It will also involve high-throughput characterization techniques, such as Raman microscopy, optical microscopy, and powder X-ray diffraction, to effectively identify new solid forms using spectral and imaging data. Additionally, new analytical platforms will be developed utilizing machine learning and other analytical tools to process large datasets of spectra and images. These integrated approaches can significantly reduce the time and material consumption required for solid form discovery, while effectively constructing comprehensive solid form landscapes. The postdoctoral research scholar will collaborate closely with other functional areas, including Automation, Crystal Structure Prediction, Digital Science & Statistics, and Structure Elucidation.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Design and develop automated crystallization methodologies, and execute studies to discover and identify novel solid forms.

• Perform high-throughput physical characterization using Raman microscopy, high-throughput microscopy, or powder X-ray diffraction.

• Build analytical methods using machine learning or other analytical tools to process and analyze spectra or image datasets.

• Leverage traditional and advanced physical characterization and crystallography techniques to understand solid-state and structural properties, respectively.

• Interpret and present data to internal and external collaborators.

• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional and technical experts to facilitate scientific success and breakthroughs.

• Publish research in peer-reviewed journals and present work at scientific meetings.

• Ensure that safe laboratory practices are followed.

Education Minimum Requirement:  

• Candidates must currently hold a Ph.D. or receive a Ph.D. by the summer of 2026.

• Preferred educational background includes but is not restricted to Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutics, Physical Chemistry, or a related field. 

Required Experience and Skills:

• Experience in physical characterization (Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, crystallography, thermal analysis, etc.) of organic and/or inorganic materials.

• Experience in crystallization and crystal growth.

• Interest in automation, high-throughput physical characterization, and machine learning.

• Proven ability to independently design and execute experiments, interpret data, and identify appropriate follow-up studies.

• Track record of adaptability, creativity, critical thinking, innovation, integrity, and teamwork.

• Strong attention to detail with the ability to multi-task and handle multiple responsibilities simultaneously.

• Strong track record of scientific achievements (publications, patent, etc.) and effective writing skills.

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Experience in automation, Raman microscopy, and crystallography.

• Knowledge and skills in machine learning or large dataset analytics.

• Demonstrated ability to be productive and a strong aptitude for learning and adopting new techniques and technologies.

The salary range for this role is: $82,000

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.

Required Skills:

Analytical Chemistry, Confocal Raman Microscopy, Crystallography, Data Analysis, Raman Spectroscopy, Solid State Chemistry, Spectroscopy, X-RAY CRYSTALLOGRAPHY

Preferred Skills:

Analytical Method, Analytical Research, Scientific Writing

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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:

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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.

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U.S. Hybrid Work Model

Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office-based positions in the U.S. will be working a Hybrid work consisting of three total days on-site per week, Monday - Thursday, although the specific days may vary by site or organization, with Friday designated as a remote-working day, unless business critical tasks require an on-site presence.This Hybrid work model does not apply to, and daily in-person attendance is required for, field-based positions; facility-based, manufacturing-based, or research-based positions where the work to be performed is located at a Company site; positions covered by a collective-bargaining agreement (unless the agreement provides for hybrid work); or any other position for which the Company has determined the job requirements cannot be reasonably met working remotely. Please note, this Hybrid work model guidance also does not apply to roles that have been designated as “remote”.

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

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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:

No Travel Required

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

N/A

Job Posting End Date:

05/11/2026

*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.