Distinguished Scientist, Chemistry

Job Description

Throughout the drug discovery lifecycle, sustained investment in innovative chemistry can inspire design and enable the synthesis of the best molecules. In this context, the Discovery Process Chemistry (DPC) group works in partnership with Discovery teams to advance programs into uncharted chemical space and subsequently transition lead compounds into development.

We are seeking a highly motivated senior level scientist to function as the scientific lead for Discovery Process Chemistry, spanning all chemistry sites in the network. The successful candidate will drive impact across the portfolio through scientific excellence and innovation as a strategic leader, team mentor and collaborator. This role will be part of the Discovery Process Chemistry leadership team and contribute to key scientific, strategic, and business decisions facing the function.

Key Responsibilities:

The Distinguished Scientist reports to the Executive Director, Head of Discovery Process Chemistry (DPC), Small Molecule Process Research & Development (SM PR&D) in our Research and Development (R&D) Division. The incumbent will effectively partner with key stakeholders to positively affect chemistry culture and tactics across the network to deliver key pipeline impacts. They identify, advocate, and in many cases lead strategic chemistry investments to impact the discovery portfolio.

The successful candidate will establish close connectivity with DPC teams, as well as crucial partners in discovery and development to bridge knowledge gaps and identify opportunities. A connection to our digital priorities will be crucial to enable adoption of new ways of working and influence future investments. They will work closely with teams to align the intent and desired output of DPC-led or partnered technical and governance reviews, and mentor project leaders and core team representatives to ensure a high bar for functional performance and program impact.

The incumbent will be expected to have cross-functional team leadership and act as a driver or contributor to strategic initiatives across functions. As a subject matter expert in drug discovery and development the individual will play a substantive role in technical and strategic governance as well as be active in due diligence for early-stage assets.

As a mentor, role model, and advisor to scientists within and across the function the incumbent will contribute to a culture of scientific and operational excellence. They will set the standard for DPC external influence and visibility as a brand-ambassador for the function, with the expectation to attract, establish, and contribute to strategic external partnerships that enhance chemistry capabilities.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry or a related biopharmaceutical science is required.

Required Skills and Experience:

• 10+ years' experience in drug discovery and/or early drug development

• Demonstrated ability in leading cross-functional groups

• Track record and commitment to employee development/retention

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills.

• Subject matter expertise in Discovery Process Chemistry with experience on Early Development Teams

• Strength in driving results on firm deadlines

• Demonstrated ability in selection and prioritization of a portfolio of projects

• Must be internationally recognized in the pharmaceutical development area with a strong track record of peer-reviewed publications and external research presentations

Location:

• Can be based at any of the Rahway, NJ, West Point, PA, Boston, MA, or South San Francisco, CA sites.

Travel:

• Travel across the chemistry network sites is expected, in addition to business related travel for conferences, meetings, and congresses. Approximately 10-20% time commitment.

Required Skills:

Bioanalytical Analysis, Bioanalytical Analysis, Biopharmaceuticals, Biopharmaceutics, Business, Collaborative Communications, Collaborative Leadership, Communication, Computational Chemistry, Cross-Functional Teamwork, Detail-Oriented, Dosage Forms, Drug Discovery Process, Ethical Compliance, Innovation, Inorganic Chemistry, Interpersonal Relationships, Investments, Mentoring Staff, Molecular Structure, Pharmaceutical Biology, Pharmaceutical Development, Prioritization, Process Chemistry, Professional Networking {+ 8 more}

Preferred Skills:

Cross-Functional Collaboration, Leading by Influence, Process Development (PD), Small Molecules

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:

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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”.

The salary range for this role is

$236,000.00 - $371,500.00

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/International

VISA Sponsorship:

Yes

Travel Requirements:

25%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

1st - Day

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

N/A

Job Posting End Date:

05/1/2026

*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.