Senior Scientist - Discovery Analytical Research (On-site)

Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated and innovative Senior Scientist to join our Discovery Analytical Research (DAR) group within the Analytical Enabling Capabilities (Analytical R&D) organization in Rahway, NJ. In this pivotal role, you will apply state-of-the-art analytical platforms, separation sciences, high-resolution mass spectrometry, automation and digital tools to accelerate drug discovery pipelines and directly influence the design and selection of next-generation therapeutic candidates.

Working at the dynamic interface between discovery and early development, you will lead analytical method development across chemical modalities including small molecules, macrocyclic peptides, complex linker-payloads, and synthetic intermediates. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to solve complex scientific challenges, champion novel analytical technologies, and drive data-backed candidate selection at discovery interface. 

 

Primary Responsibilities 

• Design, optimize, and execute robust chromatographic separation methodologies, including HPLC, UHPLC, Supercritical Fluid Chromatography (SFC), and Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC) integrated with multi-detector systems (UV-Vis, CAD, and MS) to characterize the critical physicochemical properties of small molecules and peptides. 

• Serve as a technical subject matter expert in High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) for structural confirmation and de novo sequence/structure elucidation of complex macrocyclic peptides and synthetic small molecules. 

• Contribute to evaluation and implementation of next-generation measurement technologies and high-throughput workflows and automated liquid handling systems (e.g., Tecan, Bravo, Lynx). 

• Contribute to continuous improvement in laboratory efficiency by implementing automated data-processing and digital workflows that accelerate analytical sample processing, database curation, and data visualization. 

• Partner proactively with discovery teams, championing technical initiatives that elevate departmental capabilities, presenting scientific findings/updates at project meetings. 

• Uphold the highest standards of data integrity, electronic laboratory notebook (ELN) documentation, and Good Documentation Practices (GDP) in accordance with organizational policies. 

 

Education & Experience Requirements 

• Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline;

OR 

• Master’s Degree (M.S.) in Analytical Chemistry or a related scientific discipline with 7+ years of relevant biopharmaceutical industry experience. 

 

Required Experience and Skills 

• Deep expertise in HPLC/UHPLC method development and LC-MS characterization applied to synthetic small molecules and cyclic peptides. 

• Experience in MS-based structural confirmation, and de novo elucidation of small molecules and complex peptides. 

• Hands-on experience operating, tuning, and troubleshooting modern Q-TOF, Orbitrap mass spectrometers (e.g., Thermo, Sciex, Waters, or Agilent).  

• Demonstrated capability to balance multiple project priorities independently within tight timelines while maintaining scientific rigor. 

• Proven capability to drive technical initiatives, and collaborate effectively across multifunctional project teams. 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, underscored by a strong record of first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at major scientific conferences. 

 

Preferred Experience and Skills 

• Experience integrating automated liquid handlers (e.g., Tecan, Agilent Bravo) into high-throughput analytical workflows. 

• Familiarity with automated data compilation, scripting, or analytical data processing software (e.g., Python/R for analytical data analysis). 

• Hands-on experience with Acoustic Ejection Mass Spectrometry (AEMS / Echo-MS) or high-throughput mass spectrometry (HT-MS) platforms. 

EligibleforERP

Required Skills:

Analytical Chemistry, Analytical Method Development, Analytical Testing, Analytical Thinking, Biochemical Assays, Biochemistry, Chromatographic Techniques, Experimental Methods, High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Liquid Chromatography (LC), Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS), Mass Spectrometry (MS)

Preferred Skills:

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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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The salary range for this role is

$117,000.00 - $184,200.00

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

VISA Sponsorship:

Yes

Travel Requirements:

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

1st - Day

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

n/a

Job Posting End Date:

10/16/2026

*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.