Merck
Senior Scientist, Affinity Selections (Biology-Discovery)
Rahway, NJ
Apr 12, 2025
Full-time
Full Job Description

Job Description

Our Research Scientists are our Inventors. Our goal is to find novel and effective therapies by identifying and targeting steps in disease mechanisms or pathways that can be modulated. Within Quantitative Biosciences (QB) we leverage innovative thinking, state-of-the-art facilities, and robust scientific methodology to discover small molecule and peptide drug leads. The Screening & Compound Profiling group within QB is currently seeking an exceptional individual to join the Affinity Selections group in Rahway, NJ.

The successful candidate will have the exciting opportunity to drive the execution and expansion of our industry leading mRNA Display and DNA encoded library (DEL) discovery platforms. Candidates should be highly motivated to work in a collaborative and multidisciplinary environment. S/he will have hands-on affinity selections training (in academia or industry), preferably with mRNA Display, DEL or Phage Display expertise. Furthermore, they will have a proven track record of driving the science at the bench. This individual will play a key role in furthering screening efforts, by conceiving, developing, and implementing innovative workflows for mRNA Display and DEL. They will also work closely with team members to ensure implementation of best practices. A mindset of innovation and continual technological improvement is important.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Design, validate and execute mRNA Display and DEL selections with follow-up NGS QC and analysis
  • Draft, Maintain and Update SOPs, protocols and other documentation
  • Identify opportunities for innovation (platform and workflow improvements e.g. using automation)
  • Continual improvement in approaches for optimizing peptide or small molecule matter using mRNA-Display or DEL capabilities
  • Interact with and present results to Program teams

Qualifications:

Education:

  • PhD in biochemistry, biophysics, structural biology or related discipline and relevant experience listed below

Required Experience and Skills:

  • Deep and broad understanding of biochemistry, molecular biology, including Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), as it relates to affinity selections technologies
  • Experience performing affinity selections for mRNA Display, DEL or Phage Display
  • Excellent problem solving, oral and written communication skills to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders
  • Ability to perform in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple priorities simultaneously
  • Ability to influence, communicate and collaborate across a global organization
  • Ability to think strategically and deliver results

Preferred Experience and Skills:

  • Industrial experience in a Research & Development (R&D) organization

#EligibleforERP

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

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 Company is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this job in certain states and cities within the United States. Final determinations with respect to salary will take into account a number of factors, which may include, but not be limited to the primary work location and the chosen candidate's relevant skills, experience, and education.

Expected US salary range:

$114,700.00 - $180,500.00

Available benefits include bonus eligibility, long term incentive if applicable, health care and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, paid holidays, vacation, and sick days. A summary of benefits is listed here.

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:

No Travel Required

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

1st - Day

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

No

Job Posting End Date:

06/30/2025

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFOREthe 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:R345070

PDN-9ea79ab5-392c-41f0-a0db-7a1affde034c
Job Information
Job Category:
Pharmaceutical
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Senior Scientist, Affinity Selections (Biology-Discovery)
Merck
Rahway, NJ
Apr 12, 2025
Full-time
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