Scientist, Pharmacokinetics

About the role

We are currently recruiting a Scientist to contribute to our company's drug discovery efforts in the Department of Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics, Metabolism and Bioanalysis (PDMB). This position will be based at our research labs in West Point, PA. The Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK) group within the PDMB function of our company's Research Laboratories is seeking a self-motivated, result-driven, collaborative scientist to contribute to our company's drug discovery efforts. The ideal candidate will primarily perform lab-based activities and be responsible for generating in vitro DMPK data using novel robotics systems to guide engineered small molecule and cyclic peptide candidate optimization and characterization efforts. The candidate will have the opportunity to present their work at departmental meetings as well as promote our company's science through publications and external presentations.

Responsibilities

In this exciting role, your primary activities will include:

• Qualitative bioanalysis using LC-HRMS (Liquid chromatography high resolution mass spectrometry), including assay development.
• Generation, interpretation, and documentation of high-quality ADME/DMPK experimental data to support drug candidate selection.
• Conduct of in vitro assays using enzymes, cell suspensions, tissue preparations, and subcellular fractions to characterize the stability of small molecule and cyclic peptides.
• Build innovative high throughput methods using the latest automation and robotics platforms available.

Education Minimum Requirement

A bachelor's or master's degree in biochemistry, analytical chemistry, or related field with 0-3 years of relevant laboratory experience.

Required Experience And Skills

• Strong experience with traditional bioanalytical instrumentation and techniques (primarily LC/MS and/or HRMS platforms), including method development and optimization.
• Experience maintaining & troubleshooting HRMS systems.
• Strong background in biochemistry and/or analytical chemistry.
• Desire to perform, interpret, and report Bioanalytical studies.
• Desire to work with high throughput automation systems and develop automated data analysis techniques.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, problem solving, and collaborative attributes to deliver high quality results in a team-oriented, fast-paced environment.

Preferred Experience And Skills

• Working knowledge of ADME-related assays, such as plasma protein binding, metabolic stability, and in vivo excretion.
• Experience with robotics and automation systems.
• Experience working within a research-driven pharmaceutical company.
• Experience using HRMS for peptide or large molecule characterization.

Required Skills

• Assay Development
• Bioanalysis
• Data Analysis
• Data Visualization
• Detail-Oriented
• Drug Metabolism
• Ethical Compliance
• In Vitro Assays
• In Vitro Studies
• Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS)
• Mass Spectrometry (MS)
• Pharmacokinetics
• Robotic Automation

Pay

The salary range for this role is $87,300.00 - $137,400.00. 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.

Benefits

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.