Senior Scientist, Chemistry

About the role

Our Company is seeking creative chemists to join the Discovery Chemistry Department. The successful candidate will work within multidisciplinary, highly collaborative discovery teams to invent novel medicines by applying innovative synthetic chemistry, analytical techniques, and data analysis to design and synthesize drug candidates and intermediates. This role offers opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills through collaborations with talented colleagues while advancing your career.

Responsibilities

• Act as an expert in the laboratory, executing on program and chemistry strategy.
• Develop and utilize innovative synthetic, medicinal chemistry, and/or chemical biology problem-solving skills coupled with analysis of data sets to build structure-activity relationships.
• Design, synthesize, purify, and characterize drug candidates and/or chemical probes in target identification and validation, hit-to-lead, and lead optimization programs.
• Provide scientific mentoring and technical training of team members.
• Establish a substantial external scientific presence including authoring significant scientific publications and presentations.

Requirements

To accomplish the responsibilities, the successful candidate must be a creative and innovative scientist with strong organic synthesis, problem-solving, interpersonal, collaboration, and communication skills.

• B.S. in chemistry, chemical biology, medicinal chemistry, or a related scientific discipline with a minimum of seven (7) years of experience; M.S. in related fields with a minimum of four (4) years of experience; or a Ph.D. in related fields (to be received by Summer 2026).
• Prior experience in methodology/catalysis, total synthesis, chemical biology, bioconjugate chemistry, peptide synthesis, and/or physical organic chemistry.
• Ability to solve complex problems.
• Excellent interpersonal, collaboration, and communication skills.

Skills

• Required: Adaptability, Chemical Synthesis, Chromatography, Collaborative Communications, Creative Thinking, Data-Driven Decision Making, Motivation Management, Organic Chemistry, Organic Synthesis, Peptide Synthesis, Spectroscopy, Technical Training.
• Preferred: Experience as a current employee or contingent worker within the company.

Pay

The salary range for this role is $117,000.00 - $184,200.00. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on 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.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits, including:

• 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.

Relocation: Domestic. VISA Sponsorship: Yes. Travel Requirements: 10%.