Job Description

The Chemical Biotechnologies group within the Process Research & Development Enabling Technologies Department in Rahway, New Jersey is seeking a Principal Scientist to enhance our expertise and expand our capabilities in designing and engineering proteins with novel functions. The mission of the group is to invent, develop, and implement biomolecules and biocatalytic processes to advance our Company's pipeline and our impact on the scientific community. We view protein engineering as a key enabler in modern drug discovery and development and are committed to developing novel methodologies and technologies that enhance protein engineering to improve human health. We leverage computational modeling, advanced automation, high-throughput screening, and machine learning to accelerate the development of novel proteins. The group collaborates broadly within our Company, with academic leaders, and with industry partners to expand and accelerate the impact of biocatalysis and protein engineering on human health.

Job Responsibilities:

In this role, the incumbent will be a scientific leader who helps define strategy and collaborates on cross-functional teams of chemists, biologists, computer scientists, and engineers across our company (Process Chemistry, Discovery Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biologics, and Vaccines) to engineer novel proteins and impact cross-departmental initiatives. Critical tasks include: (1) applying protein engineering subject matter expertise to creatively solve complex problems across a portfolio of biocatalysts, biologics, and vaccines, (2) working collaboratively with our partner groups to identify and capitalize on impactful new opportunities and applications of biomolecules across modalities, and (3) mentoring, coaching, and training scientists at the bench to drive technical excellence and set scientific goals. They will help identify, develop, and implement novel technologies through self-driven and collaborative contributions to enhance our ability to engineer challenging targets and impact multiple programs. They will engage externally through presentations, publications, chairing sessions, and participating in external consortia. The successful candidate will join a diverse group of innovative scientists who are driving the next revolution in bioengineering.

Education Requirements:

• Ph.D., M.S, or B.S. degree in Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Biophysics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Molecular Biology, Synthetic Biology, or a related field with a minimum of 7 (Ph.D.), 10 (M.S.), or 12 (B.S.) years of protein engineering-relevant industry experience.

Required Experience and Skills:

• Experience in the engineering and development of enzymes or protein-based biotherapeutics through directed evolution techniques

• Experience with bioinformatics and protein modeling tools

• Experience with biochemical, biophysical, and/or phenotypic characterization of proteins

• Experience with high-throughput experimental techniques

• Demonstrated ability to lead collaborative multi-disciplinary teams to successful outcomes

• Demonstrated ability to coach and mentor talent

• Excellent communication and organizational skills

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Experience with molecular cloning and DNA library construction

• Experience with biocatalytic process development

• Experience with fermentation process development for enzyme or protein production

• Experience with a range of recombinant host organisms

• Experience with machine learning techniques for protein engineering

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

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We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. 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 diverse, talented, and committed people together. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when diverse ideas 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 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:

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.

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Requisition ID:R338411