Scientist, Pharmacokinetics Full-time NEW

Scientist Position in Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics

We are seeking a motivated scientist to join the Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK) group within the Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics, Metabolism and Bioanalytics (PDMB) organization at our Research & Development Division in West Point, PA.

The primary responsibility of this role is to support drug discovery and development programs through the execution of in vitro ADME/DMPK assays and generation of high-quality quantitative bioanalytical data. The successful candidate will work under guidance to conduct experiments that characterize drug metabolism and disposition with a strong emphasis on LC-MS–based bioanalysis and contribute data to inform project decisions.

This position is primarily laboratory-based and emphasizes technical rigor, reproducibility, and data quality. The candidate will collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams and contribute to assay execution, troubleshooting, and workflow optimization, including the application of LC-MS technologies and emerging automation tools. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, proactive, and eager to develop expertise in DMPK sciences within a collaborative and fast-paced research environment.

Position Qualifications

Education Minimum Requirement

Bachelor's degree with 1–3 years of relevant experience, or Master's degree with 0–2 years of relevant experience in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related discipline

Required Experience and Skills

• Strong foundation in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, or related field
• Hands-on experience with LC-MS/MS for quantitative bioanalysis of small molecules or biologics including sample preparation, method execution, and data acquisition
• Familiarity with analysis of biological matrices (e.g., plasma, tissues, enzymes, cell systems)
• Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, GraphPad Prism, electronic laboratory notebooks)
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to generating high-quality, reproducible data
• Ability to follow established protocols and troubleshoot routine experimental or instrumentation issues
• Effective communication and collaboration skills in a team-based environment
• Demonstrated problem-solving ability, learning agility, and growth mindset

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Experience with in vitro ADME/DMPK assays (e.g., metabolic stability, protein binding, reaction phenotyping, enzyme inhibition)
• Working knowledge of LC-MS instrumentation, including basic troubleshooting, maintenance, or method optimization
• Experience with cell-based assays or tissue/subcellular systems
• Familiarity with laboratory automation, liquid handling systems, or high-throughput workflows
• Experience leveraging data visualization tools (e.g., Spotfire)
• Prior experience in a pharmaceutical, biotech, or contract research organization

Required Skills:

Analytical Chemistry, Bioanalysis, Biochemistry, Biopharmaceuticals, Biopharmaceutics, Cell Culture Techniques, Data Analysis, Data Visualization, Detail-Oriented, Drug Metabolism, Ethical Compliance, Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs), Immunoassays, In Vitro Assays, Laboratory Automation, Ligand Binding Assay, Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS), Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacodynamics, Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacology, Pharmacotherapeutics

Preferred Skills:

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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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.

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