Senior Scientist, Chemistry Full-time

Discovery Chemistry Department Position

Our company is seeking creative chemists for positions within the Discovery Chemistry Department. The successful candidate will join 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. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to expand your knowledge and skills through collaborations with talented and dedicated colleagues while advancing your career.

Specific responsibilities will include the following:

• 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.

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

Education:

• 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).

Requirements:

• 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

Required Skills:

Adaptability, Chemical Synthesis, Chromatography, Collaborative Communications, Creative Thinking, Data-Driven Decision Making, Motivation Management, Organic Chemistry, Organic Synthesis, Peptide Synthesis, Spectroscopy, Technical Training

The salary range for this role is $117,000.00 – $184,200.00

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.