Assoc. Scientist, Biocatalysis (Onsite)

MSD UK; Rahway (NJ); On-site; USD 72,000 - 113,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck in Rahway, NJ seeks a motivated scientist to advance biomolecular and biocatalytic processes. You will conduct hands-on enzyme-based process development across scales and work with chemists and engineers to translate enzymatic insights into scalable reactions.

The role emphasizes safety, quality, and robust documentation, with opportunities to contribute to innovative biocatalysis projects and the company’s scientific leadership in the field.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, or biochemical engineering by Oct 2026.
• Experience safely performing lab-based research or process development in biocatalysis.
• Strong communication, organization, and collaboration skills.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and GMP practices in lab notebook documentation.

Responsibilities

• Perform hands-on chemical process development using enzymes from micro to preparative scale.
• Design, plan, and execute experiments to identify enzymatic transformations and improve variants.
• Collaborate with chemists and engineers to implement enzymes in chemical reactions.
• Communicate technical challenges and support laboratory operations with clear, confident discussion.

Skills

Analytical Chemistry

Enzyme Kinetics

Biocatalysis

Laboratory Operations

Communication Skills

Team Collaboration

Education

BS or MS in Chemistry/ Biochemistry/ Chemical Engineering

Tools

Mettler Toledo EasyMax

Job description

Position Description

The Biocatalysis department, part of the Small Molecule Process Research and Development organization in Rahway, New Jersey, is seeking highly motivated individuals who are looking for an opportunity to work in a fast-paced environment that provides a high degree of technical responsibility. 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.

The successful candidate will perform hands‑on chemical process development using enzymes at scales spanning the range from high‑throughput laboratory scale to preparative scale. Under scientific and administrative direction, they will design, plan, and execute experiments to identify useful enzymatic transformations, determine improvements in enzyme variants, and develop enzyme‑catalyzed chemical processes. As part of project teams, the scientist will work with chemists and engineers to evaluate and develop novel methods of implementing enzymes in chemical reactions. The scientist will be expected to exhibit a mindset of safety and quality compliance and contribute to laboratory operations.

The successful candidate will be required to communicate regularly, clearly, and with confidence as they discuss technical challenges, support laboratory operations, and interface with colleagues within and beyond our department. High levels of innovation, rigor, and self‑initiative along with the ability to plan and organize activities are expected. The successful candidate will join a diverse group of innovative scientists that are driving the next revolution in bioengineering.

Education Requirements

• The position requires a BS or MS in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, or biochemical engineering from an accredited college or university by October 2026.

Required Experience and Skills

• Experience safely performing laboratory‑based research or process development in a biocatalysis‑related area.
• Highly effective communication skills in‑person, in writing, and via presentation.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal collaboration, and time management skills
• Keen attention to detail and the ability to follow established procedures, policies, and guidelines required to comply with safety, environmental, and GMP expectations in the laboratory and in notebook documentation.

Preferred Experience and Qualifications

• Experience with organic chemical synthesis at the bench including running experiments, analyzing data, and preparing presentations and reports on experimental results and conclusions.
• Familiarity with process scale‑up, moving from high‑throughput to preparative scale.
• Experience with a variety of analytical techniques, such as liquid chromatography‑mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and process analytical tools such as those associated with Mettler Toledo EasyMax.
• Experience applying statistics to data analysis and to experimental design (i.e., Design of Experiments); experience in process modeling (e.g., kinetics).
• Experience with enzyme characterization techniques.
• Experience with biocatalysis‑related technology development.

Required Skills

Analytical Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Analytical Development, Bioactive Compounds, Bioanalytical Analysis, Biochemistry, Bioconjugation, Biomolecular Chemistry, Bioprocess Engineering, Bioreactors, Chemical Synthesis, Chemistry, Chromatography, Data Analysis, Data Management, Design of Experiments (DOE), Dosage Forms, Environmental Measurements, Enzyme Kinetics, Enzymology, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Interdisciplinary Collaboration, Kinetics, Laboratory Operations {+ 9 more}

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities.

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:

EEOC Know Your Rights EEOC GINA Supplement

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.

Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts

The salary range for this role is $71,900.00 - $113,200.00

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.

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.

• Employee Status: Regular
• Relocation:
• VISA Sponsorship:
• Travel Requirements:
• Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable
• Shift:
• Valid Driving License:
• Hazardous Material(s):

Job Posting End Date: 09/19/2026*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.