Associate Scientist, Post Doc Fellow

msd; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 82,000 - 92,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Retirement Benefits

401(k)

Paid Holidays

Vacation

Sick Leave

Job summary

MSD in Boston, MA seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to lead a program in process chemistry focused on catalytic methods for aza-heterocycles. The role emphasizes independent project leadership, collaboration across teams, and external dissemination of results.

The candidate should have a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry (or related field) by spring 2027, strong experimental skills, and a track record of publications.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry (highly preferred) or related field.
• Must have conducted outstanding research in their field of expertise that may be shared during the interview process.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead an innovative research program focused on new catalytic strategies to access structurally nitrogen-containing heterocycles.
• Develop next-generation synthetic methods for aza-heterocycles such as piperidines and pyrrolidines.
• Collaborate across geographies and publish findings in high-impact venues.
• Stay current with latest synthetic methodologies and contribute to group capabilities.

Skills

Chemistry

Data Analysis

Experimental Methods

Inorganic Chemistry

Organic Chemistry

Scientific Presentations

Scientific Writing

Self Motivation

Synthetic Chemistry

Education

Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry

Job description

Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated and creative Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join the Process Chemistry group (located at our Boston, MA site located at our Boston, MA site) and develop next-generation synthetic methods for the preparation and diversification of pharmaceutically relevant aza-heterocycles. The successful candidate will lead an innovative research program focused on new catalytic strategies to rapidly access structurally nitrogen-containing heterocycles, including highly substituted piperidines and pyrrolidines. This research aims to address longstanding challenges in heterocycle synthesis by enabling efficient, modular, and sustainable routes to molecular architectures that are broadly relevant to modern drug discovery. The project combines mechanistic organic chemistry, catalytic method development, and molecular design, with opportunities for external collaboration, high-impact publication, and scientific presentation.

The candidate must be highly self-motivated, possess strong experimental skills, have excellent written and oral communication abilities, collaborate effectively on multidisciplinary teams and across geographies, and be able to demonstrate flexibility in adapting to change in a fast-paced, dynamic research environment. In addition, the candidate will be expected to remain current with the latest synthetic methodologies, drive innovation, apply new concepts to continuously improve group capabilities, and be active in the external scientific community via publications and external presentations.

We are particularly interested in candidates who are intellectually curious, highly collaborative, scientifically ambitious, and motivated to develop new synthetic strategies that can impact drug discovery. The ideal candidate will bring strong technical expertise in synthetic chemistry along with creativity, independence, and a commitment to scientific communication and collaboration.

Education Requirement:

• Must currently hold a Ph.D. OR
• Receive a Ph.D. no later than spring 2027
• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry (highly preferred) or a related field.

Required Experience and Skills:

• Must have conducted outstanding research in their field of expertise that may be shared during the interview process.
• Demonstrated creativity and innovation in problem solving.
• Productivity and efficiency working in the lab.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent collaboration skills.
• Established scientific reputation supported by publications and external presentations.

This fellowship offers a unique opportunity to develop enabling synthetic technologies that expand access to medicinally relevant chemical space while contributing to the next generation of sustainable catalytic methods.

Required Skills:

Chemistry, Data Analysis, Experimental Methods, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Scientific Presentations, Scientific Writing, Self Motivation, Synthetic Chemistry

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. If you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

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:

Domestic

VISA Sponsorship:

Yes

Travel Requirements:

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

N/A

Job Posting End Date:

10/12/2026

*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.

The salary range for this role is: $82,000- $92,000

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.

• medical
• dental
• vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family)
• retirement benefits
• 401(k)
• paid holidays
• vacation
• compassionate and sick days