Director of High-Throughput Biology & Drug Discovery

Merck; Rahway (NJ); On-site; USD 191,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement benefits

401(k)

Paid holidays

Vacation

Compassionate and sick days

Job summary

Merck is seeking an experienced drug discovery scientist and people leader to serve as Director of a Screening and High Throughput Biology group within Quantitative Biosciences Early Discovery. The role leads a team of about eight scientists and develops screening capabilities across oncology, immunology, neuroscience, and other programs with regular onsite presence in Rahway, NJ.

You will collaborate across Discovery Chemistry, Discovery Biology, DMPK, and in vivo pharmacology to deliver

Qualifications

• Ph.D. with 10+ years in cell biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, molecular biology, chemical biology, biophysics, or related field.
• BS/MS with 15+ years of directly applicable industry experience and demonstrated leadership may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Set scientific vision and strategy for the group, define priorities and data standards.
• Lead and develop a team of ~8 scientists and associates.
• Apply HT biology platforms to target identification, hit finding, profiling, and lead optimization.
• Design and execute research operating plans aligned with program strategy.
• Provide quantitative interpretation of screening and profiling data for decision making.
• Partner cross-functionally to integrate HTB deliverables into programs.
• Foster scientific rigor, curiosity, and data‑driven decisions.
• Manage CRO relationships and academic collaborations.
• Evolve the group’s technology portfolio to meet portfolio needs.

Skills

Assay Development

Cell Biology

Drug Development

Drug Screening

Functional Genomics

High-Throughput Screening

Laboratory Automation

People Management

Education

Ph.D. with 10+ years in related discipline

BS/MS with 15+ years of industry experience

Tools

CRISPR screening

DRUG-seq

High content imaging

Cell painting

Complex cellular models

Job description

Merck is seeking an experienced drug discovery scientist and people leader to serve as Director of a Screening and High Throughput Biology group within Quantitative Biosciences Early Discovery. The role leads a team of about eight scientists and develops screening capabilities across oncology, immunology, neuroscience, and other programs with regular onsite presence in Rahway, NJ.

You will collaborate across Discovery Chemistry, Discovery Biology, DMPK, and in vivo pharmacology to deliver