Principal Scientist, Biocatalysis

Merck; Rahway (NJ); On-site; USD 173,000 - 273,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck & Co., Rahway, NJ, is seeking a Principal Scientist to expand data science-driven biocatalysis capabilities and lab automation across the pipeline. You will lead interdisciplinary teams and develop novel enzymes for sustainable manufacturing within SMPR&D, collaborating with chemists, biologists, and IT professionals.

The role emphasizes leadership, collaboration, and mentoring, with a strong track record in biocatalysis, enzyme engineering, and automated workflows to accelerate discovery

Qualifications

• Ph.D./M.S./B.S. in a related field with multi-year industry experience.
• Experience in biocatalysis and enzyme engineering.
• Experience using Benchling for data capture and workflow support.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific leadership and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Develop enzymes and biocatalytic processes for small-molecule synthesis.
• Implement digital tools and automation to accelerate workflows.
• Lead AI/ML and data-driven design initiatives.
• Mentor scientists and communicate results to the organization.

Skills

Biocatalysis

Enzyme engineering

Data science

Python

SQL

Automation

Team leadership

Mentoring

Communication

Education

Ph.D./M.S./B.S. in related field

Tools

Benchling

Biomolecular automation (Biomek)

Biomek

Firefly

Dragonfly

Mantis

Job description

Job Description

The Biocatalysis group within the Small Molecule Process Research & Development (SMPR&D) Department in Rahway, New Jersey is seeking a Principal Scientist to expand and deepen our capabilities for data science, data-rich experimentation, and laboratory automation technologies to invent, develop, and implement valuable biocatalytic processes across the pipeline. Our group creates biocatalysts with novel functions that enable efficient and sustainable manufacturing processes for our Company's portfolio. Our interdisciplinary team integrates biosynthetic logic, mechanistic investigation, data-rich experimentation, molecular biology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, fermentation science, and advanced automation to drive innovation in drug discovery and development. The group collaborates broadly within our Company, with academic leaders, and with industry partners to grow and accelerate the impact of biocatalysis and protein engineering on human health.

Job Description

The Biocatalysis group within the Small Molecule Process Research & Development (SMPR&D) Department in Rahway, New Jersey is seeking a Principal Scientist to expand and deepen our capabilities for data science, data-rich experimentation, and laboratory automation technologies to invent, develop, and implement valuable biocatalytic processes across the pipeline. Our group creates biocatalysts with novel functions that enable efficient and sustainable manufacturing processes for our Company's portfolio. Our interdisciplinary team integrates biosynthetic logic, mechanistic investigation, data-rich experimentation, molecular biology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, fermentation science, and advanced automation to drive innovation in drug discovery and development. The group collaborates broadly within our Company, with academic leaders, and with industry partners to grow and accelerate the impact of biocatalysis and protein engineering on human health.

Job Responsibilities

The Principal Scientist will provide scientific leadership, influence strategy, and collaborate with cross-functional teams of chemists, biologists, computer scientists, and engineers across the organization, including Process Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, DSCS Digital Technologies, and Information Technology. This role will focus both on developing enzymes and biocatalytic processes for small-molecule synthesis and implementing digital and laboratory automation technologies to accelerate enzyme engineering. Responsibilities include:

• Apply expertise in data science, automation, process development, and protein engineering to solve complex biocatalysis challenges.
• Lead development and implementation of digital tools and workflows for data ingestion, standardization, QC, visualization, and analysis.
• Integrate digital platforms and drive adoption of tools that connect experiments to scalable computational workflows and data-driven decisions.
• Drive the development of AI/ML and LLM-based approaches for experimental design, data mining, and longitudinal analysis.
• Lead the design and scaling of high-throughput automation for enzyme engineering, including biochemical assay setup and screening and process development.
• Partner with internal teams (DDT, IT) to implement digital and automation solutions that accelerate biocatalyst discovery and engineering.
• Provide technical leadership, communicate results, mentor scientists, and evaluate emerging technologies.

Education Requirements

• Ph.D., M.S, or B.S. degree in Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Biophysics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Molecular Biology, Synthetic Biology, or a related field with a minimum of 7 (Ph.D.), 10 (M.S.), or 12 (B.S.) years of relevant industry experience.

Required Experience And Skills

• Demonstrated experience in biocatalytic process development.
• Demonstrated experience in enzyme engineering using directed evolution.
• Experience using Benchling for scientific data capture and workflow support.
• Experience with laboratory automation, high-throughput experimentation, and liquid-handling platforms such as Biomek, Firefly, Dragonfly, and Mantis.
• Proficiency in coding, including Python and SQL.
• Experience identifying and implementing digital and automation technologies that improve experimental workflows, data capture, and decision-making (data science).
• Proven ability to lead and collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop scientific talent.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Track record of peer-reviewed publications, presentations, or other scientific contributions.

Preferred Experience And Skills

• Familiarity with the integration ofautomation, informatics, and data infrastructurein a research or development environment.
• Experience applyingmachine learningto protein engineering or enzyme design.
• Experience withbiochemical, biophysical, and/or phenotypic characterizationof proteins.
• Familiarity with thedrug development process, particularly theCMC (Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls)function.
• Experience working in amatrixed organizationand partnering effectively across scientific and technical functions.

Required Skills

Biochemistry, Bioconjugation, Biological Engineering, Biomolecular Chemistry, Computational Chemistry, Computational Methods, Data Analysis, Drug Development, Enzymatic Activity Assays, Enzyme Kinetics, Enzymology, High-Throughput Experimentation (HTE), Organic Synthesis, Protein Characterization, Protein Chemistry, Research Proposal Development, Scientific Literature Search, Small Molecules, Structure Based Drug Design, 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. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

Requirements

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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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.

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The salary range for this role is

$173,200.00 - $272,600.00

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

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully

Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.

Employee Status

Regular

Relocation

Domestic

VISA Sponsorship

No

Travel Requirements

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements

Not Applicable

Shift

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License

No

Hazardous Material(s)

n/a

Job Posting End Date

10/2/2026

• 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.