Scientist II - Assay Development

Merck; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck's Biochemistry and Biophysics Group in the MRL-Boston department seeks a scientist to advance early-stage drug discovery by applying biochemical and biophysical methods to characterize targets and ligand interactions, and to drive assay development.

It is a hands-on role involving TR-FRET, FP, LC-MS, SPR, TdF, ITC, and automated liquid handling, with data analysis to support HTS campaigns and medicinal chemistry efforts.

Qualifications

• BS/BA or MS with industry experience in assay development and compound profiling.
• Solid foundation in biochemistry, biophysics, and molecular biology.
• Hands-on experience with diverse biochemical/biophysical techniques.
• Ability to analyze and present complex data clearly.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and run quantitative biochemical and biophysical assays to support small molecule ligand identification and lead optimization.
• Conduct detailed biochemical and biophysical studies to elucidate mechanisms of action and ligand-protein interactions.
• Support HTS campaigns and medicinal chemistry efforts through robust compound profiling.
• Utilize advanced detection modalities to characterize target-ligand binding dynamics and enzymatic behavior.
• Perform steady-state and transient-state kinetic experiments to evaluate enzyme and inhibitor mechanisms.
• Operate and integrate automated liquid handlers to streamline assay throughput.
• Analyze complex screening data using specialized software and present findings clearly to team members.
• Maintain detailed scientific records and contribute to laboratory optimization.

Skills

Biochemistry

Biophysics

Molecular biology

Assay development

Data analysis

Team collaboration

Education

BS/BA in Biochemistry/Biophysics

MS in Biochemistry/Biophysics

Tools

TR-FRET

FP

LC-MS

SPR (BIAcore)

TdF

ITC

Echo/Bravo/Biomek

Hamilton

Job description

Join the Biochemistry and Biophysics Group within the Department of Pharmacology at MRL-Boston for an exciting opportunity to advance early-stage drug discovery. In this role, you will collaborate closely with a dynamic, cross-functional scientific team dedicated to identifying and optimizing small molecule therapeutics. You will play a key part in characterizing target proteins and small molecule interactions, leveraging cutting-edge biochemical and biophysical methodologies to drive medicinal chemistry and high-throughput screening initiatives forward.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and run quantitative biochemical and biophysical assays to support small molecule ligand identification and lead optimization.
• Conduct detailed biochemical and biophysical studies to elucidate mechanisms of action and modes of ligand-protein interactions.
• Support high-throughput screening (HTS) campaigns and ongoing medicinal chemistry efforts through robust compound profiling.
• Utilize advanced detection modalities to characterize target-ligand binding dynamics and enzymatic behavior.
• Perform steady-state and transient-state kinetic experiments to evaluate enzyme and inhibitor mechanisms.
• Operate and integrate automated liquid handlers to streamline assay throughput and compound handling.
• Analyze complex screening data using specialized analytical software and present findings clear and concisely to team members.
• Maintain detailed scientific records, trouble-shoot experimental workflows, and contribute to continuous laboratory optimization.

Education

• BS/BA degree in biochemistry, biophysics, or a related scientific discipline with 1-5 years of industry experience; OR
• MS degree in biochemistry, biophysics, or a related scientific discipline with 1+ years of industry experience (preferably focused on assay development and compound profiling in drug discovery).

Experience

• Solid foundational knowledge in biochemistry, biophysics, and molecular biology with practical experience in basic biochemical and biophysical techniques.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience in assay development utilizing modalities such as TR-FRET, FP, LC-MS, radiochemical, SPR (BIAcore), fluorescence thermal shift (TdF), or ITC.
• Prior hands-on experience executing enzyme and inhibitor kinetic studies (steady-state and transient-state).
• Experience operating automated liquid handling platforms (e.g., Echo, Bravo, Biomek, or Hamilton).
• Proficiency with Windows OS, data analysis databases, and presentation applications including Excel, PowerPoint, and TIBCO Spotfire.