Scientist, Pharmacokinetics (Onsite)

Merck & Co.; West Point (PA); On-site; USD 87,000 - 137,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck & Co. in USA - Pennsylvania - West Point seeks a bioanalytical scientist to contribute to drug discovery and early development.

You will execute quantitative bioanalytical methods for small molecules, peptides, and biologics using LC-MS and LBA platforms to deliver high-quality data that inform project decisions. Responsibilities include method development, validation, data delivery for PK/PD studies, sample preparation, and maintaining lab compliance.

Qualifications

• Experience with LC-MS/MS and LBA platforms for quantitative bioanalysis.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary scientific teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for presenting data.

Responsibilities

• Method execution, troubleshooting, and validation of quantitative bioanalytical methods using LC-MS/MS and LBA.
• Data generation, analysis, and timely delivery of PK/PD data for small molecules, peptides, and biologics.
• Perform manual and automated sample preparation (e.g., protein precipitation, SPE, immunocapture).
• Maintain lab operations and compliance with safety SOPs and regulatory guidelines.
• Support high-throughput workflows by operating robotics and automation systems.

Skills

LC-MS

LBA (large molecules)

Team collaboration

Communication skills

MS Office

Analytical chemistry

Education

Bachelor's degree + 3+ years

MS degree (1-2 years) preferred

Tools

Office software

Robotics systems

Job description

Job Description

The department of Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics, Metabolism and Bioanalytics (PDMB) is seeking a highly motivated bioanalytical scientist to contribute to our drug discovery and early pre‑clinical development efforts.

The Scientist will be responsible for execution and troubleshooting of quantitative bioanalytical methods of small molecules, peptides, and large molecules (biologics), utilizing both LC‑MS and Ligand Binding Assay (LBA) platforms to deliver high‑quality data that drives our pipeline forward.

Key Responsibilities

• Method Execution & Troubleshooting: Develop, validate, and execute robust quantitative bioanalytical methods using LC‑MS/MS, Ligand Binding Assays (LBA), and/or hybrid LC‑MS/LBA workflows to support discovery and early development programs.
• Data Delivery: Generate, analyze, and deliver high‑quality bioanalytical data for PK, PD, and in vitro studies of both small and large molecule therapeutics within established timelines.
• Sample Preparation: Perform manual and automated sample preparation (e.g., protein precipitation, solid‑phase extraction, immunocapture/affinity purification for biological matrices).
• Lab Operations & Compliance: Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure all operations strictly adhere to safety, internal SOPs, and regulatory guidelines.
• Automation Integration: Support high‑throughput workflows by operating and troubleshooting robotics and automated systems.

Education Minimum Requirement

• Bachelor's degree with 3+ years relevant laboratory experience or MS degree (1-2 years relevant experience) in analytical chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacology, biomedical, chemical engineering or related field.

Required Experience & Skills

• Large Molecule & LBA Experience: Experience with Ligand Binding Assays (LBA) quantitation of large molecules/biologics.
• Teamwork & Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively within high‑performing, multidisciplinary scientific teams.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present scientific data clearly.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and standard laboratory software.

Preferred Skills

• Data Analysis: A basic understanding of statistical analysis and pharmacokinetic principles.
• Small Molecule & Peptide Analysis: Experience with liquid chromatography (LC) and mass spectrometry (MS) for the quantitative analysis of small molecules and/or peptides in biological matrices.

Required Skills

Bioanalysis, Biochemistry, Biotherapeutics, Cell Culture Techniques, Ethical Compliance, GMP Documentation, Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs), Immunoassays, Laboratory Instrumentation, Laboratory Management, Laboratory Safety, Liquid Chromatography‑Mass Spectrometry (LC‑MS), Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacodynamics, Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacology, Small Molecules

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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The primary location for this posting is: USA - Pennsylvania - West Point

Where required by law, the compensation range for this role is provided below.

The salary range for the primary location of this role is: $87,300.00 - $137,400.00

This range reflects the Company's reasonable expectation of the base salary applicable to this role at the time of 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.

Additional location(s)

Please note the salary range above applies to the Primary Location of the position. Where a role has other listed locations, different compensation guidelines may apply. You may find the salary ranges for additional locations below. If the salary range is not listed for the location you are applying to, our Talent Acquisition team will provide further information to you relevant to your location.

Additional location(s) Compensation Information

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

No

Travel Requirements

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements

Not Applicable

Shift

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License

No

Hazardous Material(s)

Biological matrices

Job Posting End Date

11/2/2026

*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.

Requisition ID

R423274