Senior Chemist: Drug Discovery & Lead Optimization

Merck; West Point (PA); On-site; USD 117,000 - 184,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck seeks creative chemists for the Discovery Chemistry Department to invent novel medicines by applying innovative synthetic chemistry, analytical techniques, and data analysis to design and synthesize drug candidates and intermediates. You will join multidisciplinary teams and expand knowledge through collaborations with colleagues while advancing your career.

The candidate will design, synthesize, purify, and characterize drug candidates in target identification and validation across

Qualifications

• Experience in methodology/catalysis, total synthesis, chemical biology, bioconjugate chemistry, peptide synthesis, or physical organic chemistry.
• Ability to solve complex problems and work across teams.
• Excellent interpersonal, collaboration, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Act as an expert in the laboratory, executing on program and chemistry strategy.
• Develop and utilize synthetic, medicinal chemistry and data analysis to build SAR.
• Design, synthesize, purify, and characterize drug candidates in key programs.
• Provide scientific mentoring and training to team members.
• Establish an external scientific presence through publications and presentations.

Skills

Adaptability

Chemical Synthesis

Chromatography

Collaborative Communications

Creative Thinking

Organic Chemistry

Organic Synthesis

Peptide Synthesis

Spectroscopy

Data-Driven Decision Making

Education

PhD in related fields (to be received by Summer 2026)

M.S. in related fields

B.S. in chemistry, chemical biology, medicinal chemistry or related

Job description

Merck seeks creative chemists for the Discovery Chemistry Department to invent novel medicines by applying innovative synthetic chemistry, analytical techniques, and data analysis to design and synthesize drug candidates and intermediates. You will join multidisciplinary teams and expand knowledge through collaborations with colleagues while advancing your career.

The candidate will design, synthesize, purify, and characterize drug candidates in target identification and validation across