Senior MS Scientist — Quantitative Pharmacology Leader

Merck & Co.; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 214,000 - 337,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck & Co., Inc. seeks a Senior Principal Scientist to provide scientific leadership for mass spectrometry-enabled discovery within the Quantitative Biosciences group in Boston.

You will guide MS-based assay development and translational pharmacology to support in vitro and in vivo pharmacology programs. The role requires deep MS expertise, strategic vision, and the ability to mentor scientists while collaborating across global QB networks to drive high-impact science and cross-functional

Qualifications

• Deep expertise in mass spectrometry-based assay development for drug discovery.
• Strong pharmacology insight and experimental design.
• Proven leadership with impact on discovery programs or platforms.
• Experience mentoring scientists in a research environment.
• Excellent communication across multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Boston mass spectrometry group in support of in vitro and in vivo pharmacology needs and serve as a key scientific partner to discovery teams across QB.
• Shape strategy for mass spectrometry-enabled assay development, experimental design, data interpretation, and quantitative pharmacology applications across discovery programs.
• Partner with multidisciplinary project teams to develop and execute mass spectrometry-based assays that inform mechanism, potency, selectivity, exposure‑response, and translational decision‑making.
• Provide scientific guidance to bench scientists and project teams, supporting assay selection, study design, mechanistic interpretation, and data-driven recommendations.
• Build and strengthen connections across the local Boston team and broader global QB network to ensure consistency, rigor, and effective deployment of mass spectrometry capabilities.
• Foster a culture of scientific rigor, critical thinking, collaboration, inclusion, and open dialogue that elevates organizational capability and decision quality.
• Mentor and develop scientists by providing technical guidance, strategic perspective, and constructive scientific challenge.
• Communicate effectively in a highly collaborative, multi‑disciplinary environment and influence decisions across organizational boundaries.

Skills

Mass Spectrometry

In Vitro Pharmacology

In Vivo Pharmacology

Lead Optimization

Hit to Lead

Pharmacology

Education

PhD in biology/pharmacology/analytical chemistry

MS in related field

BS in related field

Job description

Merck & Co., Inc. seeks a Senior Principal Scientist to provide scientific leadership for mass spectrometry-enabled discovery within the Quantitative Biosciences group in Boston.

You will guide MS-based assay development and translational pharmacology to support in vitro and in vivo pharmacology programs. The role requires deep MS expertise, strategic vision, and the ability to mentor scientists while collaborating across global QB networks to drive high-impact science and cross-functional