Senior Scientist - Discovery Analytical Research (On-site)

Merck & Co.; Rahway (NJ); On-site; USD 117,000 - 184,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid holidays and vacation

Sick days

Employee assistance programs

Job summary

Merck & Co. in Rahway, NJ seeks a Senior Scientist to join the Discovery Analytical Research group. You will apply state-of-the-art analytical platforms to accelerate drug discovery, guiding design and selection of next-generation candidates.

Lead analytical method development across small molecules and peptides, collaborating with cross-functional teams to champion new technologies while ensuring data integrity and GDP-compliant ELN practices.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry or related field or MS with 7+ years biopharma experience.
• Deep expertise in LC-MS/MS and chromatographic method development for small molecules and peptides.
• Experience with high-throughput analytical workflows and automation is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design, optimize, and execute chromatographic separations (HPLC/UHPLC/SFC/SEC) with multi-detector systems.
• Serve as SME in HRMS and MS/MS for structure confirmation and de novo elucidation.
• Evaluate next-gen measurement technologies and high-throughput workflows.
• Implement automated data processing and digital workflows to accelerate sample processing.
• Partner with discovery teams, present findings at project meetings.
• Maintain GDP and ELN documentation in accordance with policies.

Skills

HPLC/UHPLC method development

HRMS / MS/MS analysis

De novo sequence elucidation

Cross-functional collaboration

Data integrity & GDP

Education

Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry or Biochemistry

Master's in Analytical Chemistry (with 7+ years industry exp)

Tools

Q-TOF

Orbitrap

Automated liquid handling (Tecan/Bravo)

Python/R scripting

Job description

Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated and innovative Senior Scientist to join our Discovery Analytical Research (DAR) group within the Analytical Enabling Capabilities (Analytical R&D) organization in Rahway, NJ. In this pivotal role, you will apply state-of-the‑art analytical platforms, separation sciences, high‑resolution mass spectrometry, automation and digital tools to accelerate drug discovery pipelines and directly influence the design and selection of next‑generation therapeutic candidates.

Working at the dynamic interface between discovery and early development, you will lead analytical method development across chemical modalities including small molecules, macrocyclic peptides, complex linker‑payloads, and synthetic intermediates. You will collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams to solve complex scientific challenges, champion novel analytical technologies, and drive data‑backed candidate selection at discovery interface.

Primary Responsibilities

• Design, optimize, and execute robust chromatographic separation methodologies, including HPLC, UHPLC, Supercritical Fluid Chromatography (SFC), and Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC) integrated with multi‑detector systems (UV‑Vis, CAD, and MS) to characterize the critical physicochemical properties of small molecules and peptides.-


• Serve as a technical subject matter expert in High‑Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) for structural confirmation and de novo sequence/structure elucidation of complex macrocyclic peptides and synthetic small molecules.-


• Contribute to evaluation and implementation of next‑generation measurement technologies and high‑throughput workflows and automated liquid handling systems ( e.g. , Tecan, Bravo, Lynx).-


• Contribute to continuous improvement in laboratory efficiency by implementing automated data‑processing and digital workflows that accelerate analytical sample processing, database curation, and data visualization.-


• Partner proactively with discovery teams, championing technical initiatives that elevate departmental capabilities, presenting scientific findings/updates at project meetings.-


• Uphold the highest standards of data integrity, electronic laboratory notebook (ELN) documentation, and Good Documentation Practices (GDP) in accordance with organizational policies.-

Education & Experience Requirements

• Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline;

OR

• Master's Degree (M.S.) in Analytical Chemistry or a related scientific discipline with 7+ years of relevant biopharmaceutical industry experience.-

Required Experience and Skills

• Deep expertise in HPLC/UHPLC method development and LC-MS characterization applied to synthetic small molecules and cyclic peptides.-


• Experience in MS‑based structural confirmation, and de novo elucidation of small molecules and complex peptides.-


• Hands‑on experience operating, tuning, and troubleshooting modern Q‑TOF, Orbitrap mass spectrometers (e.g., Thermo, Sciex, Waters, or Agilent).--


• Demonstrated capability to balance multiple project priorities independently within tight timelines while maintaining scientific rigor.-


• Proven capability to drive technical initiatives, and collaborate effectively across multifunctional project teams.-


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, underscored by a strong record of first‑author publications in peer‑reviewed journals and presentations at major scientific conferences.-

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Experience integrating automated liquid handlers ( e.g. , Tecan, Agilent Bravo) into high‑throughput analytical workflows.-


• Familiarity with automated data compilation, scripting, or analytical data processing software ( e.g. , Python/R for analytical data analysis).-


• Hands‑on experience with Acoustic Ejection Mass Spectrometry (AEMS / Echo‑MS) or high‑throughput mass spectrometry (HT‑MS) platforms.-

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.

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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Salary

The salary range for this role is $117,000.00 - $184,200.00. 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.

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.

Employee Status

Regular

Relocation

Domestic

VISA Sponsorship

Yes

Travel Requirements

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements

Not Applicable

Shift

1st - Day

Valid Driving License

No

Hazardous Material(s)

n/a

Job Posting End Date

10/16/2026

*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.