Senior Scientist - mRNA Display & Affinity Discovery

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

Job summary

Merck & Co. in Rahway, NJ seeks a collaborative scientist to advance mRNA Display affinity-selection platforms within the Affinity Selections team. You will design, execute, optimize campaigns, analyze NGS data, and guide discovery efforts against challenging targets.

Experience with mRNA Display is highly desirable and genotype-to-phenotype tech is encouraged. You will draft SOPs, present findings, and work across biology, chemistry, and computational sciences to strengthen discovery

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of molecular biology, protein biochemistry, affinity-based screening, and NGS-based analysis.
• Design, execute, optimize, and troubleshoot complex experimental workflows.
• Analyze and integrate data from multiple experimental approaches to guide scientific decision-making.
• Strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across disciplines and contribute effectively to team-based science.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, troubleshoot, and optimize mRNA Display affinity-selection campaigns.
• Analyze experimental and NGS data to support hit identification and project progression.
• Develop and improve selection strategies, workflows, and platform performance.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of new technologies and scientific approaches.
• Draft, maintain, and update SOPs, protocols, and technical documentation.
• Present scientific findings and recommendations to project teams and stakeholders.
• Collaborate effectively with scientists across multiple disciplines.
• Contribute to knowledge sharing, training, and continuous improvement efforts.

Skills

Molecular biology

Protein biochemistry

NGS data analysis

Experimental design

Data integration

Scientific communication

Team collaboration

mRNA Display experience

Education

PhD in Biochemistry / Molecular Biology / Biophysics / Chemical Biology / Structural Biology

MS with 4+ years in affinity-selection or genotype-to-phenotype discovery

Tools

NGS platforms

Affinity-selections platforms

Job description

Merck & Co. in Rahway, NJ seeks a collaborative scientist to advance mRNA Display affinity-selection platforms within the Affinity Selections team. You will design, execute, optimize campaigns, analyze NGS data, and guide discovery efforts against challenging targets.

Experience with mRNA Display is highly desirable and genotype-to-phenotype tech is encouraged. You will draft SOPs, present findings, and work across biology, chemistry, and computational sciences to strengthen discovery