Senior Scientist, mRNA Display Discovery Platforms

MSD; Rahway (NJ); On-site; USD 117,000 - 184,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Long-term incentive

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Paid holidays

Job summary

Merck & Co., Inc. in Rahway, NJ seeks a collaborative scientist to join the Affinity Selections team focusing on mRNA Display affinity‑selection campaigns and hit identification. The role emphasizes advancing discovery platforms against challenging targets and requires strong experimental skills and scientific curiosity.

Eligible candidates may have MS or PhD with relevant experience, and the role offers a comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for collaboration across disciplines.

Qualifications

• PhD or MS with relevant discovery experience in affinity‑selection or genotype‑to‑phenotype technologies.
• Strong molecular biology and biochemistry fundamentals required; familiarity with NGS data analysis preferred.
• Experience designing, executing, and troubleshooting complex experimental workflows.

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

Affinity-based screening

NGS data analysis

SOP development

Technical writing

Collaborative teamwork

Critical thinking

Data integration

Excellent communication

Education

PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biophysics, Chemical Biology, Structural Biology, or related field

MS with 4+ years of relevant research experience in affinity‑selection or genotype‑to‑phenotype discovery technologies

Tools

mRNA Display

Job description

Merck & Co., Inc. in Rahway, NJ seeks a collaborative scientist to join the Affinity Selections team focusing on mRNA Display affinity‑selection campaigns and hit identification. The role emphasizes advancing discovery platforms against challenging targets and requires strong experimental skills and scientific curiosity.

Eligible candidates may have MS or PhD with relevant experience, and the role offers a comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for collaboration across disciplines.