Principal Scientist Computational Chemist - Military Veterans

Job Description

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate to join our Protein Biochemistry team within the Mass Spectrometry & Biophysics (MSB) department in the Quantitative Biosciences (QB) organization. Our group utilizes multidisciplinary approaches to produce and characterize proteins in support of screening, assay development and specialized research efforts that advance our drug discovery pipeline and ultimately help improve the lives of patients. The candidate will be part of cross-functional teams and will collaborate across diverse therapeutic areas. This is a research position that uses critical thinking, problem solving, and requires flexibility for the evaluation of new technologies to investigate mode of binding studies.

The successful candidate will design and carry out experiments in the lab to build and support projects in the early discovery pipeline, with focus on design, development and execution of equilibrium and kinetic binding assays supporting all stages of drug discovery with an emphasis on screening, hit validation & hit-to-lead activities.

Candidates should have prior experience in developing equilibrium and kinetic radioligand binding assays using relevant assay formats and strong tissue culture skills including cell plating, cell stimulation, cell harvesting, and membrane preparation; hands-on experience in characterization of protein-ligand interactions with the ability to interpret mechanisms-of-action and structure/function relationships. Broad knowledge of G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) pharmacology is highly desirable.

We recognize that the diversity within our team is a strength and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Successful candidates must demonstrate inclusive behaviors in working with a diverse group of scientists to drive our core mission.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Design, develop and execute equilibrium and kinetic radioligand binding assays using 3H, 125I, 35S, radioisotopes supporting all stages of drug discovery with an emphasis on screening, hit validation & hit-to-lead activities.


• Characterize protein-ligand interactions with the ability to interpret mechanisms-of-action aimed at understanding structure/function relationships.


• Serve as a representative on cross-functional program teams with accountability for delivering progress updates, presenting data & contributing to strategic direction.


• Contribute to a high-performance culture of inclusion, collaboration, engagement, and self-accountability.


• Promote the external reputation of our department by contributing to publications and participating in external symposia.

Essential Qualifications:

Minimum education required:

• Post-graduate degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, or another related field, including years of relevant industry experience as appropriate: Ph.D., M.Sc. (3+ years) or B.Sc. (6+ years).

Required experience and skills:

• Prior experience developing equilibrium and kinetic radioligand binding assays (e.g. 3H, 125I, 35S) in relevant assay formats (purified protein, membranes and/or whole cells) in filtration and SPA bead format using scintillation counter readers is required.


• Strong tissue culture skills including cell plating, cell stimulation, cell harvesting, and membrane preparation are required.


• Experience with liquid handling automation systems (e.g. Echo, Bravo).


• Demonstrated ability to work under tight timelines and independently execute experimental tasks.


• Passion for fostering a diverse and inclusive culture and contributing to the growth and success of colleagues.


• Strong external reputation as evidenced through publications, presentations, and/or scientific community engagement.


• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills with a proven track-record of maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders.

Desirable Experience and Skills:

• Broad knowledge of G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) pharmacology is a significant advantage.


• Broad protein biochemistry expertise (gene cloning, transfection, expression & purification) is highly desirable.


• Expertise with biophysical methods such as SPR, ITC, MST and thermal shift assays is beneficial.


• Experience with traditional Western blot techniques is desirable; knowledge of the Protein Simple high-throughput western-blotting system would be a significant advantage.

NOTICE FOR INTERNAL APPLICANTS

In accordance with Managers' Policy - Job Posting and Employee Placement, all employees subject to this policy are required to have a minimum of twelve (12) months of service in current position prior to applying for open positions.

If you have been offered a separation benefits package, but have not yet reached your separation date and are offered a position within the salary and geographical parameters as set forth in the Summary Plan Description (SPD) of your separation package, then you are no longer eligible for your separation benefits package. To discuss in more detail, please contact your HRBP or Talent Acquisition Advisor.

Employees working in roles that the Company determines require routine collaboration with external stakeholders, such as customer-facing commercial, or research-based roles, will be expected to comply not only with Company policy but also with policies established by such external stakeholders (for example, a requirement to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to access a facility or meet with stakeholders). Please understand that, as permitted by applicable law, if you have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 and an essential function of your job is to call on external stakeholders who require vaccination to enter their premises or engage in face-to-face meetings, then your employment may pose an undue burden to business operations, in which case you may not be offered employment, or your employment could be terminated. Please also note that, where permitted by applicable law, the Company reserves the right to require COVID-19 vaccinations for positions, such as in Global Employee Health, where the Company determines in its discretion that the nature of the role presents an increased risk of disease transmission.

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US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

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We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:

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We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing diverse, talented, and committed people together. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when diverse ideas come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another's thinking and approach problems collectively.

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U.S. Hybrid Work Model

Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office-based positions in the U.S. will be working a Hybrid work consisting of three total days on-site per week, generally Tuesday, Wednesday and either Monday or Thursday, although the specific days may vary by site or organization, with Friday designated as a remote-working day, unless business critical tasks require an on-site presence. This Hybrid work model does not apply to, and daily in-person attendance is required for, field-based positions; facility-based, manufacturing-based, or research-based positions where the work to be performed is located at a Company site; positions covered by a collective-bargaining agreement (unless the agreement provides for hybrid work); or any other position for which the Company has determined the job requirements cannot be reasonably met working remotely. Please note, this Hybrid work model guidance also does not apply to roles that have been designated as "remote".

Under New York State, Colorado State, Washington State, and California State law, the Company is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this job. Final determinations with respect to salary will take into account a number of factors, which may include, but not be limited to the primary work location and the chosen candidate's relevant skills, experience, and education.

Expected salary range:
$101,100.00 - $159,100.00

Available benefits include bonus eligibility, long term incentive if applicable, health care and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, paid holidays, vacation, and sick days. A summary of benefits is listed here .

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.

Employee Status:
Regular

Relocation:
Domestic/International

VISA Sponsorship:
Yes

Travel Requirements:
10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:
Not Applicable

Shift:
Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:
No

Hazardous Material(s):
N/A

Job Posting End Date:
09/13/2024
*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.