Job Description

The Chemical Biotechnologies group within the Process Research & Development Enabling Technologies Department in Rahway, New Jersey is seeking a Senior Scientist to expand our capabilities to design and engineer proteins with novel functions. The mission of the group is to invent, develop, and implement biomolecules and biocatalytic processes to advance our Company's pipeline and our impact on the scientific community. We view protein engineering as a key enabler in modern drug discovery and development, and are committed to developing novel methodologies and technologies that enhance protein engineering to improve human health. We leverage computational protein design, advanced automation, high-throughput screening, and machine learning to accelerate the development of novel proteins to produce therapeutics to support both clinical and commercial manufacturing. The candidate will work closely with a diverse and collaborative group of chemists, biologists, computer scientists, and engineers. The group collaborates broadly within our Company, with academic leaders, and with industry partners to expand and accelerate the impact of protein engineering on human health.

Job Responsibilities:

In this role, the candidate will directly contribute to the invention of novel proteins by guiding gene acquisition, designing and building high-quality DNA libraries, expressing large protein libraries, developing assays, and/or characterizing libraries using high-throughput screens and selections. They will leverage skills in bioinformatics, molecular biology, and/or biochemistry to advance hypothesis driven protein engineering programs. They will develop engineering strategies, choose which engineered proteins to select as leads, and deliver biocatalysts and/or biotherapeutics with improved functions and properties. As part of cross-functional teams, they will collaborate across groups to solve complex problems and develop novel protein engineering technologies that enable drug discovery, development, and commercialization. They will attend scientific conferences, contribute to publications, and help to set the strategy of the group. The successful candidate will join a diverse group of innovative scientists that are driving the next revolution in bioengineering.

Education:

• B.S. degree with 5+ years of experience or M.S. degree with 4+ years of experience in Molecular Biology, Synthetic Biology, Bioengineering, Biochemistry or related field.

Or

• PhD degree in Molecular Biology, Synthetic Biology, Bioengineering, Biochemistry, or a related field (with expected completion no later than October 2025).

Requirements:

• Broad experience and knowledge in synthetic biology, biological engineering, protein design and/or directed evolution.

• Significant expertise in one of the following: molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, computational protein design, or metabolic engineering.

• Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative multi-disciplinary team environment.

• Excellent communication and organizational skills.

• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Experience engineering one of the following: novel biocatalysts, biosynthetic pathways, amino acid/peptide modifying enzymes, protein assemblies, and/or de novo proteins.

• Experience with multiple strategies to create genetic diversity, multiple host organisms and/or cell free expression systems, and/or multiple high-throughput screening/selection methods.

• Familiarity with one or more of the following areas are highly desired: next-generation sequencing, computational protein design, machine learning, microfluidics, and/or automation.

• Experience with Python, C++, or R

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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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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, Monday - 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".

The Company is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this job in certain states and cities within the United States. 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 US salary range:

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.

San Francisco Residents Only:We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles Residents Only:We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

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.

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Requisition ID:R339016