Principal Scientist, Computational Chemistry

Job Description

Job Description

Our Research Scientists are our Inventors. We identify and target steps in disease mechanisms or pathways that could be inhibited or enhanced. Our goal is to isolate a compound that is effective against a disease target. Using innovative thinking, state-of-the-art facilities and robust scientific methodology we collaborate to discover the next medical breakthrough.

Our team of approximately 120 scientists employs state of the art capabilities in predictive science, macromolecular structure, biophysics, mass spectrometry, and protein production to drive drug design. We are an integral arm of discovery and process chemistry and we collaborate seamlessly across the globe to invent better molecules faster. With an unbiased approach to drug modalities, in-house access to the newest screening techniques, and world-class medicinal chemistry, we have a wealth of opportunities to impact our pipeline and ultimately patient lives.

We are seeking an experienced and creative, self-motivated computational chemist to join the Modeling group in Kenilworth, NJ, part of the Computational and Structural Chemistry (CSC) department. Successful candidates will demonstrate inclusive behaviors to drive our core mission. By joining us, you’ll have the opportunity to expand your knowledge and skills through collaboration with talented and dedicated colleagues while contributing to developing medicines for human health!

Key responsibilities will include:

1) Proactively provide guidance on the design and optimization of novel drug candidates using advanced computational techniques as a member of drug discovery teams. Including but not limited to:

• design of small molecules or peptides
• protein construct design; ligand library design
• development of innovative computational methods
• informative data analysis and visualization
• application of machine learning as necessary to solve problems and drive progress

2) Scientific leadership in computational modeling at our company building close collaborations with stakeholders in medicinal chemistry and screening organizations

3) Contribute to the overall wellbeing of the department by sharing knowledge, workflows, and being invested in the success of your peers

4) Scientific mentorship of computational chemists supporting drug discovery efforts

5) Seek out external collaborations as needed to ensure that our company's computational chemistry is embracing the cutting edge of scientific endeavor in drug discovery

Education Minimum Requirement:

Ph.D. with 8 years of industry experience, or equivalent (e.g. Masters with 13 years of industry experience) with a computational emphasis

Required Experience and Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to advance drug discovery through computation is critical.
• Evidence of your creative application of computational approaches to problems of pharmaceutical interest, specifically to advance drug discovery programs
• We need your exceptional oral and written communication skills, with a recognized ability to positively influence team decisions and work well in multidisciplinary teams
• Ability to collaborate and deliver results in a fast-paced, global environment and to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Track record of publications, presentations, and speaking engagements

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Experience in contributing to strategic efforts relevant to drug discovery
• Expertise in general molecular modeling techniques (docking, molecular simulation, homology modeling, quantum mechanics, QSAR / machine learning, ligand- and structure-based design) with modern software packages (e.g. Schrodinger, OpenEye, MOE, Rosetta)
• Skilled in scientific programming (e.g. Python, Pipeline Pilot) and data analytics (e.g. Spotfire)
• Ability to see the ‘big picture’, and identify opportunities for impact now and in the future
• Experience with computational approaches to fragment-based ligand design (screening and expansion) and/or DNA encoded libraries (library design, hit-to-lead advancement) or mRNA display screening (library design, hit-to-lead advancement)

Who we are ...

We are known as Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey, USA in the United States and Canada and MSD everywhere else. For more than a century, we have been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world's most challenging diseases. Today, our company continues to be at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions and advance the prevention and treatment of diseases that threaten people and animals around the world.

What we look for ...

In a world of rapid innovation, we seek brave Inventors who want to make an Impact in all aspects of our business, enabling breakthroughs that will affect generations to come. We encourage you to bring your disruptive thinking, collaborative spirit and diverse perspective to our organization. Together we will continue Inventing For Life, Impacting Lives while Inspiring Your Career Growth.

Invent. Impact. Inspire.

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.

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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. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

For more information about personal rights under Equal Employment Opportunity, 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. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully
Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Kenilworth, 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:R105508