Sr. Scientist, Analytical R&D

Job Description

Our Scientists are our Inventors. We deliver robust scientific data and interpretation that drives the commercialization of breakthrough therapeutics using innovative thinking, state-of-the-art facilities and modern equipment. Our ability to excel depends on the integrity, knowledge, imagination, skill, diversity and teamwork of people like you. To this end, we strive to create an environment of mutual respect, encouragement and teamwork. As part of our global team, you’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with talented and dedicated colleagues while developing your career.

The Analytical Enabling Capabilities organization in Rahway, NJ is seeking an experienced and highly motivated scientist with strong technical expertise in mass spectrometry–based characterization of primary and higher-order structure of proteins, as well as protein conjugation. This role offers a unique opportunity to influence analytical strategies for the characterization of biotherapeutics, including emerging modalities, and to shape approaches for the analysis of process-related residuals and formulation excipients.

The successful candidate is expected to independently conduct mass spectrometry experiments to support multiple biologics programs, represent the team in cross-functional teams and develop new methods to solve current industry challenges. The work requires documenting experiments in electronic laboratory notebooks, authoring summaries to inform stakeholders, as well as presenting at seminars and publishing in scientific journals. The candidate with the right skills will also participate in optimizing our sample preparation, data processing and reporting strategies.

Primary Responsibilities

• Perform LC-MS based assays including peptide mapping, intact mass, glycan characterization, host cell protein analysis or quantitation by MRM, PS80 characterization, in support of biologics programs

• Represent the mass spectrometry group in cross functional project teams

• Author technical reports and scientific presentations.

• Explore and develop new technologies applicable to our field.

• Perform data processing with Genedata or other biopharma data interpretation software.

• Demonstrate effective multitasking, prioritization and problem-solving skills in the planning and execution of experiments.

• Ensure high standards of data integrity and documentation. Champion compliance and safety as a leader both within and outside the laboratory.

Education Minimum Requirement:

• PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, or a related field; or

• MS in Chemistry with 4+ years of relevant industry experience; or

• BS in Chemistry with 7+ years of relevant industry experience.

 

Required Experience and Skills

• Experience conducting mass spectrometry and proteomics experiments, including sample preparation and optimization, mass spectrometer operation and maintenance, and data interpretation and analysis.

• Experience with Thermo, Waters, and Sciex instruments.

• Familiarity with Genedata or other biopharma MS software.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, as demonstrated through high impact scientific publications and presentations.

​Preferred Experience and Skills

• Expertise in proteomics or higher order structure by mass spectrometry.

• Experience characterizing complex recombinant proteins

• Good understanding of biologics development across multiple modalities, including mAb, fusion proteins, and ADCs.

• Advanced knowledge of electronic laboratory notebook systems and best practices for scientific documentation.

Required Skills:

Analytical Chemistry, Analytical Method Development, Assay Development, Biochemical Assays, Cell-Based Assays, Chemical Biology, Chromatographic Techniques, Mass Spectrometry (MS), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Analysis, Peptide Mapping, Proteomics, Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS), Spectrometry, Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC)

Preferred Skills:

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Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.  As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.  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 together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.

Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts

The salary range for this role is

$117,000.00 - $184,200.00

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.

The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits.  Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.

You can apply for this role through https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.

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. 

Employee Status:

Regular

Relocation:

Domestic

VISA Sponsorship:

No

Travel Requirements:

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

N/A

Job Posting End Date:

07/13/2026

*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.