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Job Description

The Chemical Biotechnologies group within the Process Research & Development Enabling Technologies Department in Rahway, New Jersey is seeking a Senior Specialist to enhance our expertise and expand our capabilities in high-throughput screening and automation for the design and engineering of 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 high-throughput screening, advanced automation, computational modeling, and machine learning to accelerate the development of novel proteins. The group collaborates broadly within our Company, with academic leaders, and with industry partners to expand and accelerate the impact of biocatalysis and protein engineering on human health.

The Senior Specialist designs, executes, and oversees high-throughput experimentation and automation efforts in protein engineering, contributes to strategic planning, and collaborates with cross-functional teams of chemists, biologists, computer scientists, and engineers across our company to develop novel proteins and support cross-departmental projects. Key responsibilities include: (1) leading the implementation of biochemical assays and the design and execution of high-throughput experiments in protein engineering to deliver high-quality, reproducible results; (2) identifying opportunities and driving initiatives to enhance operational excellence, efficiency, reproducibility, and scalability of laboratory protocols by integrating automation, data visualization pipelines, and advanced analytical technologies; and (3) mentoring, coaching, and training team members at the bench to foster technical excellence and align on scientific objectives. Additionally, the Senior Specialist identifies, develops, and implements innovative experimental techniques, both independently and collaboratively, to enhance our ability to engineer complex proteins and support multiple programs.

Education Requirements:

• B.S. degree with 5+ years of experience or M.S. with 3+ years of experience in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Molecular Biology, Synthetic Biology, or a related field.

Or

• PhD degree Biochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Molecular Biology, Synthetic Biology, or a related field.

Required Experience and Skills:

+ Knowledge of and experience with protein engineering, enzyme development, and directed evolution techniques

+ Experience with high-throughput experimental methods and automation

+ Experience with analytical techniques, such as liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry, and biochemical assay development

+ Experience in operating and troubleshooting of analytical and/or robotics instrumentation

+ Experience in biochemical, biophysical, and/or phenotypic characterization of proteins

+ Experience in driving robustness, reproducibility, and scalability of experimental protocols through data-driven and continuous improvement practices.

+ Strong organizational, documentation, and problem-solving skills, with a commitment to maintaining rigorous safety and quality standards

+ Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams and foster diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace

+ Strong communication and organizational skills

Preferred Experience and Skills:

+ Proven track record of driving process improvements that enhance operational efficiency in laboratory or industrial environments

+ Demonstrated leadership in managing teams, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and upholding operational excellence

+ Experience mentoring or supervising junior scientists and engineers in a laboratory or manufacturing environment

+ Understanding of statistical data analysis, experimental design, and data visualization tools ( _e.g._ , JMP, SpotFire, Excel) to optimize experimental protocols and drive operational excellence

+ Experience in developing biocatalytic processes

+ Experience in optimizing chemical reactions

+ Hands-on experience with UV-Vis plate readers, Sciex Echo-MS technology, and Agilent LC-MS systems

+ Experience with programming languages and coding practices ( _e.g._ , Python, C++, R)

\#eligibleforERP

PRD

Current Employees apply HERE (https://wd5.myworkday.com/msd/d/task/1422$6687.htmld)

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE (https://wd5.myworkday.com/msd/d/task/1422$4020.htmld)

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 (https://survey.sogosurvey.com/r/aCdfqL) 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:

EEOC Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/22-088\_EEOC\_KnowYourRights\_10\_20.pdf)

EEOC GINA Supplement​

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 (https://www.msdprivacy.com/us/en/CCPA-notice/)

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 salary range for this role is

$114,700.00 - $180,500.00

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:

Yes

Travel Requirements:

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

1st - Day

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

n/a

Required Skills:

Adaptability, Capital Project Management, Change Management, Chemistry, Data Analysis, Deviation Management, Equipment Qualification, Facility Management, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Maintenance Processes, Maintenance Supervision, Management Process, Occupational Safety and Health, Regulatory Audits, Sterile Manufacturing, Team Leadership, Troubleshooting, Vaccine Manufacturing

Preferred Skills:

Job Posting End Date:

09/15/2025

*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.

**Requisition ID:** R363542