Principal Scientist, Peptide Computational Chemistry
Principal Scientist, Peptide Computational Chemistry
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$ 169700 - 267200
1 Vacancy
Job Description
Job Description
Position Description
We are seeking a creative self-motivated computational chemist with exceptional interpersonal and problem-solving skills to join our Modeling and Informatics (M&I) team.
As part of the Discovery Chemistry family M&I employs state of the art capabilities in predictive sciences AI/ML and structure-based drug design to accelerate our invention of transformative therapeutics for patients.
Were expanding our capabilities in peptide computational chemistry to support our ambitious strategy for next-generation therapeutic discovery.
We are seeking a strategic thinker and accomplished computational drug hunter to take on leadership of our peptide modeling capability. This will be a network-facing position and will be working across geographical and departmental boundaries to advance our computational capabilities for one of our high investment modalities: macrocyclic peptides. This position will carry significant influence on our discovery organization from target identification through delivery of clinical candidates across our fast-growing peptide project portfolio. With in-house access to the most innovative screening techniques and world-class medicinal chemistry this position offers a wealth of opportunities to impact our discovery pipeline and ultimately save and improve patient lives.
Key responsibilities will include:
Scientific Innovation:
Design and optimization of peptide drug candidates using advanced computational techniques as a member of discovery teams
Advancing our peptide modeling capabilities through invention of novel computational methodologies as necessary to drive impact
Coordinating with adjacent functional teams (e.g. Research IT Informatics) to implement new methods and workflows to support peptide drug discovery across our organization including physics-based and AI/ML approaches
Functioning as a subject matter champion for ligand- and structure-based drug design across our discovery network
Building Relationships:
Trusted partner for Discovery Chemistry and adjacent functions for peptides expertise
Building fruitful collaborations with stakeholders across medicinal chemistry pharmacokinetics & pharmacodynamics quantitative biosciences and therapeutic area biology
Contributing to the continued scientific growth and development of both M&I and Chemistry colleagues as a mentor and influencer both locally and across our network
Contributing to the reputation of our Companys peptide capabilities through presentation at conferences and publications and cultivating relationships with external experts
Strategy:
Leading specific strategic initiatives to enable our future vision for computational chemistry approaches for drug discovery with a particular focus on peptides
Enabling a design-driven and predict-first culture throughout our Companys Chemistry
Contributing to our Companys overarching drug discovery strategy
We recognize that the diversity in our team is our 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.
Position Qualifications:
Education Minimum Requirement:
Ph.D. or M.S. degree in chemistry biochemistry biophysics or equivalent with a computational emphasis.
Required Experience and Skills:
For Ph.D. holders: 8 years of relevant professional experience beyond graduation (i.e. Pharma Biotech or equivalent) or 11 years with a M.S. degree.
Exceptional oral and written communication skills with a demonstrated ability to positively and impactfully influence team decisions in drug discovery
Ability to communicate collaborate and deliver results in a fast-paced global environment and to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
Ability to see the big picture and to identify opportunities for impact now and in the future
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 CCG)
Experience in leading strategic scientific initiatives relevant to drug discovery
Skilled in scientific programming (e.g. Python Pipeline Pilot) and data analytics (e.g. Spotfire) and democratizing coding and workflows
Passion for mentoring and coaching scientific peers
Preferred Experience and Skills:
People management is possible for this position but it can be tailored to fit the right candidates preferred development pathway
#EligibleforERP
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 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:
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 anothers thinking and approach problems collectively.
Learn more about your rights including under California Colorado and other US State Acts
Current Employees apply HERE
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 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:
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 anothers thinking and approach problems collectively.
Learn more about your rights including under California Colorado and other US State Acts
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 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
$169700.00 - $267200.00This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employees 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 can apply for this role through (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:
RegularRelocation:
Domestic/InternationalVISA Sponsorship:
YesTravel Requirements:
10%Flexible Work Arrangements:
Not ApplicableShift:
Not IndicatedValid Driving License:
NoHazardous Material(s):
N/ARequired Skills:
Computational Chemistry Computer Aided Drug Design Data Science Machine Learning Mathematics Modeling Molecular Dynamics (MD) Molecular Modeling Peptide Chemistry Peptides Researching Scientific Modeling Structure Based Drug DesignPreferred Skills:
Job Posting End Date:
10/6/2025*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFOREthe listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.
Required Experience:
Staff IC
Employment Type
Full-Time
