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Associate Scientist, Post Doc Fellow

MSD


Job Location:

Boston, MA - USA

Yearly Salary: USD 82000 - 92000
Posted: 2 October 2026 (Yesterday)
Application Deadline: 30 December 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated and creative Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join the Process Chemistry group (located at our Boston MA site located at our Boston MA site) and develop next-generation synthetic methods for the preparation and diversification of pharmaceutically relevant aza-heterocycles. The successful candidate will lead an innovative research program focused on new catalytic strategies to rapidly access structurally nitrogen-containing heterocycles including highly substituted piperidines and pyrrolidines. This research aims to address longstanding challenges in heterocycle synthesis by enabling efficient modular and sustainable routes to molecular architectures that are broadly relevant to modern drug discovery. The project combines mechanistic organic chemistry catalytic method development and molecular design with opportunities for external collaboration high-impact publication and scientific presentation.

The candidate must be highly self-motivated possess strong experimental skills have excellent written and oral communication abilities collaborate effectively on multidisciplinary teams and across geographies and be able to demonstrate flexibility in adapting to change in a fast-paced dynamic research addition the candidate will be expected to remain current with the latest synthetic methodologies drive innovation apply new concepts to continuously improve group capabilities and be active in the external scientific community via publications and external presentations.


We are particularly interested in candidates who are intellectually curious highly collaborative scientifically ambitious and motivated to develop new synthetic strategies that can impact drug discovery. The ideal candidate will bring strong technical expertise in synthetic chemistry along with creativity independence and a commitment to scientific communication and collaboration.

Education Requirement:

  • Must currently hold a Ph.D. OR
  • Receive a Ph.D. no later than spring 2027
  • Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry (highly preferred) or a related field.

Required Experience and Skills:

  • Must have conducted outstanding research in their field of expertise that may be shared during the interview process.
  • Demonstrated creativity and innovation in problem solving.
  • Productivity and efficiency working in the lab.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills.
  • Excellent collaboration skills.
  • Established scientific reputation supported by publications and external presentations.

This fellowship offers a unique opportunity to develop enabling synthetic technologies that expand access to medicinally relevant chemical space while contributing to the next generation of sustainable catalytic methods.


We are a research-driven biopharmaceutical company.
Our mission is built on the simple premise that following the science leads to great medicines that make a significant impact to our world. We believe that a research-driven enterprise dedicated to world-class science can succeed by inventing medicine and vaccine innovations that make a difference for patients across the globe.


The salary range for this role is: $82000- $92000

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 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 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.

Required Skills:

Chemistry Data Analysis Experimental Methods Inorganic Chemistry Organic Chemistry Scientific Presentations Scientific Writing Self Motivation Synthetic Chemistry

Preferred Skills:

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:

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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 anothers thinking and approach problems collectively.

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

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

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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:

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

N/A

Job Posting End Date:

10/12/2026

*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:

IC


About Company

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Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey, USA is known as “Merck” in the United States, Canada & Puerto Rico. We are known as “MSD” in Europe, Middle East, Africa, Latin America & Asia Pacific. We are a global biopharmaceutical leader with a diverse portfolio of prescription medicine ... View more

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