Principal Scientist, Biocatalysis
Job Location:
Rahway, NJ - USA
Yearly Salary:
Posted:
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
Job Summary
Job Description
The Biocatalysis group within the Small Molecule Process Research & Development (SMPR&D) Department in Rahway New Jersey is seeking a Principal Scientist to expand and deepen our capabilities for data science data-rich experimentation and laboratory automation technologies to invent develop and implement valuable biocatalytic processes across the pipeline. Our group creates biocatalysts with novel functions that enable efficient and sustainable manufacturing processes for our Companys portfolio. Our interdisciplinary team integrates biosynthetic logic mechanistic investigation data-rich experimentation molecular biology biochemistry bioinformatics fermentation science and advanced automation to drive innovation in drug discovery and development. The group collaborates broadly within our Company with academic leaders and with industry partners to grow and accelerate the impact of biocatalysis and protein engineering on human health.
Job Responsibilities:
The Principal Scientist will provide scientific leadership influence strategy and collaborate with cross-functional teams of chemists biologists computer scientists and engineers across the organization including Process Chemistry Analytical Chemistry DSCS Digital Technologies and Information Technology. This role will focus both on developing enzymes and biocatalytic processes for small-molecule synthesis and implementing digital and laboratory automation technologies to accelerate enzyme engineering. Responsibilities include:
Apply expertise in data science automation process development and protein engineering to solve complex biocatalysis challenges.
Lead development and implementation of digital tools and workflows for data ingestion standardization QC visualization and analysis.
Integrate digital platforms and drive adoption of tools that connect experiments to scalable computational workflows and data-driven decisions.
Drive the development of AI/ML and LLM-based approaches for experimental design data mining and longitudinal analysis.
Lead the design and scaling of high-throughput automation for enzyme engineering including biochemical assay setup and screening and process development.
Partner with internal teams (DDT IT) to implement digital and automation solutions that accelerate biocatalyst discovery and engineering.
Provide technical leadership communicate results mentor scientists and evaluate emerging technologies.
Education Requirements:
Ph.D. M.S or B.S. degree in Biochemistry Bioengineering Biophysics Chemistry Chemical Engineering Molecular Biology Synthetic Biology or a related field with a minimum of 7 (Ph.D.) 10 (M.S.) or 12 (B.S.) years of relevant industry experience.
Required Experience and Skills:
Demonstrated experience in biocatalytic process development.
Demonstrated experience in enzyme engineering using directed evolution.
Experience using Benchling for scientific data capture and workflow support.
Experience with laboratory automation high-throughput experimentation and liquid-handling platforms such as Biomek Firefly Dragonfly and Mantis.
Proficiency in coding including Python and SQL.
Experience identifying and implementing digital and automation technologies that improve experimental workflows data capture and decision-making (data science).
Proven ability to lead and collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop scientific talent.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Strong organizational and project management skills.
Track record of peer-reviewed publications presentations or other scientific contributions.
Preferred Experience and Skills:
Familiarity with the integration ofautomation informatics and data infrastructurein a research or development environment.
Experience applyingmachine learningto protein engineering or enzyme design.
Experience withbiochemical biophysical and/or phenotypic characterizationof proteins.
Familiarity with thedrug development process particularly theCMC (Chemistry Manufacturing and Controls)function.
Experience working in amatrixed organizationand partnering effectively across scientific and technical functions.
Required Skills:
Biochemistry Bioconjugation Biological Engineering Biomolecular Chemistry Computational Chemistry Computational Methods Data Analysis Drug Development Enzymatic Activity Assays Enzyme Kinetics Enzymology High-Throughput Experimentation (HTE) Organic Synthesis Protein Characterization Protein Chemistry Research Proposal Development Scientific Literature Search Small Molecules Structure Based Drug Design Synthetic ChemistryPreferred 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:
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
The salary range for this role is
$173200.00 - $272600.00This 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:
DomesticVISA Sponsorship:
NoTravel Requirements:
10%Flexible Work Arrangements:
Not ApplicableShift:
Not IndicatedValid Driving License:
NoHazardous Material(s):
n/aJob Posting End Date:
10/2/2026*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:
Staff IC
About Company
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
