Distinguished Scientist, Chemistry
Merck
5 hours ago
Remote friendly (Rahway, NJ)
United States
Clinical Research and Development
Key Responsibilities
- Partner with key stakeholders to positively affect chemistry culture and tactics across the network to deliver key pipeline impacts.
- Identify, advocate, and lead strategic chemistry investments to impact the discovery portfolio.
- Establish close connectivity with DPC teams and crucial discovery/development partners to bridge knowledge gaps and identify opportunities.
- Align intent and desired output of DPC-led or partnered technical and governance reviews.
- Mentor project leaders and core team representatives to ensure high bar functional performance and program impact.
- Provide cross-functional team leadership and act as a driver or contributor to strategic initiatives across functions.
- Serve as a subject matter expert in drug discovery and development; contribute to technical and strategic governance and participate in due diligence for early-stage assets.
- Contribute to a culture of scientific and operational excellence as a mentor, role model, and advisor.
- Serve as a brand-ambassador for DPC with external visibility; attract, establish, and contribute to strategic external partnerships that enhance chemistry capabilities.
Education
- Ph.D. in Chemistry or a related biopharmaceutical science (required).
Required Skills and Experience
- 10+ years’ experience in drug discovery and/or early drug development.
- Demonstrated ability in leading cross-functional groups.
- Track record and commitment to employee development/retention.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills.
- Subject matter expertise in Discovery Process Chemistry with experience on Early Development Teams.
- Strength in driving results on firm deadlines.
- Demonstrated ability in selection and prioritization of a portfolio of projects.
- International recognition in pharmaceutical development with strong track record of peer-reviewed publications and external research presentations.
Required/Relevant Skills (as listed)
- Drug Discovery Process; Process Chemistry; Computational Chemistry; Inorganic Chemistry; Pharmaceutical Biology; Pharmaceutical Development; Biopharmaceuticals/Biopharmaceutics; Mentoring Staff; Prioritization; Innovation; Interpersonal Relationships; Investments; Professional Networking.
Preferred Skills
- Cross-functional collaboration; leading by influence; Process Development (PD); small molecules.
Location and Travel
- Based at Rahway, NJ; West Point, PA; Boston, MA; or South San Francisco, CA.
- Travel across chemistry network sites and for conferences/meetings/congresses: ~10–20%.
Benefits
- Eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive (if applicable).
- Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, retirement (401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate/sick days.
Application Instructions
- Apply via https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or via Workday Jobs Hub for current employees). Apply by the posted application deadline (job posting end date: 05/1/2026).
- Requisition ID: R394791
- Partner with key stakeholders to positively affect chemistry culture and tactics across the network to deliver key pipeline impacts.
- Identify, advocate, and lead strategic chemistry investments to impact the discovery portfolio.
- Establish close connectivity with DPC teams and crucial discovery/development partners to bridge knowledge gaps and identify opportunities.
- Align intent and desired output of DPC-led or partnered technical and governance reviews.
- Mentor project leaders and core team representatives to ensure high bar functional performance and program impact.
- Provide cross-functional team leadership and act as a driver or contributor to strategic initiatives across functions.
- Serve as a subject matter expert in drug discovery and development; contribute to technical and strategic governance and participate in due diligence for early-stage assets.
- Contribute to a culture of scientific and operational excellence as a mentor, role model, and advisor.
- Serve as a brand-ambassador for DPC with external visibility; attract, establish, and contribute to strategic external partnerships that enhance chemistry capabilities.
Education
- Ph.D. in Chemistry or a related biopharmaceutical science (required).
Required Skills and Experience
- 10+ years’ experience in drug discovery and/or early drug development.
- Demonstrated ability in leading cross-functional groups.
- Track record and commitment to employee development/retention.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills.
- Subject matter expertise in Discovery Process Chemistry with experience on Early Development Teams.
- Strength in driving results on firm deadlines.
- Demonstrated ability in selection and prioritization of a portfolio of projects.
- International recognition in pharmaceutical development with strong track record of peer-reviewed publications and external research presentations.
Required/Relevant Skills (as listed)
- Drug Discovery Process; Process Chemistry; Computational Chemistry; Inorganic Chemistry; Pharmaceutical Biology; Pharmaceutical Development; Biopharmaceuticals/Biopharmaceutics; Mentoring Staff; Prioritization; Innovation; Interpersonal Relationships; Investments; Professional Networking.
Preferred Skills
- Cross-functional collaboration; leading by influence; Process Development (PD); small molecules.
Location and Travel
- Based at Rahway, NJ; West Point, PA; Boston, MA; or South San Francisco, CA.
- Travel across chemistry network sites and for conferences/meetings/congresses: ~10–20%.
Benefits
- Eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive (if applicable).
- Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, retirement (401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate/sick days.
Application Instructions
- Apply via https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or via Workday Jobs Hub for current employees). Apply by the posted application deadline (job posting end date: 05/1/2026).
- Requisition ID: R394791