Distinguished Scientist, Chemistry
Merck
5 hours ago
Remote friendly (West Point, PA)
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 in many cases lead strategic chemistry investments to impact the discovery portfolio.
- Establish connectivity with DPC teams and crucial partners in discovery and development to bridge knowledge gaps and identify opportunities; support adoption of digital priorities and future investments.
- Align the intent and desired output of DPC-led or partnered technical and governance reviews; mentor project leaders and core team representatives to ensure high bar for functional performance and program impact.
- Provide cross-functional team leadership; act as driver or contributor to strategic initiatives across functions.
- Serve as a subject matter expert in drug discovery and development; participate in technical and strategic governance and support due diligence for early-stage assets.
- Mentor/advise scientists and contribute to scientific and operational excellence; serve as a brand ambassador for DPC to attract and develop 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 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 selecting and prioritizing a portfolio of projects.
- International recognition in pharmaceutical development with strong track record of peer-reviewed publications and external research presentations.
Preferred Skills
- Cross-functional collaboration.
- Leading by influence.
- Process Development (PD).
- Small molecules.
Location / Travel
- Based at Rahway, NJ; West Point, PA; Boston, MA; or South San Francisco, CA sites.
- Travel across chemistry network sites plus business travel; ~10–20% time commitment.
Benefits (if applicable)
- Eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.
- Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, retirement (401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days.
Application Instructions
- Apply via https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or Workday Jobs Hub for current employees). Apply by the deadline stated on the posting (job posting end date: 05/1/2026).
- Partner with key stakeholders to positively affect chemistry culture and tactics across the network to deliver key pipeline impacts.
- Identify, advocate, and in many cases lead strategic chemistry investments to impact the discovery portfolio.
- Establish connectivity with DPC teams and crucial partners in discovery and development to bridge knowledge gaps and identify opportunities; support adoption of digital priorities and future investments.
- Align the intent and desired output of DPC-led or partnered technical and governance reviews; mentor project leaders and core team representatives to ensure high bar for functional performance and program impact.
- Provide cross-functional team leadership; act as driver or contributor to strategic initiatives across functions.
- Serve as a subject matter expert in drug discovery and development; participate in technical and strategic governance and support due diligence for early-stage assets.
- Mentor/advise scientists and contribute to scientific and operational excellence; serve as a brand ambassador for DPC to attract and develop 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 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 selecting and prioritizing a portfolio of projects.
- International recognition in pharmaceutical development with strong track record of peer-reviewed publications and external research presentations.
Preferred Skills
- Cross-functional collaboration.
- Leading by influence.
- Process Development (PD).
- Small molecules.
Location / Travel
- Based at Rahway, NJ; West Point, PA; Boston, MA; or South San Francisco, CA sites.
- Travel across chemistry network sites plus business travel; ~10–20% time commitment.
Benefits (if applicable)
- Eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.
- Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, retirement (401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days.
Application Instructions
- Apply via https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or Workday Jobs Hub for current employees). Apply by the deadline stated on the posting (job posting end date: 05/1/2026).