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Principal Scientist, Early Development Chemistry, Small Molecule Process Research and Development
Principal Scientist, Early Development Chemistry, Small Molecule Process Research and Development-January 2024
Austin
Jan 30, 2026
ABOUT MERCK
Merck enables a safe, sustainable and healthy future for people and communities everywhere...
10,000+employees
Healthcare
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About Principal Scientist, Early Development Chemistry, Small Molecule Process Research and Development

  Job Description

  Our Research Scientists are our Inventors. We identify and target steps in disease mechanisms or pathways that could be inhibited or enhanced. Our goal is to isolate a compound that is effective against a disease target. Using innovative thinking, state-of-the-art facilities and robust scientific methodology we collaborate to discover the next medical breakthrough.

  Reports into the Early Development Chemistry Lead within the External Capabilities group of Small Molecule (SM) Process in our Research & Development Division. Responsible for the work of teams of scientists at our external partners, the role provides daily scientific oversight and real-time problem-solving in the areas of synthetic route design, scouting, optimization and development, and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) deliveries in support of our Company’s small molecule pipeline.

  Primary Responsibilities:

  Collaborates effectively with Process Chemistry, Discovery Process Chemistry, Enabling Technologies, Chemical Engineering Research & Development (R&D), Analytical R&D, Quality, and other of our Company's partner groups to provide innovative and practical solutions to synthetic chemistry and development problems and ensure successful API deliveries under tight timelines.

  Must have deep subject matter expertise in synthetic chemistry and broad experience in general drug development.

  As a scientific leader in SM Process R&D, the incumbent is expected to build a broad network internally, influence a broad portfolio of programs both technically and strategically, and mentor young scientists within SM Process R&D.

  Builds and maintains a strong working relationship with both the management and scientists at our strategic external partners.

  Promotes a culture of scientific excellence, trust, collaboration, quality, safety, and compliance that extends beyond our Company's team and into partner organizations.

  Refined communication, negotiation, influencing and relationship management skills are essential for establishing partnerships in diverse geographies and cultures.

  Education Minimum Requirements:

  Ph.D. in Synthetic Chemistry.Required Experience and Skills:

  6+ years of pharmaceutical industry experience in synthetic chemistry and demonstrated ability in leading and inspiring dynamic teams.

  Must have a strong track record of delivering results via innovation and fearless problem-solving.

  Excellent interpersonal, communication, negotiating, influencing, and collaboration skills.

  Must be recognized in the pharmaceutical industry through publications/presentations for subject matter expertise.

  Fluency in Mandarin.

  Travel: Yes, 25% of the Time.

  NOTICE FOR INTERNAL APPLICANTS

  In accordance with Managers' Policy - Job Posting and Employee Placement, all employees subject to this policy are required to have a minimum of twelve (12) months of service in current position prior to applying for open positions.

  If you have been offered a separation benefits package, but have not yet reached your separation date and are offered a position within the salary and geographical parameters as set forth in the Summary Plan Description (SPD) of your separation package, then you are no longer eligible for your separation benefits package. To discuss in more detail, please contact your HRBP or Talent Acquisition Advisor.

  Residents of Colorado

  Click here (https://survey.sogosurvey.com/Survey1.aspx?k=SsQYWYYQsQRsPsPsP&lang=0) to request this role’s pay range.

  Employees working in roles that the Company determines require routine collaboration with external stakeholders, such as customer-facing commercial, or research-based roles, will be expected to comply not only with Company policy but also with policies established by such external stakeholders (for example, a requirement to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to access a facility or meet with stakeholders). Please understand that, as permitted by applicable law, if you have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 and an essential function of your job is to call on external stakeholders who require vaccination to enter their premises or engage in face-to-face meetings, then your employment may pose an undue burden to business operations, in which case you may not be offered employment, or your employment could be terminated. Please also note that, where permitted by applicable law, the Company reserves the right to require COVID-19 vaccinations for positions, such as in Global Employee Health, where the Company determines in its discretion that the nature of the role presents an increased risk of disease transmission.

  Current Employees apply HERE (https://wd5.myworkday.com/msd/d/inst/1422$1533/rel-task/3001$14.htmld)

  Current Contingent Workers apply HERE (https://wd5.myworkday.com/msd/d/task/1422$4020.htmld)

  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 (https://survey.sogosurvey.com/r/aCdfqL) if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

  We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:

  EEOC Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights_10_20.pdf)

  EEOC GINA Supplement​

  Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination (https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/OFCCP/pdf/pay-transp_%20English_formattedESQA508c.pdf)

  We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing diverse, talented, and committed people together. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when diverse ideas come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.

  Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts (https://www.msdprivacy.com/us/en/CCPA-notice/)

  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, generally Tuesday, Wednesday and either Monday or 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 presence. This 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”.

  Under New York State, Colorado State, Washington State, and California State law, the Company is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this job. Final determinations with respect to salary will take into account a number of factors, which may include, but not be limited to the primary work location and the chosen candidate’s relevant skills, experience, and education.

  Expected salary range:

  $149,400.00 - $235,100.00

  Available benefits include bonus eligibility, health care and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, paid holidays, vacation, and sick days. For Washington State Jobs, a summary of benefits is listed here (https://www.benefitsatmerck.com/) .

  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:

  Regular

  Relocation:

  Domestic

  VISA Sponsorship:

  No

  Travel Requirements:

  10%

  Flexible Work Arrangements:

  Flex Time, Remote Work

  Shift:

  Not Indicated

  Valid Driving License:

  Hazardous Material(s):

  Requisition ID: R277502

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