Job Description
Be a part of the legacy: Postdoctoral Research Fellow Program
Our Research Laboratories’ Postdoctoral Research Fellow Program aims to be a best-in-industry program for industrial postdoctoral researchers, designed to provide you with an academic focus in a commercial environment. With the resources, reach, and expertise of a large pharmaceutical company, postdoctoral researchers will be positioned to excel in an institution committed to breakthrough innovation in research and discovery.
Position Overview:
We are seeking a highly motivated our Research & Development Division Postdoctoral Research Fellow with expertise across biochemistry, chemical biology, and biophysics with a strong interest in high-throughput experimentation to join our Data Rich Experimentation (DRE) team within the Process Research & Development Enabling Technologies (PR&D ET) organization
Our DRE organization is responsible for the invention and application of new data-rich and digital tools to support the scientists across the Process Research & Development (PR&D) organization at our company. We aspire to embed data-intensive technologies into the fabric of our company's process development culture. Further, we are tasked with helping solve complex process development challenges in an interdisciplinary, collaborative environment via invention, development, and application of cutting-edge tools. Our current areas of interest include high-throughput experimentation, bench-top automation, process modeling and simulation, kinetics and mechanism elucidation, process analytical technologies (PAT), machine learning and data science, digital tools, catalyst and ligand screening, and other process enabling technologies. Ultimately, using data-rich and digitally-fluent methodologies, we aim to elucidate a deeper understanding of our processes across small molecules, biologics, and vaccines.
For this specific role as an our Research & Development Division Postdoctoral Research Fellow within Chemical Biology for DRE, the successful candidate will leverage state-of-the-art bioconjugation technologies and coupled enzyme assay methodologies to develop novel high-throughput approaches for monitoring RNA dynamics and secondary structure. The deployment of these tools will enable predictive model development for exploring RNA structure-function relationships. The successful candidate will work in close collaboration with scientists across our company to develop and apply these technologies and is expected to share their findings in high-impact, peer-reviewed publications and external presentations.
Responsibilities:
Identify fluorescence reporter systems to enable multiplexed RNA dynamic and secondary structure characterization assays.
Develop and advance experimental approaches to efficiently generate bioconjugates in a site-specific and robust manner.
Develop and execute high-throughput assays to build informer data sets for RNA dynamics and secondary structure predictive software.
Apply state-of-the-art chemistry techniques, including high-throughput experimentation (HTE) and data-rich experimentation (DRE), to solve problems, gain mechanistic insight, and drive synthetic innovations.
Network with colleagues across our company and collaborate with adjacent functional areas (e.g., analytical, modeling and informatics).
Comply with company data retention and lab safety procedures and complete required training.
Author, contribute to, and review external publications and presentations.
Contribute to and participate in internal and external scientific symposiums, seminars, and conferences.
Education Minimum Requirement:
Candidates must currently hold a Ph.D. or receive a Ph.D. (no later than Spring 2026) in biochemistry, biophysics, organic chemistry, chemical or biological engineering, or a closely-related discipline.
Required Experience and Skills:
Experience with UPLC-MS and fluorescence spectroscopy
Expertise in organic synthesis, biochemistry, and molecular biology techniques.
Proven ability to complete research projects, as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications and presentations.
Highly motivated with a clear attention to detail, including strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
Ability to independently design experiments, interpret data, and incorporate data into new designs leading to successful experimental outcomes.
Exceptional communication and collaboration skills to effectively share their research and collaborate in cross-functional, multidisciplinary teams.
Preferred Experience and Skills:
Experience working with RNA and cell-free systems.
Experience using python, R, or similar for high-throughput data analysis, modeling, and/or data mining.
Experience designing protein binding and activity assays, including utilization of associated instrumentation.
PRD
postdoctoralopportunities
Under New York City, 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:
$75,000.00-$86,000.00
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.
Required Skills:
Accountability, Accountability, Adaptability, Analytical Chemistry, Bioanalysis, Bioconjugation, Biophysics, Cell Culture Techniques, Chemical Biology, Computational Biology, Data Analysis, Data Mining, Immunizations, Immunoassays, Immunotherapy, In Vivo Mouse Models, Mathematical Biology, Molecular Biology, Molecular Biophysics, Molecular Microbiology, Organic Chemistry, Organic Synthesis, Parasitology, Programming Languages, Project Reviews {+ 4 more}Preferred Skills:
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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, Monday - 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”.
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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:
RegularRelocation:
DomesticVISA Sponsorship:
YesTravel Requirements:
10%Flexible Work Arrangements:
Not ApplicableShift:
Not IndicatedValid Driving License:
NoHazardous Material(s):
n/aJob Posting End Date:
11/25/2025*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.