Job Description
Job Description
The Screening & Compound Profiling group within the Quantitative Biosciences Department is seeking a Principal Scientist with deep expertise in applied quantitative pharmacology and/or biochemistry to join our Research Laboratories in Rahway, NJ. This role will provide senior-level expertise at the interface of in vitro pharmacology and quantitative modeling. The successful candidate will serve as a scientific resource across the broader research organization, contributing rigorous pharmacological analysis across programs and delivering mechanistic insight to drug discovery decisions spanning target classes, modalities, and therapeutic areas. The primary responsibilities of this role will be to develop, apply, and communicate quantitative data models that elucidate molecular mechanisms of action, support translational profiling of compound activities, and guide molecular optimization. The ideal candidate will combine authoritative command of foundational concepts in drug action rooted in biochemistry, enzymology, transporter/channel biology, or a related discipline with strong mathematical fluency and the ability to address complex pharmacological challenges in a collaborative, cross-functional environment. This individual will materially strengthen local lead-finding capabilities while partnering with teams across the research network to advance our discovery pipeline.
Responsibilities
Provide quantitative analysis and consultation to drug discovery project teams across the network, either as an embedded team member or as an advisory resource
Develop and apply mechanistic and empirical models to characterize compound activity and inform structure-activity relationships
Translate pharmacological data into actionable recommendations for medicinal chemistry, biology, and translational colleagues
Mentor junior scientists in analytical methods, modeling approaches, and effective data communication
Represent Screening & Compound Profiling in cross-functional and cross-site settings, contributing pharmacological perspective to broader strategic discussions
Foster a collaborative, inclusive team environment that supports scientific rigor and professional growth
Education Requirement
Ph.D. in pharmacology, biochemistry, biophysics, or a closely related discipline with 10 years of relevant experience.
Required Experience and Skills:
Extensive drug discovery experience, preferably in an industry setting, with demonstrated impact across multiple programs and/or therapeutic areas
Deep expertise in quantitative pharmacological frameworks including dose-response analysis, enzyme kinetics, receptor binding theory, and mechanistic modeling of drug action
Strong mathematical foundation in calculus, ordinary differential equations, and applied statistics as used in pharmacological modeling and quantitative data analysis
Exceptional communication skills — able to construct clear, data-driven narratives and calibrate delivery to diverse audiences without sacrificing scientific rigor
Established scientific reputation evidenced by publications, presentations, or recognized contributions to the field
Preferred Experience and Skills:
Proficiency in scientific computing (Python and/or R) for model fitting, simulation, and development of analytical tools
Familiarity with contemporary hit-finding and screening approaches including affinity-oriented techniques (DNA-encoded libraries, mRNA display), high-throughput screening (binding and cellular functional assays, biochemical functional readouts), and assay development, miniaturization, optimization, and validation for screening
Familiarity with molecular and cell biology, physiology, and contemporary experimental approaches to evaluate experimental perturbation of biological processes including high-content imaging, transcriptomics (RNA-seq, DRUG-seq), proteomics, and mass spectrometry, with sufficient quantitative literacy to interpret and contextualize results
Required Skills:
Adaptability, Biochemical Assays, Cell-Based Assays, Communication, Compound Screening, Data Analysis, Detail-Oriented, Enzymology, Ethical Compliance, In Vitro Pharmacology, Leading Project Teams, Mathematics, Mathematics Modeling, Mechanism of Action, Mentor Coaching, Molecular Profiling, Numerical Modeling, Persuasion, Professional Networking, Quantitative Reasoning, Simulation Models, Statistics, Systems BiologyPreferred Skills:
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The salary range for this role is
$173,200.00 - $272,600.00This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s 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 https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.
You can apply for this role through https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (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
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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:
Domestic/InternationalVISA Sponsorship:
YesTravel Requirements:
No Travel RequiredFlexible Work Arrangements:
Not ApplicableShift:
Not IndicatedValid Driving License:
NoHazardous Material(s):
N/AJob Posting End Date:
07/6/2026*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.