Senior Scientist, Protein Engineering

Job Description

The Protein Engineering group in Rahway, New Jersey is seeking a Senior Scientist to expand our capabilities to design and engineer proteins with novel functions. The mission of the group is to engineer enzymes for use as biocatalysts to synthesize APIs and to engineer proteins, peptides, and/or nucleic acids as therapeutics and vaccines. We view protein engineering as a key enabling technology in modern drug discovery and development. We leverage computational modeling, advanced automation, and high-throughput screening to engineer novel proteins. We are committed to developing new methodologies and technologies that enhance protein engineering and improve human health. The group collaborates broadly within our Company, with academic leaders, and with industry partners to expand and accelerate the impact of protein engineering on human health.

In this role, the incumbent will contribute directly to the invention of novel proteins by guiding gene acquisition, designing and building high-quality DNA libraries, expressing large protein libraries, developing assays, and/or characterizing libraries using high-throughput screens and selections. As part of project teams, they will collaborate across groups to develop novel solutions that solve complex problems. As a project leader, they will guide engineering teams to develop engineering strategies, choose which engineered proteins to select as leads, and deliver biocatalysts and/or biotherapeutics with improved functions and properties. They will give scientific presentations internally and externally, contribute to the overall strategy and direction of the group, and develop novel protein engineering technologies. The successful candidate will join a diverse group of innovative scientists that are driving the next revolution in bioengineering.

Minimum Requirements:

• PhD, Postdoctoral in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Synthetic Biology or a related field, as evidenced by published field-impacting research in which the applicant participated in the conception, execution, analysis, and drafting of the research.
• Broad experience and knowledge in synthetic biology, biological engineering, protein design, and/or directed evolution.
• Significant expertise in one of the following: molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, computational protein design, or metabolic engineering.
• Demonstrated ability to work within a collaborative multi-disciplinary team environment.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Experience engineering one of the following: novel biocatalysts, biosynthetic pathways, amino acid/peptide modifying enzymes, protein assemblies, and/or de novo proteins.
• Experience with multiple strategies to create genetic diversity, multiple host organisms and/or cell free expression systems, and/or multiple high-throughput screening/selection methods.
• Familiarity with one or more of the following areas are highly desired: next-generation sequencing, computational protein design, machine learning, microfluidics, and/or automation.
• Experience with reproducible data analysis, for example using Python or R.

We are a research-driven biopharmaceutical company. Our mission is built on the simple premise that if we "follow the science" that great medicines can make a significant impact to our world. We believe that a research-driven enterprise dedicated to world-class science can succeed by inventing medicine and vaccine innovations that make a difference for patients across the globe.

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.

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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.

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U.S. Hybrid Work Model

Effective September 5,2023 our U.S. Hybrid work model will be as follows: 1. Three total days on site per week: Tuesday and Wednesday - plus one additional day of choice based on what works best for organizations and/or teams. 2. Fridays will formally be a remote-working day unless business critical tasks require onsite presence.

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:
$107,600.00 - $169,400.00

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.

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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:
Regular

Relocation:
Domestic/International

VISA Sponsorship:
Yes

Travel Requirements:
10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:
On-Site

Shift:
1st - Day

Valid Driving License:
No

Hazardous Material(s):
N/A

Requisition ID:R252794