Distinguished Scientist, Chemistry

Merck•Boston, MA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Throughout the drug discovery lifecycle, sustained investment in innovative chemistry can inspire design and enable the synthesis of the best molecules. In this context, the Discovery Process Chemistry (DPC) group works in partnership with Discovery teams to advance programs into uncharted chemical space and subsequently transition lead compounds into development. We are seeking a highly motivated senior level scientist to function as the scientific lead for Discovery Process Chemistry, spanning all chemistry sites in the network. The successful candidate will drive impact across the portfolio through scientific excellence and innovation as a strategic leader, team mentor and collaborator. This role will be part of the Discovery Process Chemistry leadership team and contribute to key scientific, strategic, and business decisions facing the function. The Distinguished Scientist reports to the Executive Director, Head of Discovery Process Chemistry (DPC), Small Molecule Process Research & Development (SM PR&D) in our Research and Development (R&D) Division. The incumbent will effectively partner with key stakeholders to positively affect chemistry culture and tactics across the network to deliver key pipeline impacts. They identify, advocate, and in many cases lead strategic chemistry investments to impact the discovery portfolio. The successful candidate will establish close connectivity with DPC teams, as well as crucial partners in discovery and development to bridge knowledge gaps and identify opportunities. A connection to our digital priorities will be crucial to enable adoption of new ways of working and influence future investments. They will work closely with teams to align the intent and desired output of DPC-led or partnered technical and governance reviews, and mentor project leaders and core team representatives to ensure a high bar for functional performance and program impact. The incumbent will be expected to have cross-functional team leadership and act as a driver or contributor to strategic initiatives across functions. As a subject matter expert in drug discovery and development the individual will play a substantive role in technical and strategic governance as well as be active in due diligence for early-stage assets. As a mentor, role model, and advisor to scientists within and across the function the incumbent will contribute to a culture of scientific and operational excellence. They will set the standard for DPC external influence and visibility as a brand-ambassador for the function, with the expectation to attract, establish, and contribute to strategic external partnerships that enhance chemistry capabilities.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Chemistry or a related biopharmaceutical science is required.
10+ years' experience in drug discovery and/or early drug development
Demonstrated ability in 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 in selection and prioritization of a portfolio of projects
Must be internationally recognized in the pharmaceutical development area with a strong track record of peer-reviewed publications and external research presentations

Nice To Haves

Cross-Functional Collaboration
Leading by Influence
Process Development (PD)
Small Molecules

Responsibilities

Function as the scientific lead for Discovery Process Chemistry, spanning all chemistry sites in the network.
Drive impact across the portfolio through scientific excellence and innovation as a strategic leader, team mentor and collaborator.
Contribute to key scientific, strategic, and business decisions facing the function.
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 close connectivity with DPC teams, as well as crucial partners in discovery and development to bridge knowledge gaps and identify opportunities.
Enable adoption of new ways of working and influence future investments.
Work closely with teams to align the intent and desired output of DPC-led or partnered technical and governance reviews.
Mentor project leaders and core team representatives to ensure a high bar for functional performance and program impact.
Cross-functional team leadership and act as a driver or contributor to strategic initiatives across functions.
Play a substantive role in technical and strategic governance as well as be active in due diligence for early-stage assets.
Contribute to a culture of scientific and operational excellence.
Set the standard for DPC external influence and visibility as a brand-ambassador for the function.
Attract, establish, and contribute to strategic external partnerships that enhance chemistry capabilities.