Principal Scientist, Discovery Process Chemistry (DPC)

Merck • Boston, MA

1d • $176,200 - $277,300 • Onsite

About The Position

The Principal Scientist will lead a team of scientists in Merck’s Discovery Process Chemistry group at its Boston, Massachusetts site. The group develops innovative solutions to complex chemistry problems across a diverse portfolio of discovery projects and modalities, from lead identification through candidate selection. Its work supports medicinal chemistry research by overcoming synthetic bottlenecks, streamlining synthesis of structure–activity relationship (SAR) analogues, and enabling access to novel chemical space.

The role defines scalable synthetic routes, transitions candidate compounds from discovery into early development, and manages active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) supply at varying scales. It requires close collaboration with Medicinal Chemistry, Process Chemistry, and other discovery and preclinical research groups, along with subject matter expertise in Medicinal or Process Chemistry.

The successful candidate will supervise direct scientific reports and provide mentorship and expertise across the DPC group. They will stay current with synthetic methodologies, drive innovation, apply new concepts to improve PR&D capabilities, and contribute to the external scientific community through publications and presentations. The role calls for strong scientific leadership, experimental ability, communication, collaboration, and adaptability in a fast-paced research environment.

Requirements

• PhD in Organic Chemistry.
• At least 5 years of experience with a proven record of scientific excellence and successful research.
• Expertise in organic synthesis.
• Demonstrated creativity and innovation in problem solving.
• Productivity and efficiency working in the laboratory.
• Successful research track record in medicinal and/or process chemistry.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent collaboration skills.
• Ability to contribute to and lead cross-functional teams and influence team strategy and decision-making.
• Established scientific reputation supported by publications and external presentations.
• Demonstrated ability to develop talent.
• Required skills listed: Bioconjugation, Clinical Chemistry, Computational Chemistry, High-Throughput Experimentation (HTE), Inorganic Synthesis, Medicinal Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Organic Synthesis, Organometallic Chemistry, Preclinical Research, Process Chemistry, Scientific Publishing, Structure Based Drug Design, and Synthetic Chemistry.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of scientists developing solutions to complex chemistry problems across discovery projects and modalities.
• Overcome synthetic bottlenecks, streamline SAR analogue synthesis, and provide access to novel chemical space to support medicinal chemistry research.
• Define scalable synthetic routes and transition candidate compounds from discovery into early development.
• Manage supply of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) at varying scales during the discovery-to-development period.
• Collaborate with colleagues in Medicinal Chemistry and Process Chemistry and with other discovery and preclinical research groups.
• Supervise direct scientific reports and provide broader mentorship and expertise across the DPC group.
• Remain current with synthetic methodologies, drive innovation, and apply new concepts to improve PR&D capabilities and expertise.
• Contribute to the external scientific community through publications and external presentations.
• Contribute to and lead cross-functional teams and influence team strategy and decision-making.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision healthcare, and other insurance benefits for employees and family.
• Retirement benefits, including 401(k).
• Paid holidays, vacation, compassionate days, and sick days.
• Annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.
• Domestic relocation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree