Principal Scientist, Discovery Process Chemistry (DPC)

MSD • Boston, MA

1d • $176,200 - $277,300 • Onsite

About The Position

Merck is seeking an exceptional scientific leader for its Discovery Process Chemistry (DPC) group at its Boston, Massachusetts site. The role leads a team of scientists developing innovative solutions to complex chemistry problems across a diverse portfolio of discovery-stage projects and modalities, from lead identification through candidate selection. The work supports medicinal chemistry research by overcoming synthetic bottlenecks, streamlining SAR analogue synthesis, and enabling access to novel chemical space.

The position defines scalable synthetic routes, transitions candidate compounds from discovery into early development, and manages Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) supply at varying scales. It collaborates closely with Medicinal Chemistry and Process Chemistry colleagues and with other discovery and preclinical research groups; subject matter expertise in Medicinal or Process Chemistry is critical.

The successful candidate supervises direct scientific reports and provides broader mentorship and expertise across the DPC group. They are expected to stay current with synthetic methodologies, drive innovation, apply new concepts to continuously improve PR&D capabilities and expertise, and contribute to the external scientific community through publications and presentations. The role calls for strong leadership and experimental skills, effective communication and collaboration, and flexibility in a fast-paced, dynamic research environment.

Requirements

• PhD in Organic Chemistry.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience with a proven track record of scientific excellence and successful research.
• Expertise in organic synthesis.
• Demonstrated creativity and innovation in problem solving.
• Productivity and efficiency working in the lab.
• Proven track record of successful research 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.
• Strong leadership and experimental skills, and flexibility in adapting to change in a fast-paced, dynamic research environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of scientists developing solutions to complex chemistry problems across discovery-stage projects and modalities, from lead identification through candidate selection.
• Facilitate medicinal chemistry research by overcoming synthetic bottlenecks, streamlining SAR analogue synthesis, and providing access to novel chemical space.
• 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 transition period.
• Collaborate with Medicinal Chemistry, Process Chemistry, and other discovery and preclinical research groups.
• Supervise direct scientific reports and provide broader mentorship and expertise across the DPC group.
• Keep current with synthetic methodologies, drive innovation, and apply new concepts to continuously 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, and compassionate 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