Senior Scientist, Biocatalysis

MSD • Rahway, NJ

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Biocatalysis group within the Small Molecule Process Research & Development Department in Rahway, New Jersey is seeking a Senior Scientist to expand our capabilities to design and deliver world-class biocatalytic solutions that enable the development of medicines. Our group applies and advances biocatalysis and associated core technologies to invent, develop, and implement sustainable synthetic routes across the small molecule pipeline. Our interdisciplinary team integrates biosynthetic logic, mechanistic investigation, data-rich experimentation, molecular biology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, and advanced automation to drive innovation in drug discovery and development. By collaborating across process chemistry, chemical engineering, and analytical chemistry, we are transforming how molecules are made through innovative biocatalytic processes. The ideal candidate has deep expertise in biocatalysis or enzyme engineering, or a related discipline with a demonstrated ability to translate scientific innovations into practical solutions. The group collaborates broadly within our Company, with academic leaders, and with industry partners to expand and accelerate the impact of biocatalysis on human health.

Requirements

• Demonstrated scientific accomplishments in biocatalysis, enzyme engineering, or a related field as evidenced by field-impacting research publications.
• Deep expertise in biocatalysis, enzyme engineering, or a related field, with demonstrated ability to solve complex chemical or biochemical problems.
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex scientific problems in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Analytical Chemistry
• Analytical Method Development
• Biocatalysis
• Biodesign
• Chromatography
• Conducting Experiments
• Drug Development

Nice To Haves

• Experience in developing biocatalytic or chemoenzymatic syntheses.
• Experience with multiple strategies to identify and engineer enzymes for biocatalytic use.
• Experience engineering novel biocatalysts, biosynthetic pathways, or de novo proteins.
• Familiarity with directed evolution, next-generation sequencing, computational protein design, machine learning, microfluidics, analytical chemistry, chemical engineering, or laboratory automation.
• Experience with reproducible data analysis, for example, using Python or R.

Responsibilities

• Contribute directly to the invention, development, and implementation of novel enzymes, biocatalytic reactions, and synthetic processes to support drug discovery, clinical supply, and commercial manufacturing.
• Develop novel biocatalytic processes that enable efficient and scalable routes for drug development as part of multidisciplinary project teams.
• Independently design and execute experiments, define novel approaches to challenging scientific problems, and work in teams to advance the application of biocatalysis for the benefit of the pipeline.
• Give scientific presentations internally and externally, contribute to publications and patents, contribute to defining the scientific strategy on programs, and develop new approaches that accelerate research and development while advancing the fields of enzyme engineering and biocatalysis.

Benefits

• medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family)
• retirement benefits, including 401(k)
• paid holidays
• vacation
• compassionate and sick days
• annual bonus
• long-term incentive

What This Job Offers

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