Senior Scientist Biology-Discovery

MSD•Rahway, NJ

20h

About The Position

The Senior Scientist will join the Affinity Selections team within Quantitative Biosciences Early Discovery (QBED) in Rahway, New Jersey, with a primary focus on mRNA Display technologies. The role contributes to executing, optimizing, and advancing affinity-selection platforms and supports discovery efforts against challenging therapeutic targets. The scientist will work with colleagues in biology, protein sciences, chemistry, biophysics, automation, and computational sciences, using experimental and NGS data to inform hit identification and scientific decisions. The team also studies why experiments succeed or fail and uses findings to improve technologies, workflows, and scientific approaches. The successful candidate will bring strong experimental skills, scientific curiosity, and the ability to integrate information from multiple sources. Hands-on mRNA Display experience is strongly preferred; candidates with experience in related genotype-to-phenotype discovery technologies are encouraged to apply. The role also involves contributing to new technology development, maintaining technical documentation, presenting findings, and supporting team learning and continuous improvement. The position is a regular employee role. The primary location is Rahway, New Jersey. Relocation is domestic; visa sponsorship is not available, and travel is not required. Flexible work arrangements are not applicable, and the shift is not indicated. Compensation for the primary location is $117,000 to $184,200, with eligibility for an annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, and other insurance benefits for employees and family, retirement benefits including a 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days.

Requirements

PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biophysics, Chemical Biology, Structural Biology, or a related scientific discipline; alternatively, an MS with 4 or more years of relevant research or industry experience in affinity-selection or genotype-to-phenotype discovery technologies.
Strong understanding of molecular biology, protein biochemistry, affinity-based screening, and NGS-based analysis.
Demonstrated ability to design, execute, optimize, and troubleshoot complex experimental workflows.
Demonstrated ability to analyze and integrate data from multiple experimental approaches to guide scientific decision-making.
Strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work collaboratively across disciplines and contribute effectively to team-based science.

Nice To Haves

Hands-on experience with mRNA Display is strongly preferred.
Experience with genotype-to-phenotype discovery technologies and use of NGS data to identify and prioritize hits.
Experience with phage display, yeast display, ribosome display, CIS display, DNA display, or related technologies.
Experience in a pharmaceutical or biotechnology research environment.
Experience developing new technologies and improving scientific workflows.
Experience writing SOPs, protocols, and technical documentation.

Responsibilities

Design, execute, troubleshoot, and optimize mRNA Display affinity-selection campaigns.
Analyze experimental and NGS data to support hit identification and project progression.
Develop and improve selection strategies, workflows, and platform performance.
Contribute to the development and implementation of new technologies and scientific approaches.
Draft, maintain, and update SOPs, protocols, and technical documentation.
Present scientific findings and recommendations to project teams and stakeholders.
Collaborate effectively with scientists across multiple disciplines.
Contribute to knowledge sharing, training, and continuous improvement efforts.