Senior Scientist Biology-Discovery

MSD • Rahway, NJ

1d • $117,000 - $184,200 • Onsite

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 the execution, optimization, and advancement of affinity-selection platforms and supports discovery efforts against challenging therapeutic targets. The scientist will work collaboratively with colleagues in biology, protein sciences, chemistry, biophysics, automation, and computational sciences, integrating information from multiple sources to guide scientific decisions and improve discovery approaches.

The team develops and applies mRNA Display and DNA Encoded Library technologies to discover peptide and small-molecule leads. In addition to executing screens, the team evaluates why experiments succeed or fail, looks for patterns across campaigns, and continuously improves technologies and workflows. The successful candidate will contribute to discovery programs and platform capabilities, communicate findings to project teams and stakeholders, and support knowledge sharing and team development.

Candidates must have a PhD in a relevant scientific discipline, or an MS with at least four years of relevant research or industry experience in affinity-selection or genotype-to-phenotype discovery technologies. Hands-on mRNA Display experience is strongly preferred. The role is a regular position; the posting lists domestic relocation and no travel required. The salary range for the primary Rahway 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, 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 collaborate across disciplines and contribute effectively to team-based science.

Nice To Haves

• Hands-on experience with mRNA Display.
• Experience with genotype-to-phenotype discovery technologies and using 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 developing and implementing 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 with scientists across multiple disciplines.
• Contribute to knowledge sharing, training, and continuous improvement efforts.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision healthcare, and other insurance benefits for employees and family.
• Retirement benefits, including a 401(k).
• Paid holidays.
• Vacation.
• Compassionate and sick days.
• Eligibility for an annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

What This Job Offers

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