Senior Scientist - Discovery Analytical Research (On-site)

MSD • Rahway, NJ

6d • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a highly motivated and innovative Senior Scientist to join our Discovery Analytical Research (DAR) group within the Analytical Enabling Capabilities (Analytical R&D) organization in Rahway, NJ. In this pivotal role, you will apply state-of-the-art analytical platforms, separation sciences, high-resolution mass spectrometry, automation and digital tools to accelerate drug discovery pipelines and directly influence the design and selection of next-generation therapeutic candidates. Working at the dynamic interface between discovery and early development, you will lead analytical method development across chemical modalities including small molecules, macrocyclic peptides, complex linker-payloads, and synthetic intermediates. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to solve complex scientific challenges, champion novel analytical technologies, and drive data-backed candidate selection at discovery interface.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline; OR Master’s Degree (M.S.) in Analytical Chemistry or a related scientific discipline with 7+ years of relevant biopharmaceutical industry experience.
• Deep expertise in HPLC/UHPLC method development and LC-MS characterization applied to synthetic small molecules and cyclic peptides.
• Experience in MS-based structural confirmation, and de novo elucidation of small molecules and complex peptides.
• Hands-on experience operating, tuning, and troubleshooting modern Q-TOF, Orbitrap mass spectrometers (e.g., Thermo, Sciex, Waters, or Agilent).
• Demonstrated capability to balance multiple project priorities independently within tight timelines while maintaining scientific rigor.
• Proven capability to drive technical initiatives, and collaborate effectively across multifunctional project teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, underscored by a strong record of first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at major scientific conferences.

Nice To Haves

• Experience integrating automated liquid handlers ( e.g. , Tecan, Agilent Bravo) into high-throughput analytical workflows.
• Familiarity with automated data compilation, scripting, or analytical data processing software ( e.g. , Python/R for analytical data analysis).
• Hands-on experience with Acoustic Ejection Mass Spectrometry (AEMS / Echo-MS) or high-throughput mass spectrometry (HT-MS) platforms.

Responsibilities

• Design, optimize, and execute robust chromatographic separation methodologies, including HPLC, UHPLC, Supercritical Fluid Chromatography (SFC), and Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC) integrated with multi-detector systems (UV-Vis, CAD, and MS) to characterize the critical physicochemical properties of small molecules and peptides.
• Serve as a technical subject matter expert in High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) for structural confirmation and de novo sequence/structure elucidation of complex macrocyclic peptides and synthetic small molecules.
• Contribute to evaluation and implementation of next-generation measurement technologies and high-throughput workflows and automated liquid handling systems ( e.g. , Tecan, Bravo, Lynx).
• Contribute to continuous improvement in laboratory efficiency by implementing automated data-processing and digital workflows that accelerate analytical sample processing, database curation, and data visualization.
• Partner proactively with discovery teams, championing technical initiatives that elevate departmental capabilities, presenting scientific findings/updates at project meetings.
• Uphold the highest standards of data integrity, electronic laboratory notebook (ELN) documentation, and Good Documentation Practices (GDP) in accordance with organizational policies.

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 and long-term incentive, if applicable

What This Job Offers

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