Sr. Scientist, Chemical Biotechnologies - Protein Engineering

Merck • Rahway, NJ

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Chemical Biotechnologies group within the Process Research & Development Enabling Technologies Department in Rahway, New Jersey is seeking a Senior Scientist to expand our capabilities to design and engineer proteins with novel functions. The mission of the group is to invent, develop, and implement biomolecules and biocatalytic processes to advance our company's pipeline and our impact on the scientific community. We view protein engineering as a key enabling technology in modern drug discovery and development. We leverage computational modeling, advanced automation, and high-throughput screening to engineer novel proteins. We are committed to developing new methodologies and technologies that enhance protein engineering and improve human health. The group collaborates broadly within our Company, with academic leaders, and with industry partners to expand and accelerate the impact of protein engineering on human health.

Requirements

• Published field-impacting research in which the applicant participated in the conception, execution, analysis, and drafting of the research.
• Broad experience and knowledge in biological engineering, protein design, and directed evolution.
• Significant expertise in one of the following: molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, computational protein design, or metabolic engineering.
• Demonstrated ability to work within a collaborative multi-disciplinary team environment.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in engineering one of the following: novel biocatalysts, biosynthetic pathways, and/or de novo proteins.
• Experience with multiple strategies to create genetic diversity, in vivo and in vitro expression optimization, and/or multiple high-throughput screening or selection methods.
• Familiarity with one or more of the following areas: computational protein design, machine learning, microfluidics, or automation.
• Experience with reproducible data analysis, for example, using Python or R.
• Experience with biocatalytic process development.

Responsibilities

• In this role, the incumbent will contribute directly to the invention of novel proteins by guiding gene acquisition, designing and building high-quality DNA libraries, expressing large protein libraries, developing assays, and/or characterizing libraries using high-throughput screening and selections.
• As part of project teams, they will collaborate across groups to develop novel solutions that solve complex problems.
• To accelerate the development of novel proteins, the candidate will develop engineering strategies and new technologies, select high-performing engineered proteins, and deliver biocatalysts with improved functions and properties to enable drug discovery and impact clinical supply and commercial manufacturing processes.
• They will give scientific presentations internally and externally, contribute to the group's overall strategy and direction, and develop novel protein engineering technologies.
• The successful candidate will join a diverse group of innovative scientists who are driving the next revolution in bioengineering.

Benefits

• The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.
• We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.

What This Job Offers

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