Job Description

Our Research & Development Division Discovery Neuroscience is seeking a highly motivated bioanalytical scientist at the level of Senior Scientist to support biomarker discovery and validation across our neuroscience portfolio.

In this position, you will be responsible for developing and applying mass spectrometry-based assays for use in preclinical drug development, with a focus on novel target and translational biomarker discovery for neurodegenerative diseases. Appointees will work within multidisciplinary drug discovery teams and apply their expertise in mass spectrometry applications to explore the mechanisms driving neurodegenerative diseases, identify biomarkers for clinical translation and ultimately advance new therapeutics. Applicants should have expertise in unbiased “omics” such as metabolomics, lipidomics or proteomics with hands-on experience spanning study design, data acquisition and bioinformatic analyses along with a proven track record in advancing targeted quantitative biomarker assays in follow-on validation studies.

Education requirements

PhD with at least four years of postdoctoral or equivalent industry experience. Analytical Chemistry degree required or equivalent. Neuroscience degree preferred.

Required Experience:

• Proven experience developing and applying mass spectrometry-based approaches using preclinical models and human biospecimens to support biomarker discovery, translational research, and novel target identification.
• Hands-on experience performing unbiased, quantitative discovery analyses with high resolution LC-MS instrumentation (i.e. DDA, DIA proteomics)
• Development and qualification of LC-MS/MS-based quantitative assays
• Proficiency in data processing and bioinformatic and statistical workflows (i.e. proficiency with MetaboAnalyst, Skyline, MaxQuant, Proteome Discoverer, Spectronaut, or similar)
• Experience with automated workflows for sample processing and prefractionation
• Experience working collaboratively with disease area biology experts
• Self-motivated and resourceful with a demonstrated ability to generate robust and reproducible data in a timely manner
• Well-developed oral and written communication skills and keen ability to engage internal and external team members in collaborative research.

Desired Experience

• Drug discovery experience in a biotech, pharmaceutical or academic setting
• Background in neuroscience therapy areas such as neurodegenerative diseases or pain disorders.
• Experience of working with external academic, biotechnology, and contract research organizations

Skills/Competencies

• Collaborate with colleagues to plan experimental studies supporting novel drug target validation or biomarker identification.
• Develops assays for identification and measurement of pharmacodynamic biomarkers from preclinical models with a line of sight towards clinical translation.
• Impacts programs through critical thinking and timely data-driven decision making.
• In collaboration with colleagues from translational medicine, discovery biology and data sciences, develops and executes on MS strategies to identify and validate fluid biomarkers for patient stratification.
• Collaborates with MS experts across our Research & Development Division to assess and implement new bioanalytical technology.
• Acts as a technical expert, trains and supporting colleagues within area of expertise.
• Co-ordinates assay transfer to internal groups and external contract research organizations.
• Participates in external research collaborations with academic groups and disease consortia.
• Strong interpersonal, communication and stakeholder management skills

Required Skills:

Preferred Skills:

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The salary range for this role is

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.

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.

You can apply for this role through https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.

San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

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Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company.  No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails. 

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