Scientist, mRNA Display Screening

Job Description

Scientist, mRNA Display Screening

Our Research Scientists are our Inventors. Our goal is to find novel and effective therapies by identifying and targeting steps in disease mechanisms or pathways that could be inhibited or enhanced. Using innovative thinking, state-of-the-art facilities, and robust scientific methodology we collaborate to discover the next medical breakthroughs. Within Screening and Compound Profiling (SCP) we leverage cutting edge methodologies and innovative thinking to discover small molecule and peptide drug leads. SCP is currently seeking an exceptional individual to join the mRNA Display Peptide Discovery group in Rahway, NJ

The successful candidate will be integral to a team that drives the execution and expansion of the mRNA Display platform to accelerate delivery of high-quality peptides for our Company's Discovery programs. Candidates should be highly motivated to work in a collaborative and multidisciplinary environment. S/he will have hands-on experience, in molecular biology techniques and next generation sequencing, preferably in the context of display screening technologies, such as mRNA Display, DEL or Phage Display. This individual will partner with others in furthering our screening efforts, by developing reagents and implementing innovative workflows for mRNA Display. They will also work closely with team members to ensure implementation of best practices. A mindset of innovation and continual technological improvement is important.

Primary Responsibilities: 

• Prepare, QC and validate mRNA-Display RNA, DNA and protein reagents  

• Preparation of mRNA Libraries and DNA templates for In-Vitro Transcription and Translation

• Operate automated liquid handler screening workflows (Tecan experience preferable)

• Draft, Maintain and Update SOPs, protocols and other documentation

• Partner with team members to identify opportunities for innovation (platform and workflow improvements e.g. using automation)

Education Minimum Requirements:

• B.Sc or Master's degree with 2+ years relevant industrial experience

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Expertise in RNA biology with deep understanding of RNA biochemistry and biology

• Previous experience with biochemistry and RNA characterization

• Deep understanding of molecular biology, including Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) in relation to display screening technologies or protein engineering

• Excellence in simultaneously handling multiple priorities

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

• Highly organized, detail-oriented and excellence in multi-tasking

• Excellent organizational skills and time management

• Recording activities in ELN and databases

• Enthusiasm, self-motivation, flexibility, and readiness/ability to learn new methods are critical

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Current Employees apply HERE

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US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.  For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:

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We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing diverse, talented, and committed people together. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when diverse ideas come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.

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U.S. Hybrid Work Model

Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office-based positions in the U.S. will be working a Hybrid work consisting of three total days on-site per week, Monday - Thursday, although the specific days may vary by site or organization, with Friday designated as a remote-working day, unless business critical tasks require an on-site presence.This Hybrid work model does not apply to, and daily in-person attendance is required for, field-based positions; facility-based, manufacturing-based, or research-based positions where the work to be performed is located at a Company site; positions covered by a collective-bargaining agreement (unless the agreement provides for hybrid work); or any other position for which the Company has determined the job requirements cannot be reasonably met working remotely. Please note, this Hybrid work model guidance also does not apply to roles that have been designated as “remote”.

The Company is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this job in certain states and cities within the United States. Final determinations with respect to salary will take into account a number of factors, which may include, but not be limited to the primary work location and the chosen candidate’s relevant skills, experience, and education.

Expected US salary range:

Available benefits include bonus eligibility, long term incentive if applicable, health care and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, paid holidays, vacation, and sick days. A summary of benefits is listed here.

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

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully 
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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