Senior Scientist Protein Biochemistry

Job Description

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate to join our Protein Biochemistry team within the Mass Spectrometry & Biophysics (MSB) department in the Quantitative Biosciences (QB) organization. Our group utilizes multidisciplinary approaches to produce and characterize proteins in support of screening, assay development and specialized research efforts that advance our drug discovery pipeline and ultimately help improve the lives of patients.

The successful candidate will be part of cross-functional teams and will collaborate across diverse therapeutic areas. This is a research position that uses critical thinking, problem solving, and requires flexibility for the evaluation of new technologies to enable the production and biophysical characterization of challenging protein targets with particular emphasis on integral membrane proteins. Our team consists of highly trained protein biochemists and biophysicists who apply a wide range of techniques (SPR; DSF & TdF; NMR;  MST; CD; radioligand binding; SEC-MALS; MS; peptide mapping) to characterize purified proteins. We recognize that the diversity within our team is a strength and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Successful candidates must demonstrate inclusive behaviors in working with a diverse group of scientists to drive our core mission.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Express, purify and characterize recombinant proteins to enable screening, hit validation and hit-to-lead activities.
• Perform biophysical studies to characterize and advance hits from functional and affinity screening campaigns as required.
• Support generation of recombinant proteins at external partners and contract research organizations (CROs) by providing scientific input and guidance.
• Partner with colleagues to produce proteins fit for structure determination (including labeled protein production for NMR) as required.
• Serve as a representative on cross-functional program teams with accountability for delivering progress updates, presenting data & contributing to strategic direction.
• Contribute to a high-performance culture of inclusion, collaboration, engagement, and self-accountability.
• Promote the external reputation of our department by contributing to publications and participating in external symposia.

Required experience and skills:

• Post-graduate degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology or another related field, including years of relevant industry experience as appropriate: Ph.D., M.Sc. (3+ years) or B.Sc. (6+ years).
• Demonstrated success in the cloning, expression and purification of G-protein coupled receptors and broad knowledge of receptor pharmacology is required.
• Experience with recombinant protein production supporting affinity screening techniques such as fragment-based lead discovery, DNA-encoded libraries, mRNA-display or affinity-selection mass spectrometry.
• Prior experience working with multiple microbial and eukaryotic expression systems (e.g. yeast, bacteria, insect and mammalian cells).
• Demonstrated proficiency in various chromatography techniques including affinity, ion exchange, gel filtration, HIC, and reverse phase.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage multiple projects under tight timelines in a collaborative, team-oriented setting.
• Passion for fostering a diverse and inclusive culture and contributing to the growth and success of colleagues.
• Strong external reputation as evidenced through publications, presentations, and/or scientific community engagement.
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills with a proven track-record of maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders.

Desirable Experience and Skills:

• Experience using computational tools for protein design would be a significant advantage.
• Expertise with biophysical methods such as MALS, SPR, ITC and thermal shift assays is beneficial.
• Experience with traditional Western blot techniques is desirable; knowledge of the Protein Simple high-throughput western-blotting system would be a significant advantage.

NOTICE FOR INTERNAL APPLICANTS

In accordance with Managers' Policy - Job Posting and Employee Placement, all employees subject to this policy are required to have a minimum of twelve (12) months of service in current position prior to applying for open positions.

If you have been offered a separation benefits package, but have not yet reached your separation date and are offered a position within the salary and geographical parameters as set forth in the Summary Plan Description (SPD) of your separation package, then you are no longer eligible for your separation benefits package. To discuss in more detail, please contact your HRBP or Talent Acquisition Advisor.

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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.

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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

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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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