Job DescriptionSr. Specialist -Discovery Process Chemistry (P3)The Discovery Process Chemistry group within the Small Molecule Process Research & Development Department in Rahway, New Jersey is seeking a Senior Specialist to play a key role in advancing a various portfolio of discovery-stage programs, from lead identification through candidate selection. This lab-based position offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on our discovery pipeline by executing the synthesis of key starting materials and advanced intermediates that enable the rapid delivery of target compounds across early-stage programs.
The successful candidate will also support kilo-lab scale syntheses and serve as a point of contact for scientists across multiple geographies participating in kilo-lab campaigns. The ideal candidate is highly motivated and has substantial synthetic chemistry experience, can perform independent analysis using various analytical characterization methods, and pays close attention to detail to ensure safe lab practices and rigorous documentation of work. A proven record of technical strength, clear written and oral communication, and collaboration and adaptability in a fast-paced, dynamic research environment is essential.
Specific Responsibilities - Laboratory-based syntheses of various starting material and intermediates to support early pipeline.
- Laboratory work with a large variety of chemicals, using a varied set of modern manual and automated laboratory equipment, and leveraging an array of analytical technologies, in a safe, compliant, and rigorously documented manner.
- Laboratory-based synthesis and characterization of starting materials and intermediates to support kilo lab scale up of intermediates and APIs.
- Non-lab-based work includes experimental planning, data analysis, and writing clear and concise development reports.
Education Minimum Requirement - B.S. with 9 years of pharma/biopharma experience, OR
- M.S. degree with 6 years of pharma/biopharma experience, OR
- Ph.D. degree in Chemistry
Required Experience and Skills - Training must be in the field of organic synthesis, including synthetic methodology, catalysis, or total synthesis.
- Significant experience in chemical synthesis, compound purification, and analytical characterization, including HPLC, MS, and NMR techniques.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively and with urgency in a collaborative team environment.
- The ability to work independently with minimum supervision of daily tasks.
- Productivity and efficiency working in an organic chemistry lab.
Required Skills: Data Analysis, Detail-Oriented, Independent Thinking, Laboratory Operations, Manufacturing, Organic Synthesis, Process Chemistry, Purification Methods, Technical Problem-Solving
Preferred Skills: Technical Writing
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As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:
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The salary range for this role is
$117,000.00 - $184,200.00
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 ;br>
You can apply for this role through (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
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.
Employee Status: Regular
Relocation:Domestic
VISA Sponsorship:No
Travel Requirements:10%
Flexible Work Arrangements:Not Applicable
Shift:Not Indicated
Valid Driving License:No
Hazardous Material(s):N/A
Job Posting End Date:08/27/2026
*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date. 
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