Job Description
SPECIALIST JOB DESCRIPTION
The Chemical Biotechnologies group within the Process Research & Development Enabling Technologies Department in Rahway, New Jersey, is seeking a Specialist to support and enhance our capabilities in high-throughput screening and automation for designing and engineering proteins with novel functions. Our mission 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 enabler in modern drug discovery and development and are committed to developing novel methodologies and technologies that enhance protein engineering to improve human health. We leverage high-throughput screening, analytical techniques, advanced automation, computational modeling, and machine learning to accelerate the development of novel proteins. The group collaborates broadly within our Company, with academic leaders, and with industry partners to expand and accelerate the impact of biocatalysis and protein engineering on human health.
Job Responsibilities:
In this role, the incumbent will perform and troubleshoot biochemical assays and high-throughput protein-engineering experiments, while assisting in the design, implementation, optimization, and operation of laboratory automation workflows and instrumentation. Key responsibilities include:
Perform biochemical assays and high-throughput experiments in protein engineering to produce high-quality, reproducible data.
Assist in designing, implementing, optimizing, and troubleshooting laboratory automation workflows, including liquid handlers, plate readers, and basic robotics.
Operate and troubleshoot analytical and robotic instrumentation following established procedures.
Design, modify, and refine laboratory techniques and analytical procedures to achieve experimental objectives; participate in method validation and testing of new approaches.
Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance experimental robustness, reproducibility, throughput, and data capture.
Prepare and maintain accurate experimental documentation, protocols, and SOPs; contribute to data recording, data visualization, and reproducible analysis workflows.
Contribute to the implementation of new equipment and technologies.
Maintain a safe and compliant laboratory environment by following and promoting laboratory safety, quality, and compliance practices.
Collaborate with chemists, biologists, computer scientists, and engineers across the company to align experimental work with program objectives.
Stay current with advancements in protein engineering, automation, and analytics to proactively improve operations and suggest enhancements.
Education Requirements:
B.S. degree with 2+ years of experience in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Molecular Biology, Synthetic Biology, or a related field.
Or
M.S. or PhD degree in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Molecular Biology, Synthetic Biology, or a related field.
Required Experience and Skills:
Experience with protein handling and biochemical, biophysical, and/or phenotypic protein characterization techniques (e.g., activity assays, SDS-PAGE, UV-Vis spectrophotometry).
Experience with high-throughput experimental techniques and laboratory automation platforms (e.g., liquid handlers, plate readers).
Experience with analytical techniques, such as liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry, and biochemical assay development.
Experience in operating and troubleshooting analytical instrumentation and robotics;
Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to generate reproducible experimental data and documentation.
Effective collaboration and communication skills for multidisciplinary team settings.
Commitment to laboratory safety, quality standards, and compliance.
Preferred Experience and Skills:
Experience with one or more of the following: next-generation sequencing, directed evolution, protein expression, microfluidics, or automation integration.
Experience in contributing to process improvements that enhance experimental efficiency, robustness, or reproducibility.
Experience with data analysis using Python, R, Excel, or similar tools; basic understanding of statistical analysis and experimental design.
Experience in data pipelines and automation workflows.
#eligibleforERP
#PRD
To learn more about the PRD team, click: Join Our Process Research & Development Team.
Required Skills:
Accountability, Accountability, Adaptability, Assay Development, Biochemical Assays, Change Control Management, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Data Analysis, Equipment Troubleshooting, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), High Throughput Screening HTS Systems, Laboratory Automation, Laboratory Safety, Laboratory Techniques, Lean Manufacturing, Molecular Biology, Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), Personal Initiative, Process Optimization, Professional Integrity, Project Management, Protein Engineering, Python for Data Analysis, Root Cause Analysis (RCA) {+ 5 more}Preferred Skills:
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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:
We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills 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 salary range for this role is
$85,600.00 - $134,800.00This 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
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:
RegularRelocation:
DomesticVISA Sponsorship:
NoTravel Requirements:
No Travel RequiredFlexible Work Arrangements:
Not ApplicableShift:
Not IndicatedValid Driving License:
NoHazardous Material(s):
n/aJob Posting End Date:
11/20/2025*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.