Principal Scientist Computational Chemist

Job DescriptionPosition Title Principal Scientist, Computational Chemistry, West Point Position Description We are seeking a creative, self-motivated computational chemist with exceptional interpersonal and problem-solving skills to join the Modeling and Informatics team in West Point, PA, US. M&I is a diverse and inclusive team of approximately 50 computational chemists and informaticians, who employ state of the art capabilities to drive drug design. We are an integral arm of both discovery and process chemistry and collaborate seamlessly with teams across the globe to innovate and invent better molecules faster.  We are looking for a strategic thinker and accomplished computational drug hunter to take on a position that carries significant influence across our Company chemistry from target identification through delivery of clinical candidates in our Infectious Disease, Vaccine and Neuroscience portfolios. Key responsibilities will include: Scientific Innovation: Design and optimization of drug candidates using advanced computational techniques as a member of discovery teams Functioning as a subject matter champion for ligand- and structure-based drug design across discovery teams Contributing to the continued growth and development of both modeling and chemistry colleagues as a mentor and influencer Advancing our modeling capabilities through invention and implementation of novel methodology as necessary to drive impact Building Relationships: Mentorship and scientific development of M&I staff both locally and across our network Building fruitful collaborations with stakeholders across medicinal chemistry, pharmacokinetics & pharmacodynamics, quantitative biosciences, and therapeutic area biology Trusted partner for Discovery Chemistry in West Point Identifying computational chemistry needs and opportunities across two broad portfolios for neuroscience and infectious disease at our West Point Chemistry hub in Pennsylvania. Strategy: Leading specific strategic initiatives to enable our future vision for Modeling and Informatics in chemistry Enabling a design-driven and predict-first culture throughout our Company Chemistry Contributing to our Company’s overarching drug discovery strategy We recognize that the diversity in our team is our 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. Because we believe our best collaboration opportunities occur in a face-to-face context, this position will be in person, on site in West Point, PA.Position Qualifications: Education Minimum Requirement:  Ph.D. or M.S. degree in chemistry, biochemistry, biophysics, or equivalent with a computational emphasis.  Required Experience and Skills: 8 years of relevant professional experience (i.e., Pharma, Biotech or equivalent) with a Ph.D., or 10 years with a M.S. degree. Proficiency in general molecular modeling techniques (docking, molecular simulation, homology modeling, quantum mechanics, QSAR / machine learning, ligand- and structure-based design) with modern software packages (e.g. Schrodinger, OpenEye, CCG) Evidence of creative application of computational approaches to solve problems of pharmaceutical interest Exceptional oral and written communication skills, with a recognized ability to positively and impactfully influence team decisions Ability to communicate, collaborate and deliver results in a fast-paced, global environment and to manage multiple priorities simultaneously Ability to see the ‘big picture’, and to identify opportunities for impact now and in the future Ability to lead strategic scientific initiatives relevant to drug discovery Passion for mentoring and coaching scientific peers Preferred Experience and Skills: Skilled in scientific programming (e.g. Python, Pipeline Pilot) and data analytics (e.g. Spotfire) and democratizing coding and workflows People management experience NOTICE FOR INTERNAL APPLICANTSIn 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.Current Employees apply HERECurrent Contingent Workers apply HEREUS 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:EEOC Know Your RightsEEOC GINA Supplement​Pay Transparency NondiscriminationWe 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. Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State ActsU.S. Hybrid Work ModelEffective 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”.San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance OrdinanceLos 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 OrdinanceSearch 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:10%Flexible Work Arrangements:Not ApplicableShift:Not IndicatedValid Driving License:NoHazardous Material(s):N/ARequired Skills:Chemistry, Computational Chemistry, Computer Aided Drug Design, Drug Design, High Performance Computing (HPC), Machine Learning, Molecular Dynamics (MD), Molecular Modeling, Problem Solving, Scientific Modeling, Structure Activity Relationship, Structure Based Drug Design, TeamworkPreferred Skills:Cheminformatics, Data Science, InformaticsJob Posting End Date:12/20/2024*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. SummaryLocation: USA - Pennsylvania - West PointType: Full time