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Merck Sharp & Dohme

Associate Principal Scientist, NMR / Analytical R&D

Merck Sharp & Dohme, Boston, Massachusetts, us, 02298


Job Description

Our Scientists are our Inventors. We deliver robust scientific data and interpretation that drives the commercialization of breakthrough therapeutics using innovative thinking, state-of-the-art facilities and modern equipment. Our ability to excel depends on the integrity, knowledge, imagination, skill, diversity and teamwork of people like you. To this end, we strive to create an environment of mutual respect, encouragement and teamwork. As part of our global team, you’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with talented and dedicated colleagues while developing your career.

The Analytical Research and Development organization in Boston, MA is seeking a motivated Associate Principal Scientist with technical expertise in solution state NMR for a role that primarily involves structure elucidation and investigation of small molecule drugs, peptides, and biologics. The successful candidate is expected to collaboratively work with synthetic, computational and analytical scientists, understand their problem statements, and collaboratively design and provide solutions, establish new NMR methods, and drive strategic innovation in the field of NMR. The candidate should be able to work proactively and independently and influence decisions and solutions spanning a wide diversity of problem statements across our laboratories. The role will require the candidate to network across a range of departments and effectively collaborate with stakeholders. The role will additionally require a strong ability to mentor scientists on the NMR team and exemplify positive ways of working which support diversity, inclusion, and a positive culture.

The ideal candidate is expected to be helping drive the field of NMR. This candidate will have an established track record of advancing scientific excellence through external presentations and publications. The role will involve mentorship of NMR colleagues. Additionally, the candidate will have advanced knowledge of analytical experimental design and the ability to provide technical leadership across all major pipeline modalities including small molecules, peptides, antibodies, proteins, ADCs, and vaccines. Finally, this Associate Principal Scientist will be a partner in problem solving providing key leadership and driving collaboration both internally and externally.

Primary job responsibilities:

Work performed in the NMR group includes structure elucidation, mechanism elucidation, reaction elucidation, analytical method development, physicochemical characterization, and quantitative NMR analysis

Provide support for discovery research, discovery process chemistry, and analytical development, formulation, identification of process impurities, drug substance and product degradants, and characterization of other unknown molecules

Meet with department members across functional teams to understand their scientific challenges. Propose and develop collaborative solutions with the NMR Sciences team that are aligned with prioritized focus areas. Help align AR&D strategic efforts to drive prospective impact

Actively seek out, anticipate and solve diverse scientific, operational, and technical challenges

Contribute to an evolving strategy across the NMR landscape

Mentor junior scientists and create technical depth

Demonstrate curiosity, multitasking, prioritization, and problem-solving skills in the planning, development, and execution of novel solutions to challenges

Build external reputation individually and for the company

Education:

Ph.D. (with 5 years), Master's (with 10 years) or Bachelor's (with 12 years) in chemistry, biochemistry, biophysics, or equivalent discipline with an emphasis in NMR techniques and experience

Required Experience and Skills:

Strong knowledge of NMR including application in the pharmaceutical industry, establishing new NMR methods, and prospectively impacting problems related to drug discovery, characterization, and development

Strong knowledge of organic chemistry, biochemistry or physical chemistry

Experience performing structure elucidation in a medicinal or process chemistry environment

Comprehensive knowledge of NMR instrumentation, methodology and software

Skilled in the use and maintenance of Bruker or JEOL NMR software and hardware including cryoprobes and the application of NMR automation tools

Technically inclined with the ability to troubleshoot complex instrument problems (e.g., automation, robotic systems, cryogen fills, etc.)

Evidence of creative application of NMR techniques to problems of pharmaceutical interest

IT literate with the ability to manipulate data workflows in a networked environment (Windows and Linux OS, macros, scrips, etc.). Experience in scientific programming (Perl, Python) is desirable

Insatiable curiosity to learn with the end goal of understanding the scientific problem statement and designing programs, software, or solutions to meet the end users’ needs

Excellent verbal and written communications skills

Track record of impact in the pharmaceutical industry with relevant examples directed towards pipeline objectives

Preferred Experience and Skills:

Familiarity with multiple analytical methods for characterization of chemical matter across all drug modalities including, but not limited to small molecule, biologics, antibodies, proteins, enzymes, vaccines

Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience related to training and mentoring junior scientists

Functional knowledge of computational chemistry or ability to apply molecular modeling methods to help solve NMR problems

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