This position will require domestic and international travel (up to 40%), including periodic multi-day site visits and working sessions with CRO partners across UK, Europe and within our broader global CRO partner network.

Qualifications

Education:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry or a closely related scientific discipline required

Required Experience:

• Multi-year industry experience in organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry, drug discovery, and/or external scientific collaboration, with demonstrated readiness for an Associate Director-level role
• Authorization and willingness to travel domestically and internationally, including periodic visits to CRO partner sites and company locations as business needs require
• Proven record of accomplishments in synthetic organic chemistry and/or medicinal chemistry
• Expert proficiency in mining scientific literature and databases
• Familiarity with, and comprehensive knowledge of, digital chemistry tools, data science approaches, and predictive modeling tools used to support modern drug discovery
• Familiarity with X-ray crystallography, structural information, and structure-guided design principles to inform molecular design and optimization
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder-management skills in a global team environment

Preferred Experience:

• International work experience with CROs
• Proven record of accomplishments in medicinal chemistry and therapeutic target design

We 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 for the common good. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.

Required Skills:

• Chemistry
• Crystallography
• Drug Design
• Drug Formulations
• Medicinal Chemistry
• Molecular Design
• Organic Chemistry
• Organic Synthesis
• Process Chemistry
• Project Management
• Risk Management
• Scientific Literacy
• Synthetic Chemistry
• Synthetic Organic Chemistry

Preferred Skills:

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Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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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.

Employee Status:

Regular

Relocation:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Hybrid

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Job Posting End Date:

09/12/2026

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.