Associate Scientist, Post Doc Fellow- Quantitative Biosciences Early Discovery

Merck is a global biopharmaceutical company seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Quantitative Biosciences Early Discovery. The role focuses on developing chemically induced proximity drug discovery methodologies through biophysical, biochemical, structural, and computational research. The fellow will lead independent projects, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and disseminate findings through scientific presentations and publications.

What you'll do:

• Lead Research & Innovation: Under the mentorship of senior scientific leaders, conceptualize, design, and execute cutting-edge methodologies to interrogate and exploit chemically induced proximity. Maintain deep familiarity with emerging literature to identify and capture novel therapeutic opportunities
• Multi-Modal Biophysical & Biochemical Characterization: Integrate quantitative biochemical, biophysical, and structural approaches to investigate macromolecular complexes, ternary complex formation, and protein–small molecule interactions
• Independent Project Ownership: Formulate and drive an independent research agenda from hypothesis generation to mechanistic validation, working flexibly within multidisciplinary project teams across discovery chemistry, biology, and pharmacology
• Computational & Experimental Synergy: In close partnership with the Modeling & Informatics team, integrate computational workflows with experimental investigations—curating structural constraints, evaluating predictive protein–ligand and protein-complex models, and prioritizing testable hypotheses
• Scientific Dissemination: Actively communicate findings through presentations at internal scientific symposia, international conferences, and lead-author publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals

What they're looking for:

• Must currently hold a Ph.D
• Receive a Ph.D. no later than spring 2027
• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Pharmacology, Structural Biology, or related disciplines
• Demonstrated hands-on expertise in characterizing protein–ligand and protein–protein interactions using quantitative biophysical methods (e.g., SPR, ITC, MST, BLI, or fluorescence-based assays such as TR-FRET/FP)
• Proven track record in recombinant protein construct design, expression systems, and chromatographic purification
• Working knowledge and practical experience in biological NMR spectroscopy (resonance assignment, chemical shift perturbation, or ligand-observed experiments) and/or structural biology techniques
• Demonstrated capability to analyze, visualize, and interpret high-resolution protein structures, binding interfaces, and ligand binding modes using molecular modeling software (e.g., PyMOL, MOE, Schrödinger Maestro, or ChimeraX)
• Proven record of scientific productivity and independent thinking, evidenced by first-author publications in reputable peer-reviewed journals and presentations at scientific conferences
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• A demonstrated ability to thrive in a highly collaborative, team-oriented research setting
• Biochemistry
• Biomolecular Chemistry

Benefits:

• **VISA Sponsorship:** Yes
• Eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.
• Medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family)
• Retirement benefits, including 401(k)
• Paid holidays
• Vacation
• Compassionate and sick days