About the Company
Merck & Co., Inc., known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, is a global healthcare leader working to help the world be well. From developing new therapies that treat diseases to helping people manage their health, we are committed to improving health and well-being around the world. Our research-intensive pipeline focuses on innovation across key therapeutic areas, and we foster an environment where scientific excellence and leadership thrive.
Job Description
We are seeking an accomplished and highly motivated Senior Medicinal Chemist to join our dynamic drug discovery team in North Las Vegas, NV. This leadership role will be instrumental in driving innovative research projects from target validation through lead optimization, contributing significantly to our pipeline of novel therapeutic agents. The successful candidate will lead a team of talented chemists, apply state-of-the-art medicinal chemistry principles, and integrate with multidisciplinary teams to advance drug candidates. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape future drug discovery efforts and will include a performance bonus structure recognizing exceptional contributions.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and mentor a team of medicinal chemists, fostering a collaborative and high-performing research environment.
- Design and synthesize novel small molecules with optimal drug-like properties, guided by SAR data, computational chemistry, and structural biology.
- Develop and implement strategic medicinal chemistry plans for assigned drug discovery projects, from hit identification to lead optimization.
- Analyze complex biological and ADMET data to inform compound design and prioritize synthetic efforts.
- Collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams including biologists, pharmacologists, computational chemists, and DMPK scientists.
- Present research findings and project updates clearly and concisely to internal and external stakeholders.
- Contribute to patent applications, scientific publications, and external presentations.
- Ensure adherence to safety protocols and best practices in the laboratory.
Required Skills
- Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or a closely related field.
- Minimum of 5 years of post-Ph.D. experience in medicinal chemistry within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
- Demonstrated expertise in synthetic organic chemistry, reaction mechanism, and compound purification/characterization.
- Strong understanding of drug discovery principles, including ADMET, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics.
- Proven leadership capabilities with experience in mentoring and guiding junior scientists.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Postdoctoral experience in a relevant area of medicinal chemistry.
- Experience with structure-based drug design (SBDD) and fragment-based drug design (FBDD) techniques.
- Track record of scientific contributions (publications, patents, presentations).
- Expertise in a specific therapeutic area such as oncology, neuroscience, or infectious diseases.
Perks & Benefits
- Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.
- 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions.
- Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays.
- Performance-based bonus program.
- Life and Disability insurance.
- Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities.
- On-site fitness centers and wellness programs.
- Employee stock purchase program.
How to Apply
If you are interested in this position, please click the "Apply Now" button below. To ensure your application is properly considered, please prepare the following:
- An up-to-date Resume or CV
- A brief cover letter summarizing your experience and motivation
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.
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