MSD
Job Description
The Director of Discovery Analytical Research provides strategic and technical leadership at the discovery‑development interface, enabling the identification and advancement of new drug candidates, including proteins, monoclonal antibodies, ADCs, and small molecules. This role oversees the development and implementation of advanced analytical technologies to accelerate discovery and inform candidate selection.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and mentor a high‑performing analytical team, fostering scientific excellence and talent development.
Develop and execute strategic plans to assess and mitigate molecular liabilities, influence candidate selection, and accelerate timelines to first‑in‑human studies.
Oversee experimental design and interpretation using advanced analytical characterization methods for a diverse and evolving pipeline.
Collaborate with cross‑functional partners to ensure analytical expertise is integrated into core discovery teams.
Drive innovation and continuous improvement in analytical methodologies.
Prepare and review technical presentations and documentation for governance and scientific review.
Set departmental goals, manage resources, and address performance issues proactively.
Education Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry or related field with a minimum 10 years of relevant industry experience.
Required Experience and Skills
Extensive experience in analytical method development of biologics, especially ADCs.
Expertise in biophysical characterization, high‑resolution mass spectrometry, and separation science for large and small molecules.
Proven leadership or team management skills.
Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and communication abilities.
Demonstrated success in collaborative, fast‑paced environments.
Required Skills
Analytical Chemistry
Analytical Method Development
Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADC)
Biologics
Biophysical Characterization
Cardiovascular Diseases
High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS)
Metabolism
Oncology
R&D Strategy
Small Molecules
Strategy Development
Team Leadership
Team Management
Technical Leadership
Salary $210,000.00 – $330,500.00
Benefits We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision, health care and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits
EEO Statement As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit EEOC Know Your Rights, EEOC GINA Supplement, Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts.
Hybrid Work Model Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office‑based positions in the U.S. will be working a hybrid schedule consisting of three total days on site per week, Monday to Thursday, with Friday designated as a remote‑working day, unless business critical tasks require an on‑site presence. This hybrid model does not apply to 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”.
Apply You can apply for this role through https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.
San Francisco Residents Only We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.
Los 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 Ordinance.
Job Posting End Date 01/16/2026
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Key Responsibilities
Lead and mentor a high‑performing analytical team, fostering scientific excellence and talent development.
Develop and execute strategic plans to assess and mitigate molecular liabilities, influence candidate selection, and accelerate timelines to first‑in‑human studies.
Oversee experimental design and interpretation using advanced analytical characterization methods for a diverse and evolving pipeline.
Collaborate with cross‑functional partners to ensure analytical expertise is integrated into core discovery teams.
Drive innovation and continuous improvement in analytical methodologies.
Prepare and review technical presentations and documentation for governance and scientific review.
Set departmental goals, manage resources, and address performance issues proactively.
Education Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry or related field with a minimum 10 years of relevant industry experience.
Required Experience and Skills
Extensive experience in analytical method development of biologics, especially ADCs.
Expertise in biophysical characterization, high‑resolution mass spectrometry, and separation science for large and small molecules.
Proven leadership or team management skills.
Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and communication abilities.
Demonstrated success in collaborative, fast‑paced environments.
Required Skills
Analytical Chemistry
Analytical Method Development
Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADC)
Biologics
Biophysical Characterization
Cardiovascular Diseases
High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS)
Metabolism
Oncology
R&D Strategy
Small Molecules
Strategy Development
Team Leadership
Team Management
Technical Leadership
Salary $210,000.00 – $330,500.00
Benefits We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision, health care and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits
EEO Statement As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit EEOC Know Your Rights, EEOC GINA Supplement, Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts.
Hybrid Work Model Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office‑based positions in the U.S. will be working a hybrid schedule consisting of three total days on site per week, Monday to Thursday, with Friday designated as a remote‑working day, unless business critical tasks require an on‑site presence. This hybrid model does not apply to 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”.
Apply You can apply for this role through https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.
San Francisco Residents Only We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.
Los 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 Ordinance.
Job Posting End Date 01/16/2026
#J-18808-Ljbffr