Summary
Merck is seeking a highly motivated and creative Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join the Process Chemistry group in Boston, MA. This role involves developing next-generation synthetic methods for the preparation and diversification of pharmaceutically relevant aza-heterocycles. The successful candidate will lead an innovative research program focused on new catalytic strategies to rapidly access structurally nitrogen-containing heterocycles, including highly substituted piperidines and pyrrolidines. The project combines mechanistic organic chemistry, catalytic method development, and molecular design, with opportunities for external collaboration, high-impact publication, and scientific presentation.
Designation
Associate Scientist, Post Doc Fellow
Research Area
Process Chemistry, focused on developing next-generation synthetic methods for pharmaceutically relevant aza-heterocycles, catalytic strategies for nitrogen-containing heterocycles, mechanistic organic chemistry, and molecular design.
Location
Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
Eligibility/Qualification
Education Requirement:
- Must currently hold a Ph.D. OR
- Receive a Ph.D. no later than spring 2027
- Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry (highly preferred) or a related field.
Required Experience and Skills:
- Must have conducted outstanding research in their field of expertise that may be shared during the interview process.
- Demonstrated creativity and innovation in problem solving.
- Productivity and efficiency working in the lab.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- Excellent collaboration skills.
- Established scientific reputation supported by publications and external presentations.
- Technical expertise in synthetic chemistry.
Preferred Skills:
- Current knowledge of the latest synthetic methodologies.
- Intellectual curiosity, high collaboration, and scientific ambition.
- Creativity, independence, and a commitment to scientific communication.
Job Description
As an Associate Scientist, Post Doc Fellow, you will be responsible for leading an innovative research program focused on new catalytic strategies to rapidly access structurally nitrogen-containing heterocycles, including highly substituted piperidines and pyrrolidines. This research aims to address longstanding challenges in heterocycle synthesis by enabling efficient, modular, and sustainable routes to molecular architectures that are broadly relevant to modern drug discovery. The role combines mechanistic organic chemistry, catalytic method development, and molecular design, with opportunities for external collaboration, high-impact publication, and scientific presentation.
The successful candidate must be highly self-motivated, possess strong experimental skills, have excellent written and oral communication abilities, collaborate effectively on multidisciplinary teams and across geographies, and be able to demonstrate flexibility in adapting to change in a fast-paced, dynamic research environment. You will be expected to remain current with the latest synthetic methodologies, drive innovation, apply new concepts to continuously improve group capabilities, and be active in the external scientific community via publications and external presentations.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop next-generation synthetic methods for the preparation and diversification of pharmaceutically relevant aza-heterocycles.
- Lead an innovative research program focused on new catalytic strategies.
- Conduct research combining mechanistic organic chemistry, catalytic method development, and molecular design.
- Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
- Prepare high-impact publications and scientific presentations.
- Stay current with the latest synthetic methodologies and apply new concepts.
Additional Information:
- Salary Range: $82,000 – $92,000 (An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.)
- Eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.
- Comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision healthcare, retirement benefits (401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days.
- Employee Status: Regular
- Relocation: Domestic
- VISA Sponsorship: Yes
- Travel Requirements: 10%
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply through the official Merck careers portal. Please ensure you apply no later than the day before the job posting end date.
Apply Link
Last Date for Apply
October 12, 2026
