Merck Research Laboratories - Boston

Description
Enhancing and preserving the quality of life. This is the commitment that Merck & Co., Inc. stands on and it's what has distinguished us as the world's leading research-driven health products company. Recently ranked by Fortune among "America's Most Admired Companies," we discover, develop and manufacture a wide range of innovative products.

Newly formed Automated Lead Optimization Department at the Merck Research Laboratories-Boston currently has an opening for a Research Associate, Staff Biologist position. This position will focus on assay development and screening research efforts that will support discovery and optimization of novel small molecules. This position requires hands-on experience in development and execution of the Automated Lead Optimization assays, expertise in operating, troubleshooting and maintaining hardware/software associated with automated assays and knowledge of common application software for liquid handling robotics and plate readers. Knowledge of different screening formats in both whole cell and cell-free systems, including luminescent, fluorescent, HTRF, SPA and reporter-gene read-outs is required. Strong data analysis skills and knowledge of HTS data tools is a plus.

Qualifications
A B.S. or M.S. degree in Biochemistry/Cell Biology/Molecular Biology (M.S. preferred), with 3-5 years of relevant laboratory experience is required. Good quantitative skills and familiarity with the latest HTS detection technologies is preferred. Computer literacy (e.g. MS Word, MS PowerPoint) and experience with software programs for data analysis (MS Excel) are vital. Strong communication, problem solving skills and the ability to function and communicate effectively in a multi-disciplinary environment is a must.