Associate Scientist, Post Doc Fellow

MSD (Netherlands) · USA - Massachusetts - Boston (MA Parcel B Laboratory), United States

About the role

Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated and creative Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join the Process Chemistry group (located at our Boston, MA site located at our Boston, MA site) and develop 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. 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 project combines mechanistic organic chemistry, catalytic method development, and molecular design, with opportunities for external collaboration, high-impact publication, and scientific presentation.

The 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. In addition, the candidate 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.


We are particularly interested in candidates who are intellectually curious, highly collaborative, scientifically ambitious, and motivated to develop new synthetic strategies that can impact drug discovery. The ideal candidate will bring strong technical expertise in synthetic chemistry along with creativity, independence, and a commitment to scientific communication and collaboration.

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.

This fellowship offers a unique opportunity to develop enabling synthetic technologies that expand access to medicinally relevant chemical space while contributing to the next generation of sustainable catalytic methods.


We are a research-driven biopharmaceutical company.

Our mission is built on the simple premise that following the science leads to great medicines that make a significant impact to our world. We believe that a research-driven enterprise dedicated to world-class science can succeed by inventing medicine and vaccine innovations that make a difference for patients across the globe.


The salary range for this role is: $82,000- $92,000

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. 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.

The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days.

Required Skills

Chemistry, Data Analysis, Experimental Methods, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Scientific Presentations, Scientific Writing, Self Motivation, Synthetic Chemistry

Preferred Skills

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only

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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 information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:

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Employee Status

Regular

Relocation

Domestic

VISA Sponsorship

Yes

Travel Requirements

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements

Not Applicable

Shift

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License

No

Hazardous Material(s)

N/A

Job Posting End Date

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.

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