R&D Scientist

Merck Group • $102K — $132K *
Carlsbad, CA 92009In-Person
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Less than 5 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Master's Degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, or related field.
  • Experience in silicon, organosilicon, or organometallic chemistry.
  • 2+ years of hands-on laboratory experience in multistep synthesis.
  • PhD preferred in relevant science discipline.
  • Understanding of synthetic organic chemistry and organosilicon fundamentals.
  • Experience with air/moisture-sensitive chemistry.

Responsibilities

  • Plan and execute synthesis of organosilane molecules at various scales.
  • Develop and optimize synthetic routes for improved yields and scalability.
  • Design and interpret experiments, including DoE, for reproducible scale-up.
  • Prepare, purify, and characterize chemical compounds; analyze impurities.
  • Document experiments and produce reports and batch records.
  • Assist with patent drafting by providing experimental data.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot and resolve issues.
  • Address customer synthesis requests and support application testing.

Benefits

  • Health insurance coverage.
  • Paid time off (PTO) for work-life balance.
  • Retirement contributions to support future savings.
  • Potential for performance-based bonuses.
Full Job Description
Your Role:
  • Plan and execute synthesis of organosilane/silicon-containing molecules at mg-kg scales, including setup, monitoring, and workup.
  • Develop and optimize routes for yield, selectivity, scalability, cost, and impurity profiles; propose alternatives.
  • Design and interpret experiments (DoE as appropriate) experiments and perform reproducible scale-up runs.
  • Prepare, purify, and characterize compounds (NMR, GC/GC-MS, TGA/DSC as needed) and analyze impurities.
  • Maintain thorough experimental records; produce lab reports, batch records, and SOPs for technology transfer.
  • Support patent drafting with experimental examples, claim review, and enabling data suggestions.
  • Collaborate with analytical, EH&S, engineering, and applications/OEM teams to resolve issues.
  • Respond to customer/OEM synthesis requests and support samples for applications testing.


Who You Are

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Master's Degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, or related science discipline.
  • Industrial or academic experience in silicon, organosilicon, or organometallic chemistry.
  • 2+ years of hands-on laboratory experience in multistep synthesis


Preferred Qualifications:
  • PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, or related science discipline.
  • Strong teamwork and stakeholder management, ability to work in highly diverse and agile environment
  • Curiosity and drive to learn and translate academic skills into industrial practice
  • Deep understanding of synthetic organic chemistry (mechanisms, functional group transformations) and organosilicon chemistry fundamentals
  • Hands-on experience with air/moisture-sensitive chemistry: Schlenk techniques & glovebox use
  • Ability to plan experiments, maintain accurate lab notebooks, and interpret analytical data (1H/13C/29Si NMR, GC-TCD/FID, GC-MS)
  • Strong practical skills in purification (distillation, crystallization) and medium-scale isolation
  • Familiarity with basic process-safety principles (hazard identification, risk assessments) and safe handling of silanes and pyrophoric reagents.
  • Good data analysis and presentation skills
  • Clear written and verbal communication in English; ability to write experimental sections and internal reports


Pay Range for this position: $102,000 - 132,000

The offer range represents the anticipated low and high end of the base pay compensation for this position. The actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, level of experience, education, skills, and other job-related factors. Position may be eligible for sales or performance-based bonuses. Benefits offered by the Company include health insurance, paid time off (PTO), retirement contributions, and other perquisites. For more information click here

RSREMD

About Merck Group

Merck Group Careers

There has never been a more opportune time to join Merck Group, a leading science and technology company in healthcare, life science, and performance materials. Merck Group offers a plethora of job opportunities that cater to a variety of skills and professional aspirations, making it an ideal environment for both seasoned experts and those at the start of their career journey.

Work You’ll Do

At Merck Group, every team member contributes to breakthrough innovations in healthcare, life sciences, and electronics. The company's commitment to diversity and innovation fuels its leadership in various sectors, driving growth and transformation globally. Merck Group’s career paths are diverse, offering positions that challenge individuals to use their skills in new ways every day, supported by robust training programs and development opportunities.

Explore Job Opportunities and Growth

Merck Group is not just about jobs; it's about building a career. With a vast array of positions, from research and development to marketing and sales, the company is keen on hiring and nurturing talent to lead industry transformation. Merck Group’s dedication to professional growth is evident in its comprehensive benefits package and performance management processes that aim to maximize individual potential.

Internship Programs

Starting with an internship at Merck Group can be a pivotal step in securing a prosperous career. Interns gain invaluable industry experience, working alongside seasoned professionals and engaging in projects that offer real-world applications of their studies. Internships often lead to full-time employment opportunities, providing a seamless transition from education to professional employment.

Inclusive Culture and Leadership

Merck Group is proud of its inclusive culture that embraces diversity and fosters an environment where all employees can thrive. The company’s leadership is committed to creating a workplace where diverse ideas lead to innovative outcomes. Merck Group also offers diversity training to ensure all team members are equipped to contribute to the company’s inclusive goals.

Networking and Professional Development

Employees at Merck Group are encouraged to engage in networking and professional development activities that enhance their career trajectories. The company hosts various networking events, workshops, and seminars that are designed to hone skills and foster connections within the industry. Leadership development programs are also a cornerstone, preparing employees for future roles of increased responsibility.

Stay Connected with Merck Group Careers

Interested candidates can explore open positions that match their skills and interests through the Merck Group careers page. The company values curious, creative, and solution-driven team players who are eager to make an impact.

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Merck Group is continuously looking for individuals who are ready to drive innovation and lead in the global marketplace. Whether through full-time positions, internships, or leadership roles, Merck Group offers a career path filled with opportunities for growth, learning, and leadership.
Learn more about Merck Group
Industry
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
* Ladders Estimates

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