At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our dynamic Separations team, focusing on chromatography and method development.
- Company: MSD is a leading employer committed to diversity and innovation in drug discovery.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative culture, cutting-edge facilities, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant team making a real impact in life-changing medicine.
- Qualifications: BSc or MSc in Chemistry or related field; experience with LCMS and chromatography required.
- Other info: Applications close on 22nd July 2025; flexible work arrangements not applicable.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 Β£ per year.
Job Description
This job is with MSD, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. Please do not contact the recruiter directly.
Job Description
Our company has grown an interdisciplinary team of scientists in London and has exciting plans to evolve further from our recent expansion into 'Skylab' at the Francis Crick Institute to the move into our new 'state of the art' London Discovery Research Centre and UK headquarters at the heart of London's Knowledge Quarter in 2027. This will be home to approximately 180 scientists alongside other colleagues in clinical, regulatory, and business roles, including marketing, finance, and administration.
Our teams combine leading drug discovery capabilities and world-class R&D with the purpose of turning breakthrough science into life-changing medicines, applying leading-edge chemistry to support target validation and identify high quality clinical candidates.
We are currently recruiting a Scientist to join a growing Separations team in a laboratory-based role. The successful candidate will actively participate in a vibrant culture as part of a diverse and collaborative multidisciplinary team. The candidate must have strong organisation skills, be highly self-motivated and have excellent written and oral communication abilities.
Primary responsibilities include:
- Acting as a super-user of LCMS/HPLC Open Access capabilities on both an analytical and preparative scale
- Maintaining and troubleshooting various chromatographic instrumentation
- Supporting medicinal chemists with analytical and purification method optimisation
In addition, the candidate will share and apply the best practices to enable continuous chromatography improvement. This will involve driving the execution of compound purification and method development.
To accomplish the above the successful candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal communication, flexibility, time management and a keen initiative to support project needs. This will involve liaising with multiple departments across the network.
Education Minimum Requirement:
- The candidate will possess a BSc or MSc in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or other physical science
Required Experience:
- Understanding of analytical and separation chemistry concepts, including Reverse-Phase chromatography
- Hands-on experience using LCMS (Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy) in an analytical/purification lab
- The ability to perform accurate and timely work
- High self-motivation, a collaborative mindset and an attention to detail. A keen willingness to learn to support cross-functional teams across growing research programs
Preferred Experience and Skills:
- Setup and ability to troubleshoot analytical and preparative HPLC instrumentation
- Knowledge of HPLC and/or SFC purification of small molecules
- Experience in method development using achiral and/or chiral techniques
- Ability to multi-task and deliver on multiple priorities simultaneously
- Experience of high-throughput automation and instrumentation
Closing date for applications: 22nd July 2025
Current Employees apply HERE
Current Contingent Workers apply HERE
Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.
Employee Status:
Regular
Relocation:
VISA Sponsorship:
Travel Requirements:
Flexible Work Arrangements:
Not Applicable
Shift:
Valid Driving License:
Hazardous Material(s):
Required Skills:
Adaptability, Analytical Instrumentation, Analytical Method Development, Analytical Problem Solving, Analytical Testing, Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADC), Business, Chemistry Techniques, Communication, Detail-Oriented, Laboratory Safety, Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS), Organic Synthesis, Preparative Chromatography, Purification Methods, Reverse Phase Chromatography, Science, Social Collaboration
Preferred Skills:
Job Posting End Date:
07/23/2025
*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.
Requisition ID:R356819
#LI-DNI
Scientist - Separation Sciences employer: MSD
Contact Detail:
MSD Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Scientist - Separation Sciences
β¨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in LCMS and HPLC technologies. Being able to discuss recent developments or innovations during your interview can demonstrate your passion and commitment to the field.
β¨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the separation sciences community, especially those who work at MSD or similar companies. Engaging in conversations about their experiences can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
β¨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your problem-solving skills by thinking of specific examples where you've successfully troubleshot chromatographic instrumentation or optimised methods. This will highlight your hands-on experience and analytical thinking.
β¨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your collaborative mindset by discussing any past experiences where you worked cross-functionally. Highlighting your ability to liaise with different departments will show that you're a team player, which is crucial for this role.
We think you need these skills to ace Scientist - Separation Sciences
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in analytical and separation chemistry, particularly with LCMS and HPLC. Use specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your skills and achievements in these areas.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for drug discovery and your understanding of the role. Mention how your background in chemistry or biochemistry aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Highlight Soft Skills: In your application, emphasise your strong organisational skills, self-motivation, and ability to work collaboratively. Provide examples of how you've successfully communicated and liaised with different teams in previous positions.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects attention to detail, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at MSD
β¨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience with LCMS and HPLC. Highlight specific projects where you successfully used these techniques, as this will demonstrate your practical knowledge and problem-solving abilities.
β¨Emphasise Collaboration
Since the role involves working within a multidisciplinary team, share examples of how you've effectively collaborated with others in past roles. This could include cross-departmental projects or teamwork in laboratory settings.
β¨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Given the need for strong organisation and time management, prepare to discuss how you prioritise tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously. Use specific examples to illustrate your approach.
β¨Prepare Questions About Company Culture
Research MSD's values and culture, especially their commitment to inclusivity. Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in their work environment and how you can contribute to their diverse team.