Leader of Structure Biology and Protein Chemistry

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Merck Group seeks a Director of Structural Biology and Protein Chemistry to lead a 10+ person team onsite in Billerica, MA, setting strategy across a broad drug discovery portfolio and driving programs from target validation to early clinical candidates. You will integrate structural, functional and mechanistic data to inform medicinal chemistry, antibody engineering, and modalities, collaborate with biology, pharmacology and DMPK, manage CRO partners, and contribute to IP strategy while mentoring talent. Ideal candidates hold a PhD in structural biology or a related field with 10+ years in pharma or biotech and at least 5 years in leadership, plus a proven IND enabling track record and hands on protein expression, purification and structure determination (X-ray, cryo-EM or NMR). Preferred: ADCs, bispecifics, PROTACs, covalent inhibitors and strong external collaborations and IP contributions. Pay range 237,300 to 355,900 plus benefits. Apply now and tailor your CV to highlight end to end impact and IP work.

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Your Role

At the intersection of structural science and therapeutic innovation, this role offers a rare opportunity to define how structure-guided insights translate into life-changing medicines. As Director, Structural Biology & Protein Chemistry, you will lead a team of more than ten scientists, setting the strategic direction for structural biology and protein chemistry across a broad and ambitious drug discovery portfolio. You will drive programs from target validation through to early clinical candidates, integrating structural, functional, and mechanistic data to inform medicinal chemistry, antibody engineering, and therapeutic modality decisions. Operating with significant autonomy, you will partner closely with biology, pharmacology, and DMPK functions, manage external collaborations and CRO partnerships, and contribute to IP strategy by translating structural findings into patentable discoveries. You will also champion scientific excellence and mentor the next generation of structural biology talent.

Who You Are

Basic/Minimum Qualifications:

• PhD in Structural Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, or a closely related field, with at least 10 years of relevant experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology sector.
• Minimum 5 years of direct leadership or managerial experience, with a demonstrated ability to build, develop, and retain high-performing scientific teams.
• Proven track record of delivering drug discovery programs from target validation through to clinical candidates, including Pre-IND or IND-enabling experience.
• Hands-on expertise in the expression, purification, stabilization, and biophysical characterization of challenging protein targets, including membrane and soluble proteins.
• Proficiency in at least one structure determination technology, such as X-ray crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), or nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), with experience in hybrid or integrative structural approaches.
• Record of high-impact publications demonstrating structural and mechanistic insights relevant to drug discovery.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with emerging therapeutic modalities, including antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), bispecific antibodies, PROTACs, or covalent inhibitors.
• Established external network with academic institutions or industry partners to accelerate drug discovery programs.
• Experience contributing to patent filings and intellectual property strategy based on structural biology findings.
• Familiarity with modern data management, bioinformatics, and collaboration tools used in structural biology and drug discovery.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex structural data clearly to senior leadership and non-specialist stakeholders.

Pay Transparency

Pay Range for this position: $237,300.00 - $355,900.00

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. 

US Equal Employment Opportunities

The Company is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. No employee or applicant for employment will be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, gender identity, transgender status, marital status, or any other classification protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. This policy of Equal Employment Opportunity applies to all policies and programs relating to recruitment and hiring, promotion, compensation, benefits, discipline, termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment. Any applicant or employee who believes they have been discriminated against by the Company or anyone acting on behalf of the Company must report any concerns to their Human Resources Business Partner, Legal, or Compliance immediately. The Company will not retaliate against any individual because they made a good faith report of discrimination.

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Apply now and become a part of a team that is dedicated to Sparking Discovery and Elevating Humanity!