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Merck Postdoc Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Merck Postdoc information

See California salary details

$32.1K

$53.7K

$81.9K

How much do merck postdoc jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for merck postdoc in California is $53,749.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,400.00 and $56,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Merck Postdoc vs Merck Research Scientist?

AspectMerck PostdocMerck Research Scientist
Required CredentialsPhD or equivalent in relevant fieldMaster's or PhD in relevant field, often with industry experience
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic-style setting, focus on training and developmentIndustry research labs, product development, and applied research
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily academic and research institutions, including Merck's R&D divisionFull-time industry role within Merck, involved in ongoing projects and product pipelines

The Merck Postdoc position is typically a temporary research-focused role aimed at gaining experience and developing skills, often held by individuals with a PhD. In contrast, a Merck Research Scientist is a permanent industry role involving active participation in research projects, product development, and applying scientific expertise within Merck's commercial operations.

What is a Merck postdoc?

A Merck Postdoc is a postdoctoral researcher who conducts advanced scientific research at Merck, a leading global pharmaceutical company. These positions are designed for recent Ph.D. graduates seeking to gain further experience and training in their field, often focusing on drug discovery, development, or related biomedical sciences. Merck Postdocs work under the guidance of experienced scientists, contribute to innovative projects, and often collaborate with academic and industry partners. The goal is to provide an environment that fosters scientific growth and prepares researchers for successful careers in industry or academia.

What types of projects and collaborations can a Merck postdoc expect to be involved in during their fellowship?

As a Merck Postdoc, you can expect to work on innovative, cross-disciplinary research projects that align with Merck’s strategic areas, such as drug discovery, process development, or data science. Postdocs often collaborate closely with both internal teams—such as scientists, engineers, and clinical experts—and external academic or industry partners. This collaborative environment not only fosters professional growth but also provides exposure to the latest technologies and methodologies in pharmaceutical research. Additionally, postdocs are encouraged to present findings at conferences and contribute to publications, helping to build a strong professional network and portfolio.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Merck postdoc, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Merck Postdoc, you need a PhD in a relevant scientific field, strong research abilities, and a proven track record of peer-reviewed publications. Expertise with laboratory techniques, data analysis software (e.g., R, Python), and familiarity with industry-standard protocols are typically required. Excellent problem-solving skills, collaboration, and effective scientific communication help a postdoc stand out in cross-functional teams. These skills enable impactful research contributions, drive innovation, and support Merck's mission in advancing healthcare solutions.

What cities in California are hiring for Merck Postdoc jobs?

Cities in California with the most Merck Postdoc job openings:

Infographic showing various Merck Postdoc job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,749 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Senior Scientist, Process Chemistry

Merck & Co.

South San Francisco, CA

$131K - $206K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Merck rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 51 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

43rd of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Job DescriptionOur Company is currently seeking an exceptional chemist to join the Discovery Process Chemistry group located at our South San Francisco, CA site. This role offers the opportunity to join a vibrant group of innovative laboratory scientists with broad impacts across our late discovery and early development portfolios.Core responsibilities include the development of innovative solutions to complex chemistry problems across a different portfolio of projects in the discovery phase, from lead identification through candidate selection. A successful candidate is expected to apply cutting edge methodologies to synthetic route design in order to enable medicinal chemistry research and accelerate the delivery of active pharmaceutical ingredients in support of pre-clinical and clinical studies. Close collaboration is expected with colleagues across the Process and Medicinal Chemistry networks and throughout the Discovery and Preclinical functions.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.QUALIFICATIONS:Education:Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or related discipline achieved or expected by June 2027 and relevant research experience in synthetic organic chemistry, including Ph.D. or postdoctoral studies-Required Experience and Skills: -Must have conducted outstanding research in their field of expertise that may be shared during the interview processDemonstrated creativity and innovation in problem solvingProductivity and efficiency working in the labStrong written and oral communication skillsExcellent collaboration skillsEstablished scientific reputation supported by publications and external presentations#EligibleforERPRequired Skills: Chemistry, Collaboration, Innovation, Interpersonal Communication, Medicinal Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Organic Synthesis, Process Chemistry, Self Motivation, Synthetic BiologyPreferred Skills: Current Employees apply HERE Current Contingent Workers apply HERE US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process. 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:EEOC Know Your Rights EEOC GINA Supplement• We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another's thinking and approach problems collectively.Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts The salary range for this role is $131,400.00 - $206,800.00This 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. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits .You can apply for this role through https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting. San Francisco Residents Only: -We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance Los Angeles Residents Only: -We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance 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: RegularRelocation:Domestic/InternationalVISA Sponsorship:Yes Travel Requirements: 10%Flexible Work Arrangements:Not ApplicableShift:1st - DayValid Driving License:NoHazardous Material(s):N/AJob Posting End Date:08/25/2026 *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:R411736 Salary: . Date posted: 08/12/2026

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