The  Informatics team at Rosetta is rich in talented scientists specializing in mathematical and statistical modeling, algorithm development, data analysis, computational genomics, statistical genetics, and experiment design. Members drive a variety of cutting-edge research projects poised to revolutionize the drug discovery process. We are scanning the entire human and mouse genomes with expression arrays to discover novel genes, identify novel alternatively spliced forms of genes, and characterize genes with respect to their biological function. Using expression arrays, proteomics, and other data, effects of genetic and chemical influences in the cell are being decoded in detail to improve the success rate for new compounds and lay the foundation for personalized medicine. By considering gene expression values as quantitative traits, we are establishing a genetic map of gene expression for the human and other mammalian genomes and will use this information to identify genes and pathways for complex human diseases. Informatics researchers work closely with biologists in therapeutic areas such as central nervous system disorders, heart disease, and obesity, to have the greatest impact on drug discovery and human health.

Molecular Informatics

Senior Research Scientist – Computational Biology

The Molecular Informatics department at Rosetta Inpharmatics is looking for a highly motivated scientist to contribute to efforts to synthesize, define, and broadly deploy genomics data and methods in support of global drug discovery and development programs at Merck.

As part of a multidisciplinary team of molecular biologists, computational biologists, statisticians, and software engineers, the successful candidate will:

• Define scientific specifications and functional requirements for a genome-wide high-performance transcript clustering algorithm, and work closely with a software development team to implement a sustainable, robust, automated pipeline for genome annotation.
• Help define and implement strategy for applying next-generation sequencing technologies for gaining biological insight into the genome and transcriptome; develop and apply algorithms and statistical models to analyze and interpret extremely high volumes of data in order to probe gene expression, DNA mutation, epigenetics, and genomic structural variation

· Integrate genome-wide sequence, gene expression, proteomics, pathway, DNA copy number, and genome-wide association databases to support drug target discovery and personalized medicine.

• Collaborate with therapeutic area biologists to provide bioinformatics support for ongoing drug discovery and development projects; in particular utilizing computational genomics approaches to generate biological insights that can applied to drug target and biomarker discovery.

The requirements for this position include

• A Ph.D. in computational biology, bioinformatics, computer science or related field, or equivalent experience;
• A proven track record in developing algorithms for genomic analysis including genome mapping, transcript clustering, and functional prediction of coding and non-coding genes
• Strong background in molecular and genome biology
• Proficiency in programming languages (Perl, C, C++) in a Unix/Linux environment. Experience with high-performance Linux cluster is a plus.
• One year experience developing bioinformatics applications for relational databases
• A solid background in statistics, including familiarity with mathematics and statistics packages such as Matlab and R
• Excellent oral and written communication skills. A proven track record of flexibility and successful teamwork.

Consistently cited as a great place to work, we discover, develop, manufacture and market a wide range of vaccines and medicines to address unmet medical needs. Each of our employees is joined by an extraordinary sense of purpose – bringing Merck’s finest achievements to people around the world. We offer an excellent salary and an industry-ranked benefits program, including tuition reimbursement, work-life balance initiatives and developmental programs at all levels. Merck’s retirement package includes a pension plan and one of the best 401(k) plans in the nation.

To be considered for this position, please visit our career site at www.merck.com/careers to create a profile and submit your resume for requisition # SCI003523. Merck is an equal opportunity employer, M/F/D/V.

Bioinformatics Research Scientist /Product Manager

Merck & Co. Inc., established in 1891, is a global research-driven pharmaceutical company dedicated to putting patients first. Join us and experience our culture first-hand – one of strong ethics & integrity, diversified experiences and a resounding passion for improving human health. As part of our global team, you’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with talented and dedicated colleagues while developing and expanding your career.

The Molecular Informatics department at Rosetta Inpharmatics LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc. seeks a talented, self-motivated leader to define and execute MRL software tool development strategy to support target prioritization decision making for drug discovery. The successful candidate interact closely with franchise leadership and key stakeholders to define use cases and needs and will collaborate with a diverse team of software engineers and computational biologists to implement content integration and software needs for assembling and assessing diverse data relevant to validating and prioritizing targets for specific disease indications.

Primary Responsibilities include:

· Manage development strategy for new and mature software systems providing integrated genomics information and workflows for a large user base within Merck. In particular, this position will be responsible to collaboratively define and implement novel informatics solutions to support data integration, mining, visualization and reporting needs related to target prioritization efforts, utilizing diverse proprietary and public data sources including gene functional annotation, gene expression, siRNA screening, genetic association and causality, phenotypic information, literature and pathway data.

· Develop novel approaches for analysis of genomic and chemical content and apply such methods to provide effective metrics for prioritization of novel targets with respect to biological/mechanistic relevance, tractability, and potential for off target effects.

· Interact with franchise leadership, Molecular Profiling franchise contacts, and MRL biologists and chemists to identify, prioritize and address data integration and bioinformatics needs by translation into functional requirements for software tools in alignment with departmental resources.

· Coordinate with product managers of other Molecular Informatics software tools to define and enable functional integration between tools to support a coherent user experience.

· Participate in defining and executing strategy for integrating genomic tools and data types with cheminformatics and assay data repositories and software systems provide workflow-driven data integration platforms.

· Work collaboratively with software developers and architects to enable effective solutions making efficient use of development resources; coordinate with scientists and analysts to ensure effective data presentation and interpretability.

· Direct efforts of contract resources for user training and documentation. Coordinate user training and workshops for scientists at multiple sites, working with a technical instructor and scientists developing content and algorithms supporting tools.

Requirements for this position

· Ph.D, or equivalent experience, in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology or related field with bioinformatics/genomics experience and training.

· Excellent communication skills with ability to effectively communicate with diverse groups including software engineers, bench scientists, data analysts, and upper management.

· Experience with software design, user interface design and product management.

· Ability to manage complex and shifting requirements. Project management experience is desirable.

· Attention to detail and excellent organizational skills are a must.

· Proficiency in programming, statistical and database skills, including Perl, Linux/Unix , Matlab, R, and/or SQL.

· Familiarity with the drug discovery, target identification and target validation is a highly desired.

Consistently cited as a great place to work, we discover, develop, manufacture and market a wide range of vaccines and medicines to address unmet medical needs. Each of our employees is joined by an extraordinary sense of purpose – bringing Merck’s finest achievements to people around the world. We offer an excellent salary and an industry-ranked benefits program, including tuition reimbursement, work-life balance initiatives and developmental programs at all levels. Merck’s retirement package includes a pension plan and one of the best 401(k) plans in the nation.

To be considered for this position, please visit our career site at www.merck.com/careers to create a profile and submit your resume for requisition # SCI003498. Merck is an equal opportunity employer, M/F/D/V.

Technical Instructor, Molecular Informatics (Contract Position)

The Molecular Informatics department of Rosetta Inpharmatics LLC has a contract position for a Technical Instructor to provide training on internally developed software tools designed to meet bioinformatics needs of biologists working with genes, proteins, genomic data sets, and biological pathways. Responsibilities include learning and teaching applications developed by the Molecular Informatics department; learning and training scientists about the content available in these applications, understanding the methods and workflows that are used to integrate these software tools with other applications in use by MRL scientists; developing on-line and live curriculum; working with resources from the MRL RIS department to schedule and deliver training that meets the needs of the MRL user base; following up with trainees to gauge and improve instruction, retention, and tool utilization.

This is a 60% time contract position with flexible hours. The position is based out of Seattle, and includes travel to multiple Merck sites (New Jersey, Pennsylvania, San Francisco, Boston, Montreal) including possible international travel (Japan, Italy). If you have an interest in helping scientists to get the most of bioinformatics tools and in making scientific tools better meet the needs of scientists, join our diverse team of computational biologists, software engineers and genomic technologists, supporting and delivering the most commonly used bioinformatics tools at Merck.

Primary Responsibilities Include:

• Deliver integrated technical training to MRL researchers as part of a comprehensive approach to genomic and pathways analysis tools training. Training will fit both into a live format, requiring travel to Merck research sites, and an online format.
• Work with members of the Rosetta Informatics department and the Rosetta researchers to understand internal Informatics applications and scientific content available in these applications.
• Keep training current for the internal applications through careful coordination with the product managers.
• Track progress/success of training using feedback forms, rosters, and verbal/written communication with customer’s point of contact.
• Assist in testing of new software releases and provide feedback regarding functionality and usability to the project managers.
• Assist in developing, editing and testing new course material, including training examples and exercises and online help and documentation.
• Maintain knowledge necessary to be deemed a content expert on all products (e.g. reading, interaction with subject area experts within the company).
• Design, test, and modify multimedia presentations that are used in the classroom and through web-based training.

Qualifications

• Familiarity with concepts relating to genes, genomics, gene expression, and biological pathways.
• Experience with genomics and bioinformatics software tools such as the UCSC Genome Browser is highly desirable.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated customer service orientation with comprehension of how to solve problems and provide reassurance.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain poise under stress and to respond quickly, logically, and patiently to questions or requests.
• Familiarity with Windows operating system.
• Knowledge of Microsoft applications such as Office and Outlook
• Master's degree in Bioinformatics, Biology, or other related area or equivalent experience.
• Training experience is highly desirable.

To be considered for this position, please submit a cover letter and resume to carol_rohl@merck.com.

Please visit Merck’s website at www.merck.com/careers/, enter your profile and reference the job number of the position that interests you.Selected candidates will be contacted for interviews.

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