STEM OPT Postdoctoral Research Fellow Jobs
Postdoctoral Research Fellow roles at universities and research institutions are among the strongest fits for STEM OPT students. Your 24-month STEM OPT extension covers the full arc of a standard postdoc appointment, and most academic employers are already enrolled in E-Verify. Your STEM degree field must align with the CIP code on your I-20.
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Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Crystallization Sciences
Be a part of the legacy: Postdoctoral Research Fellow Program
Our Research Laboratories’ Postdoctoral Research Fellow Program aims to be a best-in-industry program for industrial postdoctoral researchers, designed to provide you with an academic focus in a commercial environment. With the resources, reach, and expertise of a large pharmaceutical company, postdoctoral researchers will be positioned to excel in an institution committed to breakthrough innovation in research and discovery.
Position Overview:
We are seeking a highly driven and motivated postdoctoral research scholar to join the Materials & Biophysical Characterization group within Analytical Research & Development. This individual will develop innovative high-throughput crystallization strategies and methodologies to discover new solid forms. The project will utilize automation techniques to screen various crystallization processes to control solid form outcomes. It will also involve high-throughput characterization techniques, such as Raman microscopy, optical microscopy, and powder X-ray diffraction, to effectively identify new solid forms using spectral and imaging data. Additionally, new analytical platforms will be developed utilizing machine learning and other analytical tools to process large datasets of spectra and images. These integrated approaches can significantly reduce the time and material consumption required for solid form discovery, while effectively constructing comprehensive solid form landscapes. The postdoctoral research scholar will collaborate closely with other functional areas, including Automation, Crystal Structure Prediction, Digital Science & Statistics, and Structure Elucidation.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Design and develop automated crystallization methodologies, and execute studies to discover and identify novel solid forms.
- Perform high-throughput physical characterization using Raman microscopy, high-throughput microscopy, or powder X-ray diffraction.
- Build analytical methods using machine learning or other analytical tools to process and analyze spectra or image datasets.
- Leverage traditional and advanced physical characterization and crystallography techniques to understand solid-state and structural properties, respectively.
- Interpret and present data to internal and external collaborators.
- Collaborate effectively with cross-functional and technical experts to facilitate scientific success and breakthroughs.
- Publish research in peer-reviewed journals and present work at scientific meetings.
- Ensure that safe laboratory practices are followed.
Education Minimum Requirement:
Candidates must currently hold a Ph.D. or receive a Ph.D. by the summer of 2026. Preferred educational background includes but is not restricted to Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutics, Physical Chemistry, or a related field.
Required Experience and Skills:
- Experience in physical characterization (Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, crystallography, thermal analysis, etc.) of organic and/or inorganic materials.
- Experience in crystallization and crystal growth.
- Interest in automation, high-throughput physical characterization, and machine learning.
- Proven ability to independently design and execute experiments, interpret data, and identify appropriate follow-up studies.
- Track record of adaptability, creativity, critical thinking, innovation, integrity, and teamwork.
- Strong attention to detail with the ability to multi-task and handle multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
- Strong track record of scientific achievements (publications, patent, etc.) and effective writing skills.
Preferred Experience and Skills:
- Experience in automation, Raman microscopy, and crystallography.
- Knowledge and skills in machine learning or large dataset analytics.
- Demonstrated ability to be productive and a strong aptitude for learning and adopting new techniques and technologies.
The salary range for this role is: $82,000
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.
Required Skills:
Analytical Chemistry, Confocal Raman Microscopy, Crystallography, Data Analysis, Raman Spectroscopy, Solid State Chemistry, Spectroscopy, X-RAY CRYSTALLOGRAPHY
Preferred Skills:
Analytical Method, Analytical Research, Scientific Writing
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
U.S. Hybrid Work Model
Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office-based positions in the U.S. will be working a Hybrid work consisting of three total days on-site per week, Monday - Thursday, although the specific days may vary by site or organization, with Friday designated as a remote-working day, unless business critical tasks require an on-site presence. This Hybrid work model does not apply to, and daily in-person attendance is required for, field-based positions; facility-based, manufacturing-based, or research-based positions where the work to be performed is located at a Company site; positions covered by a collective-bargaining agreement (unless the agreement provides for hybrid work); or any other position for which the Company has determined the job requirements cannot be reasonably met working remotely. Please note, this Hybrid work model guidance also does not apply to roles that have been designated as “remote”.
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:
Regular
Relocation:
Domestic
VISA Sponsorship:
Yes
Travel Requirements:
No Travel Required
Flexible Work Arrangements:
Not Applicable
Shift:
Not Indicated
Valid Driving License:
No
Hazardous Material(s):
N/A
Job Posting End Date:
05/11/2026
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: R395834
Job Description
Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Crystallization Sciences
Be a part of the legacy: Postdoctoral Research Fellow Program
Our Research Laboratories’ Postdoctoral Research Fellow Program aims to be a best-in-industry program for industrial postdoctoral researchers, designed to provide you with an academic focus in a commercial environment. With the resources, reach, and expertise of a large pharmaceutical company, postdoctoral researchers will be positioned to excel in an institution committed to breakthrough innovation in research and discovery.
Position Overview:
We are seeking a highly driven and motivated postdoctoral research scholar to join the Materials & Biophysical Characterization group within Analytical Research & Development. This individual will develop innovative high-throughput crystallization strategies and methodologies to discover new solid forms. The project will utilize automation techniques to screen various crystallization processes to control solid form outcomes. It will also involve high-throughput characterization techniques, such as Raman microscopy, optical microscopy, and powder X-ray diffraction, to effectively identify new solid forms using spectral and imaging data. Additionally, new analytical platforms will be developed utilizing machine learning and other analytical tools to process large datasets of spectra and images. These integrated approaches can significantly reduce the time and material consumption required for solid form discovery, while effectively constructing comprehensive solid form landscapes. The postdoctoral research scholar will collaborate closely with other functional areas, including Automation, Crystal Structure Prediction, Digital Science & Statistics, and Structure Elucidation.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Design and develop automated crystallization methodologies, and execute studies to discover and identify novel solid forms.
- Perform high-throughput physical characterization using Raman microscopy, high-throughput microscopy, or powder X-ray diffraction.
- Build analytical methods using machine learning or other analytical tools to process and analyze spectra or image datasets.
- Leverage traditional and advanced physical characterization and crystallography techniques to understand solid-state and structural properties, respectively.
- Interpret and present data to internal and external collaborators.
- Collaborate effectively with cross-functional and technical experts to facilitate scientific success and breakthroughs.
- Publish research in peer-reviewed journals and present work at scientific meetings.
- Ensure that safe laboratory practices are followed.
Education Minimum Requirement:
Candidates must currently hold a Ph.D. or receive a Ph.D. by the summer of 2026. Preferred educational background includes but is not restricted to Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutics, Physical Chemistry, or a related field.
Required Experience and Skills:
- Experience in physical characterization (Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, crystallography, thermal analysis, etc.) of organic and/or inorganic materials.
- Experience in crystallization and crystal growth.
- Interest in automation, high-throughput physical characterization, and machine learning.
- Proven ability to independently design and execute experiments, interpret data, and identify appropriate follow-up studies.
- Track record of adaptability, creativity, critical thinking, innovation, integrity, and teamwork.
- Strong attention to detail with the ability to multi-task and handle multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
- Strong track record of scientific achievements (publications, patent, etc.) and effective writing skills.
Preferred Experience and Skills:
- Experience in automation, Raman microscopy, and crystallography.
- Knowledge and skills in machine learning or large dataset analytics.
- Demonstrated ability to be productive and a strong aptitude for learning and adopting new techniques and technologies.
The salary range for this role is: $82,000
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.
Required Skills:
Analytical Chemistry, Confocal Raman Microscopy, Crystallography, Data Analysis, Raman Spectroscopy, Solid State Chemistry, Spectroscopy, X-RAY CRYSTALLOGRAPHY
Preferred Skills:
Analytical Method, Analytical Research, Scientific Writing
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
U.S. Hybrid Work Model
Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office-based positions in the U.S. will be working a Hybrid work consisting of three total days on-site per week, Monday - Thursday, although the specific days may vary by site or organization, with Friday designated as a remote-working day, unless business critical tasks require an on-site presence. This Hybrid work model does not apply to, and daily in-person attendance is required for, field-based positions; facility-based, manufacturing-based, or research-based positions where the work to be performed is located at a Company site; positions covered by a collective-bargaining agreement (unless the agreement provides for hybrid work); or any other position for which the Company has determined the job requirements cannot be reasonably met working remotely. Please note, this Hybrid work model guidance also does not apply to roles that have been designated as “remote”.
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:
Regular
Relocation:
Domestic
VISA Sponsorship:
Yes
Travel Requirements:
No Travel Required
Flexible Work Arrangements:
Not Applicable
Shift:
Not Indicated
Valid Driving License:
No
Hazardous Material(s):
N/A
Job Posting End Date:
05/11/2026
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: R395834
See all 219+ Postdoctoral Research Fellow jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Postdoctoral Research Fellow roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization in Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Verify your CIP code before applying
Your STEM OPT extension depends on the Classification of Instructional Programs code tied to your degree, not just your major title. Cross-check your I-20's CIP code against USCIS's list of STEM-designated programs before targeting postdoc openings in a specific field.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Universities and national labs almost always participate in E-Verify, but private research institutes sometimes don't. Search the E-Verify employer search tool by institution name to confirm enrollment before your DSO submits your STEM OPT extension application.
Build your I-983 training plan around research deliverables
Your I-983 must name specific learning objectives tied to your STEM degree field. For postdocs, map each objective to a defined research milestone, such as a published paper or lab method, so your training plan survives a SEVIS audit.
Target labs with recurring postdoc pipelines
PIs who have supervised postdocs before understand the E-Verify and I-983 requirements and won't be surprised by them. Search DOL LCA disclosure data by job title and institution to find labs with a consistent pattern of sponsoring postdoctoral roles on work authorization.
Search Migrate Mate to find E-Verify enrolled research employers
Postdoc openings at non-E-Verify employers disqualify you for STEM OPT before an offer is even made. Migrate Mate filters postdoctoral positions to show only employers enrolled in E-Verify, so you don't waste applications on institutions that can't authorize your extension.
Start your extension application 90 days before OPT ends
USCIS requires your STEM OPT extension application to be filed before your initial OPT EAD expires. A timely filing triggers a 180-day cap-gap that keeps you authorized while USCIS adjudicates, but the clock starts only if you file on time.
Postdoctoral Research Fellow jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Postdoctoral Research Fellow JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does a Postdoctoral Research Fellow role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, if your degree field matches the CIP code on your I-20 and the postdoc involves work directly related to that field. Most postdoc appointments at universities and research institutions satisfy the STEM OPT requirement because the research directly applies knowledge from your STEM degree. Your DSO confirms eligibility when recommending the extension in SEVIS.
Does my postdoctoral employer need to be enrolled in E-Verify?
Yes. E-Verify enrollment is a hard requirement for STEM OPT employers. Without it, your employer can't legally employ you on the extension regardless of the role's research content. Most universities and federal research labs are already enrolled, but confirm enrollment through the E-Verify employer search before accepting any offer, not after.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for a postdoc position?
The I-983 must list specific learning objectives tied to your STEM degree field, the supervision structure, and how the employer will evaluate your progress. For postdocs, frame each objective around a concrete research deliverable, such as completing a set of experiments or co-authoring a publication, and have your PI sign off before your DSO submits the recommendation.
What happens to my STEM OPT authorization if my postdoc appointment ends early?
You have a 60-day grace period after your employment ends to find a new qualifying employer, change status, or depart the U.S. If you start a new postdoc, your new employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify and a new or amended I-983 is required. Your DSO must be notified within five business days of any material change in your training plan.
How do I find Postdoctoral Research Fellow openings at E-Verify enrolled employers?
Migrate Mate filters postdoc listings to show only employers enrolled in E-Verify, which is the threshold requirement for STEM OPT eligibility. You can also cross-reference DOL LCA disclosure data to see which research institutions have a track record of hiring on work authorization for postdoctoral job titles before you invest time in an application.
See which Postdoctoral Research Fellow employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
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