Pros

The company has resources that are available in few other places. It has big pockets. This has not translated into FDA approved products however.

Cons

Merck Research Labs is going through tremendous change right now. The Basic Research area has been radically reorganized. Some people have been asked to move their families across the country to new, unspecified positions.
The changes expected from the Schering-Plough merger have not taken place. Who knows how that will impact many of us.
Meanwhile, all drug discovery research is on hold. This will set the company back at least two years at a time when others already have a leg up on the once prestigious Merck Research Labs.
I am ten-year veteran and am looking for some place else to contribute. I am sure I can do better.

Advice to Senior Management

Work to instill confidence. The water cooler conversations center around the competency of management.
There are too much politics guiding research.
Get rid of those leading the Boston site.