Merrill Lynch's credit research department is looking to hire a senior lead analyst for the basics sector. The hire could be at the v.p., director, or even managing director level, said Marc Pinto, managing director and head of credit research. "We think we can do more business in the high-grade and high-yield basics sectors--chemicals, paper, steel, metals and mining--and are making that area one of our major focuses," he stated. Overall, Merrill has hired about a half-dozen research analysts over the last six months and will continue to hire and increase its high-grade and high-yield research department, Pinto added.