Principal Scientist, Antibody Discovery Innovation

We are on a quest for cures and are committed to be the world’s premier, most research-intensive biopharmaceutical company. Our teams combine leading drug discovery capabilities and world-class R&D with the purpose of turning breakthrough science into life-changing medicines.

We are seeking an exceptional and experienced scientist in the role of Principal Scientist in the South San Francisco Discovery Biologics group. The qualified candidate will be a scientist with a breadth and depth of expertise in immunization-based antibody discovery, including but not limited to expertise in adaptive immunity and B-cell biology, immunogen design, and experience with multiple hit finding platforms (e.g. high throughput microfluidics & NGS), in order to improve existing antibody discovery processes to help meet the needs for challenging targets and aggressive timelines. They will work closely with other team members and groups throughout the organization to help manage, perform, and troubleshoot antibody discovery programs.

We recognize that the diversity in our team is our strength, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Successful candidates must demonstrate inclusive behaviors in working with a diverse group of researchers to drive our core mission.

What you will do:

• Provide holistic leadership for in vivo antibody discovery strategies encompassing operations, innovation, and externalization
• Propose and lead technology development initiatives for in vivo de novo antibody discovery to increase candidate hit quality and decrease timelines
• Lead and participate in cross-functional discovery project teams in partnership with therapeutic area scientists
• As a member of the Antibody Generation leadership team, will work across groups within Discovery Biologics and with departments across Our Company’s enterprise to set and deliver on our strategic goals in pipeline advancement, scientific excellence, and talent development
• Foster a high-performance growth mindset culture of collaboration, engagement, self-accountability, and inclusion
• Stay abreast of external advancements in relevant scientific and technology fields
• Promote the external reputation of our company’s Discovery Biologics department

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• Ph.D. (with 8+ years) in biophysics, biochemistry, structural biology or related science discipline and relevant industry experience

Required Experience and Skills:

• Extensive experience in antibody drug discovery supporting therapeutic programs
• Depth of knowledge in adaptive immunity and B-cell biology
• Track record of driving scientific and platform innovations
• Experience leading therapeutic antibody discovery campaigns
• Track record of leading high-performance teams
• Established external reputation through publications, presentations, and/or scientific community engagement
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Ideal candidate will have experience in protein therapeutics beyond traditional mAbs including alternative non-Ig scaffolds, multi-specifics, fusion proteins, and ADCs
• Experience utilizing AI/ML to support lead identification and/or lead optimization efforts

#EligibleforERP

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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:

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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.

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The salary range for this role is

This 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.