Associate Principal Scientist, Biology-Discovery

Merck • Cambridge, MA

1d • $144,800 - $227,900 • Onsite

About The Position

Our company is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines and animal health products. As an R&D driven pharmaceutical company, we strive to excel and deliver medicines to patients worldwide through leading edge research, scientific breakthroughs and dedication to improving the lives of patients. The Discovery Immunology organization is developing and advancing innovative therapies for inflammatory and autoimmune diseases across Gastroenterology, Rheumatology and Dermatology, to address significant unmet medical needs. We are seeking an Associate Principal Scientist with a strong background in Immunology along with experience in drug discovery and precision medicine biomarker discovery to join our Autoimmunity, Autoinflammation and Atopy (AAA) Immunology Discovery team in Cambridge, MA. This role requires candidates to serve as a project co-lead on discovery teams leading projects from target validation to PCC, to co-lead on precision medicine discovery teams and to potentially manage scientist(s). These responsibilities include driving the design and implementation of innovative strategies to enable drug discovery and precision medicine. The successful candidate will have experience in leading cross-functional teams to support advancement of programs from early discovery to clinical candidate and precision medicine biomarker discovery. The successful candidate will be an individual with deep scientific curiosity, excellent oral and written communication skills, ability to work well independently and as part of a collaborative team, and ability to work on several projects simultaneously. Hands-on expertise and deep knowledge in immunology, autoimmunity, tolerance and inflammation are required.

Requirements

• Advanced Degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in immunology, cell biology or related biomedical science
• Minimum of 5 years of industry experience in drug discovery research with demonstrated experience contributing to precision medicine biomarker discovery and leading discovery-stage programs
• Strong immunology background with extensive knowledge of immune-mediated diseases across Gastroenterology, Rheumatology and Dermatology
• Broad experience in cell biology techniques, including, but not limited to, in vitro cell-based assays, immunoassays (eg. ELISA), multi-color flow cytometry, and molecular biology (e.g. RT-PCR)
• Proficiency in data analysis using Excel, Prism (GraphPad) and FlowJo
• Ability to work independently and operate effectively within cross-functional and matrixed teams
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Ability to lead by influencing and mentoring others
• Ability to communicate data and program strategies effectively to broad audiences
• Immunology, Autoimmune Diseases, Inflammation, Precision Medicine Discovery, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Program Leadership, Assay Development, Drug Discovery, Cross-Functional Teamwork
• Assay Development, Biochemical Assays, Cell-Based Assays, Detail-Oriented, Ethical Compliance, Flow Cytometry, High-Throughput Screening, Immunoassays, Immunochemistry, Immunology, Mammalian Cell Culture, Molecular Biology, Multi-Color Flow Cytometry, Protein Expression, Strategic Thinking, Working Independently

Nice To Haves

• Experience in precision medicine biomarker discovery
• Experience leading drug discovery programs in industry, including autoimmune diseases
• Prior experience working with multiple therapeutic modalities (small molecules, biologics, etc.)

Responsibilities

• Participate in and/or lead multiple cross-functional teams to advance precision medicine and therapeutic candidates from early discovery to clinic, ensuring successful and timely completion of project/program milestones
• Define and drive drug discovery immunology project/program strategies and collaborate effectively with colleagues within Discovery Immunology and across other functional areas to achieve organizational objectives
• Lead from the bench - independently designing, executing and interpreting complex in vitro studies aligned with program goals, while also mentoring other scientists
• Identify, validate and implement new and innovative approaches (including novel technologies) to increase efficiency and productivity and drive program progression
• Share expertise with colleagues and provide mentorship to less experienced scientists to ensure a culture of scientific rigor, collaboration and continuous learning
• Integrate and interpret complex data and communicate science and strategy to stakeholders and management

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree