Associate Principal Scientist, Discovery Oncology

Merck • South San Francisco, CA

17d • Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a highly motivated and innovative Associate Principal Scientist to join our Discovery Oncology team in South San Francisco. The successful candidate will have a strong track record in oncology and drug discovery and will lead the conception, design, and execution of discovery-stage research programs. In this role, you will partner closely with cross-functional teams across the organization to advance differentiated cancer therapies from target validation through early development.

Requirements

• PhD in Cancer Biology, Cell Biology, Pharmacology, Immunology, Biochemistry or a related discipline with four (4) years of relevant experience in oncology drug discovery
• Deep expertise in tumor biology, including cancer genomics and oncogenic signaling
• Extensive hands-on experience designing, executing, and analyzing multi-color flow cytometry and mechanistic cell-based assays (e.g., viability/cytotoxicity, cell cycle, signaling, and immune response readouts)
• Demonstrated ability to drive innovative research, evidenced by high-impact publications, patents, and/or successful advancement of discovery programs
• Passionate, creative, and collaborative scientist committed to improving outcomes for people living with cancer
• Broad technical expertise in molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry, and analytical methods
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, a positive, team-oriented mindset, and strong leadership potential

Nice To Haves

• Hands-on experience with novel therapeutic modalities (e.g., ADCs, TCEs, targeted protein degradation, RIPTACs)
• Familiarity with or in-depth knowledge of cancer dependency databases and other large-scale oncology datasets

Responsibilities

• Analyze the evolving oncology treatment landscape to identify gaps, unmet medical needs, and competitive opportunities
• Drive ideation and early-stage discovery efforts to deliver competitive oncology programs, leveraging internal expertise and emerging technologies
• Design, establish, and optimize in vitro and ex vivo assays to elucidate mechanisms of action and assess therapeutic potential
• Lead projects through effective cross-functional collaboration with stakeholders across the organization
• Make timely, data-driven decisions that balance innovation, risk, and experimental rigor
• Contribute to patents, IND-enabling activities, and high-quality research documentation and reports
• Communicate scientific strategy, rationale, and results clearly to internal teams and help build external scientific presence through publications, conference presentations, and collaborations

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
• annual bonus
• long-term incentive

What This Job Offers

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