Principal Scientist, In Vivo Pharmacology, Oncology

Merck•Boston, MA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Our Discovery Quantitative Biosciences (QB) in vivo Pharmacology – Oncology team in Boston is searching for a collaborative and innovative Principal Scientist with a strong background in Oncology In Vivo Pharmacology. The successful candidate will be an experienced In Vivo cancer biologist who will direct Oncology reverse-translational activities while serving as a key intellectual contributor in the conception and execution of Oncology drug discovery projects. The role will involve building alliances with Discovery Oncology teams at the Boston and South San Francisco sites, championing new technologies (e.g., spatial biology using novel multi-plex immunohistochemistry capabilities), and interfacing with our global pharmacology network. The successful applicant will also have the skill sets to collaborate with teams in different functional area teams (e.g., Bioinformatics, Discovery Chemistry, and Discovery Biologics) in a highly matrixed system and with external partners. The successful candidate will lead Oncology in vivo scientists to: Perform experiments using preclinical species to support the discovery and clinical development of novel Oncology compounds. Manage external studies at CROs and academic collaborators including monitoring study execution and ensuring finalization of study reports within set timelines. Manage a group of in vivo scientists, providing guidance, mentorship, accountability, and professional development opportunities. Serve as a scientific leader in the Quantitative Biosciences (QB) department in Boston, partnering and aligning with our global, network-wide organizational objectives, and ensuring that we remain at the forefront of drug discovery. Represent the QB/Pharmacology functional area at therapeutic area governance forums, program teams, due diligence exercises, and/or cross-functional teams as needed. Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the QB/Pharmacology team, driving the development and adoption of new methodologies and technologies. Ensure compliance with company established practices and procedures, including laboratory notebooks, computer files, quality and regulatory guidelines, and safety standards.

Requirements

PhD in Oncology, Pharmacology, Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Immunology, Biotechnology, Molecular and Cell Biology, or related STEM field with 7+ years of industry / biotech experience in Oncology drug discovery, or an MS with 10+ years of experience, or a BS with 14+ years of experience.
Experience using preclinical models to evaluate the in vivo pharmacology of novel modality-agnostic oncology drugs (small molecules, antibodies, ADCs, TCEs etc).
Experience with multi-plex spatial biology capabilities including, but not limited to, immunohistochemistry, imaging mass cytometry, and PhenoCycler-Fusion.
Proven managerial/supervisory experience with a track record of training, developing talent, and mentoring team members in the field of Oncology/pharmacology and drug discovery.
Proficiency in complex problem-solving and the ability to influence strategy across organizational boundaries.
Strong skills in strategic thinking, effective communication, collaboration, balanced risk-taking, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Cancer Research
Drug Discovery Process
Immunoassays
Immunohistochemistry (IHC)
In Vivo Models
Leading Project Teams
Mass Spectrometry Imaging
Molecular Biology Techniques
Mouse Models
Multiplex Assays
Oncology
Pharmacokinetics
Pharmacology
Tumor Biology

Nice To Haves

Current Employees apply HERE
Current Contingent Workers apply HERE
US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:
The salary range for this role is $176,200.00 - $277,300.00
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.
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.
San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance
Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.
Employee Status: Regular
Relocation: Domestic
VISA Sponsorship: Yes
Travel Requirements: 25%
Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable
Shift: Not Indicated
Valid Driving License: No
Hazardous Material(s): Standard lab reagents
Job Posting End Date: 06/2/2026
A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.
Requisition ID:R397349

Responsibilities

Perform experiments using preclinical species to support the discovery and clinical development of novel Oncology compounds.
Manage external studies at CROs and academic collaborators including monitoring study execution and ensuring finalization of study reports within set timelines.
Manage a group of in vivo scientists, providing guidance, mentorship, accountability, and professional development opportunities.
Serve as a scientific leader in the Quantitative Biosciences (QB) department in Boston, partnering and aligning with our global, network-wide organizational objectives, and ensuring that we remain at the forefront of drug discovery.
Represent the QB/Pharmacology functional area at therapeutic area governance forums, program teams, due diligence exercises, and/or cross-functional teams as needed.
Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the QB/Pharmacology team, driving the development and adoption of new methodologies and technologies.
Ensure compliance with company established practices and procedures, including laboratory notebooks, computer files, quality and regulatory guidelines, and safety standards.