Principal Scientist, Lab Platform Disruptive Technologies

Merck • Cambridge, MA

4d • $194,100 - $305,600 • Onsite

About The Position

Discovery Biologics Disruptive Technologies is seeking a talented and experienced scientist to lead the development and deployment of next-gen lab-based experimental technologies to enable rapid, data-driven biologics discovery. This individual will identify and translate emerging, literature-supported technologies into scalable internal capabilities, with a focus on multiplying both the scale and speed of quantitative data generation (e.g., binding measurements) to advance therapeutic programs via GenAI/ML-driven discovery and iterative design-make-test cycles. The role includes leading a team with expectation for strong hands-on contribution to method development, and will be accountable for driving measurable program and broader organizational impact. The role is based out of our Cambridge, MA facility.

Requirements

• PhD in Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Chemical Biology, or related field with 7+ years directly relevant industry experience; MS or BS with 12+ years industry experience.
• Experience developing large-scale, high throughput quantitative experimental methods for biologics discovery
• Experience translating published or externally developed methods into demonstrably valuable internal capabilities
• Proven leadership track record
• Demonstrated expertise advancing validated assays and methods toward broad organizational impact
• Deep hands-on expertise in one or more of: Quantitative pooled binding assays (10k+ sequences), Rapid and high throughput advanced endpoint assays (e.g. cell-based function, stability, localization, etc), Lab-on-chip technologies and protein arrays, Microfluidics
• Proven success in leadership, talent development and mentorship
• Strong understanding of biochemistry and biophysical characterization methods
• Cross-function project leadership track record
• Strong ability to collaborate across reporting lines, especially with protein engineers and data scientists

Nice To Haves

• Strong demonstrated understanding of protein structure-function relationships
• Experience applying in vitro transcription and translation (IVTT)
• Direct experience in biophysical protein characterization
• Therapeutic high throughput pre-developability and developability assessment
• Automation and scalable experimental workflows
• Experience in workflows leveraging generative AI ML

Responsibilities

• Develop and mature rapid, quantitative and high-throughput lab-based capabilities for biologics hit identification and optimization
• Build and execute a technology platform roadmap for arrayed and pooled technologies, from proof-of-concept through widespread program adoption
• Partner effectively with computational protein engineering and data science groups toward efficient, integrated next-gen discovery workflows
• Drive capability improvements in data richness, speed, throughput
• Lead a talented team of lab-based scientists
• As a hands-on individual contributor, realize and maximize program impact of emerging technologies
• Collaborate effectively across geography and reporting lines
• Establish rigorous benchmarks (e.g. throughput, speed, reproducibility, data quality) and success criteria

Benefits

• medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family)
• retirement benefits, including 401(k)
• paid holidays
• vacation
• compassionate and sick days

What This Job Offers

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