Principal Scientist, Protein Engineering

Merck • South San Francisco, CA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking an innovative and experienced scientist to join the Discovery Biologics Protein Engineering department in South San Francisco to lead both functional area scientists and drug discovery programs. The Principal Scientist, Protein Engineering role carries leadership responsibilities as a functional SME and project team lead interfacing with multiple cross-site groups within the Discovery Biologics department and therapeutic areas. We recognize that in our team is our strength and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Successful candidates must demonstrate inclusive behaviors in working with a group of scientists to drive our core mission.

Requirements

• PhD in Protein Engineering, Biochemistry, Biology, Biophysics, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Immunology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Computational Protein Design, or related STEM field with 8+ years of applied experience, or an MS and 10+ year of applied experience or a B.S. and 14+ years of applied experience
• Demonstrated deep experience in advancing protein therapeutics from discovery to development, preferably in immune cell engagers
• Has established of a strong external reputation through high-impact publications, presentations, and scientific community engagement
• Excellent verbal and written communication and collaboration abilities
• Expertise in functional optimization of biologics, especially immune cell engagers, with demonstrated knowledge in guiding advantageous molecular designs in a competitive landscape
• In-depth and current knowledge of antibody and protein therapeutics, with proven skills in molecular biology and antibody and protein optimization/engineering approaches
• Expert-level hands-on experience in protein engineering across wet-lab and computation-based methods
• Strong technical knowledge of multiple aspects of biologics production including protein engineering, expression, purification, and characterization
• Project leadership experience across discovery stages, from target evaluation, hit identification through preclinical development of therapeutic candidates
• Prior direct people management, including demonstrated mentorship and a track record of talent development
• Track record of driving scientific or platform innovations
• Recognized team player with strong collaboration skills and openness
• Foster a high-performance culture of collaboration, engagement, self-accountability, and inclusion

Nice To Haves

• Experience advancing protein therapeutics beyond traditional mAbs, including VHHs, multi-specifics, fusion proteins, and ADCs

Responsibilities

• Use advanced antibody and protein engineering methods to design and optimize novel biotherapeutics
• Support molecular biology acceleration for complex molecular engineering
• Work closely with HT protein engineering and computational protein engineers to integrate augmented designs and computational approaches toward accelerated derisking and optimization of biologics for best-in-class and first-in-class therapeutics
• Lead and participate in cross-functional biologics programs from discovery to IND, integrating early research, progression through candidate nomination and selection, with deep experience of drug design and target candidate profiles
• Foster a high-performance culture of collaboration, engagement, self-accountability, and inclusion

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
• annual bonus
• long-term incentive

What This Job Offers

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