Senior Principal Scientist, Quantitative Biosciences

Merck•Boston, MA

1d•$214,100 - $337,000•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a Senior Principal Scientist to provide scientific and strategic leadership for mass spectrometry-enabled discovery within the Quantitative Biosciences group in Boston. This role will help shape the application of mass spectrometry and quantitative pharmacology across discovery programs, strengthen experimental decision-making, and advance high-impact science through close partnership with local and global teams. As a senior scientific leader in Quantitative Biosciences, you will lead the Boston mass spectrometry capability supporting in vitro and in vivo pharmacology, advise multidisciplinary project teams, and influence broader QB strategy. The successful candidate will combine deep technical expertise in mass spectrometry-based assay development with strong pharmacology insight, sound scientific judgment, and the ability to mentor scientists and drive cross-functional alignment.

Requirements

Deep expertise in mass spectrometry-based assay development and application to drug discovery.
Strong understanding of the drug discovery process, including hit finding, hit-to-lead, lead optimization, and pharmacology-driven decision-making.
Demonstrated experience applying quantitative pharmacology principles to interpret biological systems and guide experimental strategy.
Proven record of scientific leadership in a biopharmaceutical setting, with evidence of impact on discovery programs, publications, external scientific reputation, or internal platform advancement.
Experience leading, managing, mentoring, or developing scientists in a research environment.
Track record of independently designing experiments, interpreting complex data, and translating findings into clear project recommendations.
Ability to simplify complex scientific challenges into actionable strategies and influence alignment across multidisciplinary teams.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present scientific concepts clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Highly self-motivated, organized, and able to prioritize across multiple simultaneous projects.
Experience integrating mass spectrometry readouts with pharmacology, biology, DMPK, or translational science to support discovery decisions.
Demonstrated ability to work across sites, functions, and organizational boundaries to drive scientific consistency and impact.
Assay Development
Hit to Lead
In Vitro Pharmacology
In Vivo Pharmacology
Lead Optimization
Mass Spectrometry (MS)
Pharmacology

Nice To Haves

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Responsibilities

Lead the Boston mass spectrometry group in support of in vitro and in vivo pharmacology needs and serve as a key scientific partner to discovery teams across QB.
Shape strategy for mass spectrometry-enabled assay development, experimental design, data interpretation, and quantitative pharmacology applications across discovery programs.
Partner with multidisciplinary project teams to develop and execute mass spectrometry-based assays that inform mechanism, potency, selectivity, exposure-response, and translational decision-making.
Provide scientific guidance to bench scientists and project teams, supporting assay selection, study design, mechanistic interpretation, and data-driven recommendations.
Build and strengthen connections across the local Boston team and broader global QB network to ensure consistency, rigor, and effective deployment of mass spectrometry capabilities.
Foster a culture of scientific rigor, critical thinking, collaboration, inclusion, and open dialogue that elevates organizational capability and decision quality.
Mentor and develop scientists by providing technical guidance, strategic perspective, and constructive scientific challenge.
Communicate effectively in a highly collaborative, multi-disciplinary environment and influence decisions across organizational boundaries.