Senior Principal Scientist, Quantitative Biosciences

Merck•Boston, MA

7d•$214,100 - $337,000

About The Position

The Senior Principal Scientist provides scientific and strategic leadership for mass spectrometry-enabled discovery within the Quantitative Biosciences group in Boston. The role shapes the application of mass spectrometry and quantitative pharmacology across discovery programs, strengthens experimental decision-making, and advances science through partnership with local and global teams. The role leads the Boston mass spectrometry capability supporting in vitro and in vivo pharmacology, serves as a scientific partner to discovery teams, and influences broader Quantitative Biosciences strategy. The successful candidate brings expertise in mass spectrometry-based assay development and pharmacology, exercises sound scientific judgment, mentors scientists, and drives cross-functional alignment.

Requirements

Ph.D. or equivalent in biology, pharmacology, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related STEM discipline and 12+ years of relevant experience in a pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or closely related research setting; or an MS and 15+ years of experience; or a BS and 16+ years of experience.
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 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.
Ability to independently design experiments, interpret complex data, and translate 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, including the ability to present scientific concepts clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Highly self-motivated and organized, with the ability 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.

Responsibilities

Lead the Boston mass spectrometry group in support of in vitro and in vivo pharmacology needs and serve as a scientific partner to discovery teams across Quantitative Biosciences.
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 on assay selection, study design, mechanistic interpretation, and data-driven recommendations.
Build and strengthen connections across the Boston team and the broader global Quantitative Biosciences network to promote consistency, rigor, and effective deployment of mass spectrometry capabilities.
Foster a culture of scientific rigor, critical thinking, collaboration, inclusion, and open dialogue.
Mentor and develop scientists through technical guidance, strategic perspective, and constructive scientific challenge.
Communicate effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment and influence decisions across organizational boundaries.