Senior Scientist, Antibody Generation & Automation

Merck • South San Francisco, CA

19h • $131,400 - $206,800 • Onsite

About The Position

We are recruiting a Senior Scientist to support antibody generation and automation in our Molecular Discovery group located in South San Francisco. This role involves executing automated liquid handling processes, utilizing programming skills for data processing and automation, optimizing automated methods for high-throughput screening, and supporting the expansion of HTS platforms. The scientist will also perform general laboratory bioassay screening, analyze and interpret experimental results, perform cell culture, document and report data, and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary team environment. Effective communication of project status, risks, and progress is essential. Adherence to good laboratory practices, accurate record-keeping, and compliance with safety and quality standards are required.

Requirements

• Proven experience with automated liquid handling platforms (e.g., Hamilton Microlab STAR) and robotic arms or similar automation technologies.
• Capability to program, configure, and troubleshoot methods using liquid handler software to support automated workflow development and optimization.
• Strong, hands‑on experience with assays, such as ELISA and flow cytometry/FACS.
• Experience independently planning experiments, troubleshooting, and managing multiple concurrent laboratory tasks or projects.
• Experience training laboratory users on the execution of automated methods.
• Experience overseeing daily laboratory operations, including EHS compliance, best practices, and related operational systems.
• Bachelor's (with 7+ years), Master’s (with 4+ years) or Ph.D. in a relevant biological science field and relevant experience.

Nice To Haves

• Prior hands-on experience contributing to the evaluation, development, or implementation of innovative technologies that enable de novo antibody discovery workflows, such as microfluidics-based platforms, genetic or mRNA immunization approaches, single-cell screening, or other high-throughput discovery technologies.
• Working knowledge of antibody discovery and characterization, protein engineering, and biologics modality design, with demonstrated ability to apply scientific understanding to support laboratory automation, assay development, and high-throughput discovery workflows.

Responsibilities

• Execute automated liquid handling processes to support routine lab workflows, including protein normalization, serial dilution, cherry picking, and NGS library preparation.
• Use programming or scripting skills (e.g., Python, SQL, R) to support data processing, workflow automation, or instrument integration.
• Optimize, implement, and validate automated methods for high‑throughput antibody screening and characterization to assess binding and functional attributes.
• Support the expansion of high‑throughput screening (HTS) platforms, assay design, and the evaluation and integration of novel technologies.
• Perform general laboratory bioassay screening competently and independently, modifying and troubleshooting experimental design, methods, and instrumentation to meet evolving project needs.
• Independently analyze and interpret experimental results, placing data in proper scientific context through review of relevant literature.
• Perform cell culture of a variety types of cells to support characterization of antibodies and related biologics.
• Document, summarize, and report data clearly and accurately, including preparation of presentations for team and project meetings.
• Work on multiple projects in a fast‑paced, multidisciplinary team environment, collaborating effectively with cross‑functional partners.
• Manage project priorities, timelines, and deliverables across multiple workstreams, ensuring clear alignment with project goals and stakeholder expectations.
• Communicate project status, risks, next steps, automated assay development progress, troubleshooting outcomes, and key project data proactively through presentations and updates to project teams, automation working groups, group meetings, project leads, and cross-functional partners to support timely decision-making.
• Adhere to good laboratory practices, maintain accurate records, and ensure compliance with relevant safety and quality standards.

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: Senior