Senior Scientist, Molecular Discovery

Merck • San Diego, CA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

Our company is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines and animal health products. The difference between potential and achievement lies in the spark that fuels innovation and inventiveness; this is the space where our company has codified its legacy for over a century.
Our Research and Development Division in San Diego is a cross-functional team (Discovery Biologics, Immunology, and Data Science) with the goal to discover and develop novel, innovative therapeutics in the field of Inflammation and Immunology. The Discovery Biologics Department is seeking a Senior Scientist with expertise in measuring macromolecular interactions. This position offers a great opportunity to be a part of the early scientific team, and a key interface within global Discovery Biologics network and with Immunology and other functions across our company.
The successful candidate will carry out experiments in the lab to build and support projects in the early discovery pipeline, with focus on innovative antibody-based therapeutics. We recognize that our team is our strength and are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Successful candidates should demonstrate attention to detail, ability to work efficiently and collaboratively, a desire to learn, and be adaptable to thrive in a dynamic team environment.

Requirements

• Strong understanding of protein biochemistry and biophysics.
• Experience with techniques to measure protein-protein interactions.
• Experience with developing, executing, and interpreting biophysical and biochemical assays.
• Demonstrated strong communication skills as well as the ability to multi-task and work collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment.
• Excellent organizational skills and high attention to detail.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with biotherapeutic formats including mAbs, bispecific antibodies, VHHs, or Fc-fusion proteins.
• Hands-on experience with biosensor technologies, particularly SPR (Biacore).
• Experience with in vitro biochemical and cell-based assays.

Responsibilities

• Support the advancement of therapeutic protein candidates by applying advanced biophysical and biochemical methods.
• Characterize macromolecular interactions using biophysical assays including SPR, BLI, and KinExA.
• Characterize novel therapeutic protein designs with biophysical and in vitro assays, including TR-FRET, DSF, ELISA, and cell-based assays.
• Explore and apply new protein biophysical assay technologies and strategies as needed.
• Document experiments in a thorough and timely manner.
• Collaborate within cross-functional teams and communicate findings to stakeholders.
• Drive innovation through platform technology development.
• Collaborate with other teams to integrate new developments into future projects.

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: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees