Senior Scientist, Molecular Interactions

MSD • South San Francisco, CA

1d • $131,400 - $206,800 • Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Scientist will join the Molecular Interactions group within Discovery Biologics in South San Francisco, California, contributing to discovery and optimization of novel biologic therapeutics. The role generates decision-enabling data on binding, kinetics, avidity, epitopes, and competition to advance programs from early discovery through candidate selection.

The scientist collaborates with colleagues in antibody discovery, protein sciences, computational biology, developability, and project teams across therapeutic areas. The position calls for scientific rigor, strong experimental execution, clear data interpretation, and application of molecular interaction expertise to complex biological problems. It also contributes to assay and platform development, scientific communication, mentorship, and compliance with laboratory, documentation, data integrity, and safety requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a biological science field with 7 or more years of relevant industry experience, or a Master's degree in a biological science field with 4 or more years of relevant industry experience, or a Ph.D. in a biological science field with relevant experience.
• Ability to independently design, execute, and interpret complex experiments, including kinetic and affinity studies of protein interactions.
• Expertise in biomolecular interactions, protein characterization, and quantitative assay development.
• Hands-on experience designing, optimizing, and interpreting cell-based binding or functional assays.
• Hands-on experience with one or more interaction analysis platforms, such as surface plasmon resonance, Carterra, Biacore, biolayer interferometry, KinExA, or related technologies.
• Strong problem-solving, critical-thinking, troubleshooting, and organizational skills, including the ability to deliver high-quality results within defined timelines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to work effectively in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.

Nice To Haves

• Postdoctoral or industry experience supporting therapeutic antibody, multispecific, or other biologics discovery programs.
• Experience with epitope binning, competition assays, receptor pharmacology, developability assessment, and cell-based characterization of biologics.
• Experience with flow cytometry, receptor binding or occupancy, internalization, signaling, reporter gene, proliferation, or other functional potency assays.
• Knowledge of antibody engineering, Fc biology, and relationships among protein structure, molecular interactions, and biological function.
• Familiarity with automation, high-throughput workflows, and modern data analysis and visualization tools.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, troubleshoot, and interpret molecular interaction studies that guide program direction and molecule selection.
• Generate data using molecular interaction and cell-based assays, including binding, affinity, kinetics, avidity, epitope binning, competition, receptor occupancy, internalization, signaling, and functional potency assays.
• Partner with multidisciplinary teams to define assay strategies, prioritize samples, deliver results on schedule, document methods and conclusions, and communicate findings, risks, and recommendations.
• Apply molecular interaction platforms, including surface plasmon resonance, Carterra, biolayer interferometry, and flow cytometry, to biologics discovery.
• Develop and optimize assay formats, automation, data analysis, and visualization workflows to improve throughput, robustness, data quality, and turnaround time.
• Evaluate and integrate new technologies, resolve platform issues, and establish reproducible protocols and workflows that enable knowledge transfer.
• Use rigorous experimental design, appropriate controls, quantitative data interpretation, and effective troubleshooting practices.
• Work independently on complex studies and collaborate in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Maintain current knowledge of advances in molecular interactions, protein characterization, antibody engineering, and biologics discovery.
• Contribute to scientific presentations, publications, intellectual property, and development of junior scientists.
• Follow applicable laboratory, documentation, data integrity, and safety requirements.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision healthcare benefits and other insurance benefits for employees and family
• Retirement benefits, including 401(k)
• Paid holidays
• Vacation
• Compassionate days
• Sick days
• Eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable

What This Job Offers

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