Sr. Scientist, Biology-Discovery

MSD • Upper Gwynedd Township, PA

1d • $117,000 - $184,200 • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Scientist to join our Infectious Diseases and Vaccines discovery team. This laboratory-facing role focuses on advancing our therapeutic pipeline for chronic viral diseases. The successful candidate will leverage deep technical expertise in virology to lead assay development and platform innovation. The primary focus of this role is discovery and translational research targeting hepatitis B virus (HBV) and related DNA viruses. We value creative thinking, goal-oriented teamwork and the application of generative AI models to define and enable problem-solving.

Requirements

• PhD in Virology, Immunology, or a closely related biomedical science discipline (preferred).
• Minimum of 2–5 years of postdoctoral research or pharmaceutical/biotech industry experience preferred.
• Extensive, documented research experience working directly with hepatitis B virus (HBV) or related pathogenic DNA viruses.
• MS degree in Biology or Biomedical Sciences with a minimum of 7 years of experience in industry and or academia working with DNA viruses, experience with HBV preferred.
• BA/BS degree in Biology or Biomedical Sciences with a minimum of 10 years of experience in industry and or academia working with DNA viruses, experience with HBV preferred.
• Deep understanding of chronic viral disease pathogenesis and host-pathogen interactions.
• Proficiency in core virology techniques, including viral culture, quantification, and neutralization assays.
• Expert command of molecular biology methods (e.g., qPCR, digital PCR, cloning, next-generation sequencing).
• Strong communication skills with a demonstrated ability to collaborate in a fast-paced matrix environment.
• Assay Development
• Biochemical Assays
• Cell Culture Techniques
• Detail-Oriented
• Drug Target Identification
• Hepatitis B
• Immunology
• Molecular Biology
• Molecular Microbiology
• Personal Initiative
• Project Leadership
• Viral Culture
• Viral Replication
• Virology

Nice To Haves

• Current Employees apply HERE
• Current Contingent Workers apply HERE
• US and Puerto Rico Residents Only: Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.
• As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit: EEOC Know Your Rights EEOC GINA Supplement
• We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively. Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts
• San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
• Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance
• Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.

Responsibilities

• Conduct hands-on bench research utilizing advanced virology and molecular biology techniques.
• Design, optimize, and validate robust in vitro and ex vivo viral replication and infection assays.
• Develop innovative technological platforms to evaluate novel therapeutic candidates and mechanisms of action.
• Serve as the scientific lead on cross-functional project teams, driving experimental strategies and timelines.
• Analyze complex datasets, interpret results, and present actionable findings to senior leadership.

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 and long-term incentive, if applicable

What This Job Offers

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