Merck
Associate Principal Scientist, Antibody Discovery Innovation
Merck, South San Francisco, California, us, 94083
Associate Principal Scientist, Antibody Discovery Innovation
We are seeking an exceptional and experienced scientist to join our South San Francisco Discovery Biologics group. The ideal candidate will have a breadth and depth of expertise in immunization‑based antibody discovery, including adaptive immunity and B‑cell biology, immunogen design, and experience with multiple hit‑finding platforms (e.g., high‑throughput microfluidics & NGS). They will work closely with team members and groups across the organization to manage, perform, and troubleshoot antibody discovery programs.
We recognize the diversity in our team as a strength and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Successful candidates must demonstrate inclusive behaviours when working with a diverse group of researchers to drive our core mission.
What You Will Do
Propose and lead technology development initiatives to further optimise existing in‑vivo de‑novo platforms to increase hits and decrease timelines.
Serve as the antibody‑discovery representative on project teams to help define Target Candidate Profiles (TCP) and lead de‑novo hit‑finding strategies and campaigns.
Potential for future development opportunities to lead Biologics discovery projects in collaboration with therapeutic‑area scientists.
Stay abreast of external advancements in the relevant scientific fields.
Promote the external reputation of our company’s Discovery Biologics department.
Qualifications & Experience
Ph.D. with 4+ years of experience or Master’s with 8+ years of relevant industry experience.
Experience in antibody drug discovery supporting therapeutic programmes.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Required Skills
Depth of knowledge in adaptive immunity and B‑cell biology with direct application to optimise antibody drug discovery and development campaigns.
Track record of driving scientific and platform innovations.
Experience leading therapeutic antibody discovery campaigns.
Strong hands‑on laboratory skills, including cell culture, molecular biology, assay development, and flow cytometry.
Established external reputation through publications, presentations, and/or scientific community engagement.
Preferred Skills
Experience in protein therapeutics beyond traditional mAbs, including alternative non‑Ig scaffolds, bi‑ or multi‑specifics, fusion proteins, and ADCs.
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We recognize the diversity in our team as a strength and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Successful candidates must demonstrate inclusive behaviours when working with a diverse group of researchers to drive our core mission.
What You Will Do
Propose and lead technology development initiatives to further optimise existing in‑vivo de‑novo platforms to increase hits and decrease timelines.
Serve as the antibody‑discovery representative on project teams to help define Target Candidate Profiles (TCP) and lead de‑novo hit‑finding strategies and campaigns.
Potential for future development opportunities to lead Biologics discovery projects in collaboration with therapeutic‑area scientists.
Stay abreast of external advancements in the relevant scientific fields.
Promote the external reputation of our company’s Discovery Biologics department.
Qualifications & Experience
Ph.D. with 4+ years of experience or Master’s with 8+ years of relevant industry experience.
Experience in antibody drug discovery supporting therapeutic programmes.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Required Skills
Depth of knowledge in adaptive immunity and B‑cell biology with direct application to optimise antibody drug discovery and development campaigns.
Track record of driving scientific and platform innovations.
Experience leading therapeutic antibody discovery campaigns.
Strong hands‑on laboratory skills, including cell culture, molecular biology, assay development, and flow cytometry.
Established external reputation through publications, presentations, and/or scientific community engagement.
Preferred Skills
Experience in protein therapeutics beyond traditional mAbs, including alternative non‑Ig scaffolds, bi‑ or multi‑specifics, fusion proteins, and ADCs.
#J-18808-Ljbffr