Job Description
Our Research & Development Division located in South San Francisco is seeking an Associate Principal Scientist with strong expertise in complex cellular model/assay development, mechanistic receptor pharmacology, and lead discovery to join our Quantitative Biosciences (Pharmacology) department. The successful candidate will be responsible for the design, execution, and interpretation of mid/high throughput in vitro/ex vivo assays and mechanistic experimentation to advance early drug discovery projects from target concept through lead optimization. The candidate will work closely with a team of multidisciplinary quantitative scientists and other stakeholders to define strategies for screening, assays/models, and key mechanistic studies to advance a diverse portfolio of small molecule and biologic preclinical candidates targeting cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. In addition, the Associate Principal Scientist will participate in business development diligence efforts and establish internal/external relationships that drive portfolio progression. We value transparent communication, creative-thinking, teamwork, and rigorous scientific exploration. If you are a highly motivated candidate and team player with a strong desire to impact cardiometabolic drug discovery, we invite you to consider joining our team.
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Key job duties:
- Drive hit/lead discovery and optimization plans in collaboration with therapeutic area stakeholders, Chemistry, Biologics, and multidisciplinary Quantitative Bioscience teams
- Develop and implement potency, selectivity, and mechanistic assays to characterize diverse targets, pathways, and areas of biology, using a wide range of experimental methods
- Design and execute complex assays utilizing diverse cell models and advanced technologies in support of target validation through lead optimization
- Represent Quantitative Biosciences department in multi-disciplinary drug discovery project teams to set pharmacological strategies and provide robust scientific and technical support
- Ensure high-quality data analysis and timely report generation to project teams, governance committees, and regulatory agencies
- Guide/mentor junior staff, drive scientific innovation, and champion new enabling technologies and methods to enhance functional capabilities and productivity
- Collaborate extensively across our company's network and with external partners to drive project progression toward key milestones and contribute to business development diligence efforts
Education:
- Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Cell Biology or relevant scientific discipline
Required Experience and Skills:
- Must have a minimum of five (5) years of relevant drug discovery experience in a biotech or pharmaceutical setting
- Demonstrated mechanistic cellular pharmacology expertise with accompanying knowledge and experience in cardiovascular and metabolic disease pathways and mechanisms
- Demonstrated proficiency in drug discovery strategies and processes from target identification and validation to preclinical candidate selection
- Highly skilled in establishing complex cell-based assays/models, utilization of lab automation and plate-based detection technologies, SAR support, and lead optimization strategies
- Proficiency with automated data processing, curve fitting, and visualization software tools
- Excellent organization and communication skills with a strong growth mindset
- Demonstrated ability to multi-task and work collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment to influence strategy and tactics to advance drug discovery
- Proven record of publications in peer-reviewed journals and/or patent literatures
Preferred Experience and Skills:
- Expertise in physiologically relevant cell model development (primary cells, co-culture, etc.) for cardiometabolic disease molding and translational pharmacology
- Hand-on experience with the development, execution, and interpretation of radioligand binding assays
- Prior experience with multiple therapeutic modalities (small molecule, peptide, biologics, etc.) and other relevant disease areas (immunology, fibrosis, etc.)
- Prior experience of leading drug discovery projects and/or mentoring junior staff
#EligibleforERP
Employees working in roles that the Company determines require routine collaboration with external stakeholders, such as customer-facing commercial, or research-based roles, will be expected to comply not only with Company policy but also with policies established by such external stakeholders (for example, a requirement to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to access a facility or meet with stakeholders). Please understand that, as permitted by applicable law, if you have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 and an essential function of your job is to call on external stakeholders who require vaccination to enter their premises or engage in face-to-face meetings, then your employment may pose an undue burden to business operations, in which case you may not be offered employment, or your employment could be terminated. Please also note that, where permitted by applicable law, the Company reserves the right to require COVID-19 vaccinations for positions, such as in Global Employee Health, where the Company determines in its discretion that the nature of the role presents an increased risk of disease transmission.
Current Employees apply HERE
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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.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:
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We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing diverse, talented, and committed people together. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when diverse ideas come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another's thinking and approach problems collectively.
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U.S. Hybrid Work Model
Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office-based positions in the U.S. will be working a Hybrid work consisting of three total days on-site per week, generally Tuesday, Wednesday and either Monday or Thursday, although the specific days may vary by site or organization, with Friday designated as a remote-working day, unless business critical tasks require an on-site presence. This Hybrid work model does not apply to, and daily in-person attendance is required for, field-based positions; facility-based, manufacturing-based, or research-based positions where the work to be performed is located at a Company site; positions covered by a collective-bargaining agreement (unless the agreement provides for hybrid work); or any other position for which the Company has determined the job requirements cannot be reasonably met working remotely. Please note, this Hybrid work model guidance also does not apply to roles that have been designated as "remote".
Under New York State, Colorado State, Washington State, and California State law, the Company is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this job. Final determinations with respect to salary will take into account a number of factors, which may include, but not be limited to the primary work location and the chosen candidate's relevant skills, experience, and education.
Expected salary range:
$146,800.00 - $231,100.00
Available benefits include bonus eligibility, health care and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, paid holidays, vacation, and sick days. For Washington State Jobs, a summary of benefits is listed here.
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 in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.
Employee Status:
Regular
Relocation:
Domestic
VISA Sponsorship:
Yes
Travel Requirements:
No Travel Required
Flexible Work Arrangements:
On-Site
Shift:
1st - Day
Valid Driving License:
No
Hazardous Material(s):
Yes
Requisition ID:R273446