Associate Principal Scientist, Metabolic Diseases

Job Description

The Cardiometabolic Disease (CMD) Department at Our Company's Research Laboratories in South San Francisco is seeking a highly motivated Associate Principal Scientist to join our team. The prospective candidate will be working in a multidisciplinary group to identify, validate and advance drug targets for the treatment of CNS regulation of appetite control, neuronal circuitry in regulation of energy balance, cellular and physiological energetics in the broader context of cardiometabolic disease. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead projects through target identification and validation, hit finding, lead identification and optimization, and preclinical candidate nomination for FIH

• Independently design, plan, and conduct in vitro or in vivo experiments using effective techniques to produce high-quality data that supports decision making

• Provide scientific insights and technical expertise to the projects within CMD and throughout our company's Research Laboratories

• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, either as a project leader or individual contributor

• Analyze and interpret experimental data quantitatively and proficiently

• Communicate experimental results effectively with stakeholders and present research findings at internal and external meetings

Qualifications:

Education:

• Ph.D. in biology, physiology or a related field with a minimum of 4 years of relevant industry experience listed below

Required Experience and Skills:

• Strong scientific background in CNS regulation of appetite and energy expenditure, hypothalamic inflammation in the context of metabolic disease, metabolism and with a track record of research demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications and presentations at scientific conferences

• Experience in leading projects and shepherding programs through various stages of drug discovery, including - target identification and validation, building a project team, developing research operating plans (ROPs), and interacting with internal governance

• Demonstrated ability to independently create a hit finding plan and ROP to identify PCCs

• Proven ability to solve complex problems by leveraging innovative approaches and applying state-of-the art technologies

• Experience in one or more of the following areas: enteroendocrine biology, peripheral and central control of food intake and energy expenditure, and adipose or muscle biology, and neurobiology

• Proficiency in both in vitro and in vivo techniques, with extensive bench experience

• Ability to work productively and independently, design appropriately controlled experiments, interpret data and present results to audiences with diverse scientific backgrounds

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Adept at a fast-paced working environment

• Possess an analytical mindset and skills; proficient in applying quantitative skills in data analysis; ability to extract useful information from experimental and literature data

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• In-depth knowledge in etiology and pathophysiology of metabolic disorders

• Having prior experience in achieving the preclinical candidate milestone and progressing further is highly advantageous

• ePhys experience

NOTICE FOR INTERNAL APPLICANTS

In accordance with Managers' Policy - Job Posting and Employee Placement, all employees subject to this policy are required to have a minimum of twelve (12) months of service in current position prior to applying for open positions.

If you have been offered a separation benefits package, but have not yet reached your separation date and are offered a position within the salary and geographical parameters as set forth in the Summary Plan Description (SPD) of your separation package, then you are no longer eligible for your separation benefits package. To discuss in more detail, please contact your HRBP or Talent Acquisition Advisor.

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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, Monday - 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”.

The Company is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this job in certain states and cities within the United States. 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 US salary range:

Available benefits include bonus eligibility, long term incentive if applicable, health care and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, paid holidays, vacation, and sick days. A summary of benefits is listed here.

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

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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. 

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