Senior Scientist, Cellular Pharmacology and Lead Discovery

Job Description

Our company's Research Laboratories in South San Francisco is seeking a Senior Scientist with experience in cell-based model and assay development, mechanistic pharmacology, and lead discovery support to join our Quantitative Biosciences (Pharmacology) department. The successful candidate will be responsible for the design, execution, and interpretation of mid/high throughput cellular assays and mechanistic experimentation in support of multiple therapeutic areas. The candidate will collaborate closely with a team of multidisciplinary scientists to enable screening and profiling of a diverse portfolio of preclinical candidates to advance our early drug discovery pipeline. We value rigorous scientific exploration, creative problem-solving, transparent communication, and collaborative teamwork. If you are a highly motivated team player with a strong desire to impact drug discovery across multiple therapeutic areas, we invite you to consider joining our team!

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide cell pharmacology and assay development expertise to support early drug discovery in ophthalmology, cardiovascular, and immuno-metabolic disorders.
• Develop and execute cellular assays for investigational compound screening and mechanistic characterization of diverse targets/pathways, using a wide range of experimental methods.
• Collaborate with colleagues on multi-disciplinary project teams to provide scientific/technical contributions and deliver on project goals.
• Leverage lab automation and implement best experimental practices to improve assay operation, quality, and overall productivity.
• Identify, evaluate, and champion new enabling technologies and experimental methods.
• Perform rigorous data analysis and provide timely reports/presentations to project teams.
• Properly document experimental designs, findings, and assay protocols, and comply with all laboratory trainings and safety requirements.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor's or Master's in Pharmacology, Molecular/Cell Biology, or a relevant scientific discipline with a minimum of eight (8) years of drug discovery experience in a biotech/pharmaceutical setting.

Required Experience and Skills:

• Highly skilled in the development and execution of cell-based assays, and solid experience with mid/high throughput compound screening and lead discovery support.
• Demonstrated proficiency in a wide range of cell biology techniques (cell culture, gene expression and editing, etc.) and detection methods (ELISA, AlphaLISA, FRET, BRET, etc.)
• Hands-on experience with automated liquid handling instruments (Biomek, Bravo, Echo, etc.) as well as integrated robotic systems for compound processing and assay operation.
• Proficient with automated data processing, dose-response curve fitting algorithms, and data visualization software tools.
• Excellent organization, quantitation, and communication skills with a growth mindset.
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task and work collaboratively in a fast-paced cross-functional team environment to deliver on project goals.

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Hands-on experience with microscopy, high-content imaging, and automated image analysis.
• Familiarity with the development and execution of complex cellular models, such as those with primary cells, iPSCs, co-culture systems, or 3D spheroids/organoids.
• Screening experience across multiple therapeutic modalities (small molecule, peptide, antibody, drug conjugate, etc.).

#EligibleforERP 

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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, 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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