Senior Scientist, Molecular Discovery

Job Description

We are on a quest for cures and are committed to be the world’s premier, most research-intensive biopharmaceutical company. Today, we’re doubling down on this goal to take our Company’s leading discovery capabilities and world-class small molecule and biologics R&D expertise to create breakthrough science that radically changes the way we approach serious diseases.

The Discovery Biologics Department is seeking a Senior Scientist to join the Cell Sciences team that leverages cell engineering and innovative bioassays to drive design and progression of biotherapeutics. Cell engineering is integral to Discovery Biologics and enables antibody discovery, functional characterization, and development of pipeline molecules. The Senior Scientist, Cell Engineering will execute comprehensive cell engineering activities to support hits and leads discovery of large molecules across global Discovery Biologics sites. The successful candidate will possess a broad and significant technical background in cell and molecular biology as well as can critically interpret results and provide feedback for experimental/procedural improvement. This role will be based in South San Francisco and will work collaboratively with scientists and teams across our Company's research sites.

We recognize that the diversity in our team is our strength and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Successful candidates must demonstrate inclusive behaviors in working with a diverse group of scientists to drive our core mission.

Key Responsibilities:

• Production level support for stable and transient cell line engineering workflow across the span of the Discovery Biologics organization and key partners within our Company networks.

• Execute laboratory tasks to engineer cell lines through overexpression, knockout and introducing innovative reporter modules that help inform biophysical and functional readouts.

• Propose, evaluate and implement new approaches to strengthen platform capability.

• Collaborate in gene synthesis and vector design to reach desired expression profile.

• Provide small-scale lentiviral packaging support for key stakeholders in the Discovery Biologics organization.

• Characterize engineered cell lines through flow cytometry, Western blot, q-RT-PCR, genomic sequence analysis and reporter assays.

• Onboard, optimize, maintain and prepare quality cell stocks for bridging with the centralized banking system.

• Manage workflows and progress from collaborators and external CROs.

• Keep documentation and track records of generated cell lines.

• Participate and present in project meetings as a functional representative.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor's (with 7+ years), Master's (with 4+ years) or Ph.D. in a scientific discipline or relate field and relevant professional experience listed below.

Required Experience and Skills:

• Extensive experience with mammalian cell culture and gene delivery methods through transfection, nucleofection and lentiviral transduction.

• Deep knowledge and experience with mammalian cell engineering and generation of cell lines and clones to enable functional assays and mechanism of action studies.

• Familiar with molecular cloning and key considerations for creating desired gene expression profile.

• Familiar with software for curation and analysis of vector/gene sequences. 

• Significant experience on cell line characterization with methods such as flow cytometry, Western blots, q-RT-PCR, genomic sequence analysis and reporter assays.

• Detail-oriented, highly organized, and able to multi-task with efficiency in paralleled projects under given timelines.

• An open-minded team player who can swiftly adapt to organizational priorities as well as strives for high quality interactions among collaborations.

• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Cell sorting and clone isolation experience.

• Working knowledge of early drug discovery process (emphasis on biologics preferred).

• Experience of functional assays in drug screening.

• CRISPR-mediated approaches for knockout and knocking.

#EligibleforERP 

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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, 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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