Senior Scientist, Molecular Discovery

Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Scientist to join the Protein Sciences department within Discovery Biologics in South San Francisco. This role will focus on design and execution of molecular interactions assays to advance biologics discovery, lead optimization of next-generation biologics modalities.

The successful candidate will primarily work at the bench and is expected to work both independently and collaboratively to plan and design experiments. These experiments will use SPR and related techniques to generate high-quality kinetic and affinity data that inform candidate selection, optimization, and development strategy across a diverse biologics pipeline. This position offers the opportunity to work at the interface of biophysics, protein engineering, and computational design, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to impact drug discovery.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, execute, and interpret experiments to characterize molecular interactions using SPR (Biacore) and related biosensor platforms

• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot assays across multiple binding formats (e.g., antibody-antigen, multivalent, complex systems)

• Partner with computational and protein engineering teams to produce high-quality datasets supporting AI/ML-driven design workflows

• Contribute data to candidate evaluation, selection, and optimization decisions, as well as our structured data capture product

• Explore and implement new technologies and methods to enhance assay throughput, robustness, and data quality

• Communicate findings clearly through technical reports and presentations to project teams, departmental forums, and leadership

• Mentor junior scientists or research associates as needed and contribute to a collaborative, high-performing team environment

Why Join Us:

• Work at the cutting edge of biologics discovery, integrating biophysics, protein engineering, and machine learning

• Contribute directly to decision-making across a diverse and innovative therapeutic pipeline

• Collaborate with experts across discovery biology, computational science, and translational research

• Access state-of-the-art instrumentation and emerging technologies

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• Bachelor's (with 7+ years), Master's (4+ years) or Ph.D. in molecular biology, biochemistry, structural biology or related discipline with relevant experience described below

Required Experience and Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in SPR/BLI and/or other biosensor technologies for analyzing molecular interactions

• Strong hands-on experience in experimental design, assay development, and troubleshooting for biophysical binding assays

• Experience characterizing proteins and/or antibodies in the context of drug discovery or protein engineering

• Solid understanding of protein structure, protein-ligand interactions, and biophysical principles

• Ability to analyze complex datasets and draw clear, actionable conclusions

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and meet timelines in a fast-paced environment

• Strong collaboration and communication skills across multidisciplinary teams

• Champion for diverse and inclusive culture

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Experience with high-throughput or automated assay platforms and generation of structured datasets for downstream computational analysis

• Familiarity with AI/ML-enabled protein engineering workflows and data generation strategies

• Experience with complementary techniques such as FACS, Kinexa, ITC, ELISA, and Meso Scale Discovery

• Experience with cell-based binding or functional assays

• Proficiency with data analysis tools, databases, and electronic lab notebooks

• Discovery project team membership and meaningful contribution to project advancements

#EligibleforERP 

Required Skills:

Antibodies, Arts Development, Assay Development, Biacore, Biochemistry, Biophysical Techniques, Biosensors, Enzyme Kinetics, Ligand Binding, Molecular Biology Techniques, Protein Analysis, Protein Binding, Protein Characterization, Protein Interactions, Protein Structure

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.  As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.  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 together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills 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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The salary range for this role is

$131,400.00 - $206,800.00

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.

The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits.  Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.

You can apply for this role through https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.

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

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/International

VISA Sponsorship:

Yes

Travel Requirements:

No Travel Required

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

1st - Day

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

n/a

Job Posting End Date:

07/22/2026

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.