Principal Scientist, Lab Platform Disruptive Technologies Full-time

Discovery Biologics Disruptive Technologies Scientist

We are on a quest for cures and are committed to be the world's premier, most research-intensive biopharmaceutical company. Our teams combine leading drug discovery capabilities and world-class R&D with the purpose of turning breakthrough science into life-changing medicines.

Discovery Biologics Disruptive Technologies is seeking a talented and experienced scientist to lead the development and deployment of next-gen lab-based experimental technologies to enable rapid, data-driven biologics discovery. This individual will identify and translate emerging, literature-supported technologies into scalable internal capabilities, with a focus on multiplying both the scale and speed of quantitative data generation (e.g., binding measurements) to advance therapeutic programs via GenAI/ ML-driven discovery and iterative design-make-test cycles. The role includes leading a team with expectation for strong hands-on contribution to method development, and will be accountable for driving measurable program and broader organizational impact. The role is based out of our Cambridge, MA facility.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and mature rapid, quantitative and high-throughput lab-based capabilities for biologics hit identification and optimization
• Build and execute a technology platform roadmap for arrayed and pooled technologies, from proof-of-concept through widespread program adoption
• Partner effectively with computational protein engineering and data science groups toward efficient, integrated next-gen discovery workflows
• Drive capability improvements in data richness, speed, throughput
• Lead a talented team of lab-based scientists
• As a hands-on individual contributor, realize and maximize program impact of emerging technologies
• Collaborate effectively across geography and reporting lines
• Establish rigorous benchmarks (e.g. throughput, speed, reproducibility, data quality) and success criteria

Qualifications & Experience

• PhD in Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Chemical Biology, or related field with 7+ years directly relevant industry experience; MS or BS with 12+ years industry experience.
• Experience developing large-scale, high throughput quantitative experimental methods for biologics discovery
• Experience translating published or externally developed methods into demonstrably valuable internal capabilities
• Proven leadership track record

Required Skills

• Demonstrated expertise advancing validated assays and methods toward broad organizational impact
• Deep hands-on expertise in one or more of:
• Quantitative pooled binding assays (10k+ sequences)
• Rapid and high throughput advanced endpoint assays (e.g. cell-based function, stability, localization, etc)
• Lab-on-chip technologies and protein arrays
• Microfluidics
• Proven success in leadership, talent development and mentorship
• Strong understanding of biochemistry and biophysical characterization methods
• Cross-function project leadership track record
• Strong ability to collaborate across reporting lines, especially with protein engineers and data scientists

Preferred Skills

• Strong demonstrated understanding of protein structure-function relationships
• Experience applying in vitro transcription and translation (IVTT)
• Direct experience in biophysical protein characterization
• Therapeutic high throughput pre-developability and developability assessment
• Automation and scalable experimental workflows
• Experience in workflows leveraging generative AI ML

Required Skills: Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADC), Biodesign, Detail-Oriented, Emerging Technologies, Ethical Compliance, Gene Cloning, Gene Expression Analysis, Immunochemistry, Leadership Engagement, Mass Spectrometry Analysis, Microscopy Techniques, Project Leadership, Protein Engineering, Protein Interactions, Protein Purifications

Preferred Skills:

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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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The salary range for this role is $194,100.00 – $305,600.00. 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.