Principal Scientist, Protein Engineering Full-time

Principal Scientist, Protein Engineering

We are seeking an innovative and experienced scientist to join the Discovery Biologics Protein Engineering department in South San Francisco to lead both functional area scientists and drug discovery programs. The Principal Scientist, Protein Engineering role carries leadership responsibilities as a functional SME and project team lead interfacing with multiple cross-site groups within the Discovery Biologics department and therapeutic areas.

We recognize that 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 group of scientists to drive our core mission.

What you will do:

• Use advanced antibody and protein engineering methods to design and optimize novel biotherapeutics
• Support molecular biology acceleration for complex molecular engineering
• Work closely with HT protein engineering and computational protein engineers to integrate augmented designs and computational approaches toward accelerated derisking and optimization of biologics for best-in-class and first-in-class therapeutics
• Lead and participate in cross-functional biologics programs from discovery to IND, integrating early research, progression through candidate nomination and selection, with deep experience of drug design and target candidate profiles
• Foster a high-performance culture of collaboration, engagement, self-accountability, and inclusion

What you will need to be successful in this role:

Qualifications & Experience

• PhD in Protein Engineering, Biochemistry, Biology, Biophysics, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Immunology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Computational Protein Design, or related STEM field with 8+ years of applied experience, or an MS and 10+ year of applied experience or a B.S. and 14+ years of applied experience
• Demonstrated deep experience in advancing protein therapeutics from discovery to development, preferably in immune cell engagers
• Has established of a strong external reputation through high-impact publications, presentations, and scientific community engagement
• Excellent verbal and written communication and collaboration abilities

Required skills:

• Expertise in functional optimization of biologics, especially immune cell engagers, with demonstrated knowledge in guiding advantageous molecular designs in a competitive landscape
• In-depth and current knowledge of antibody and protein therapeutics, with proven skills in molecular biology and antibody and protein optimization/engineering approaches
• Expert-level hands-on experience in protein engineering across wet-lab and computation-based methods
• Strong technical knowledge of multiple aspects of biologics production including protein engineering, expression, purification, and characterization
• Project leadership experience across discovery stages, from target evaluation, hit identification through preclinical development of therapeutic candidates
• Prior direct people management, including demonstrated mentorship and a track record of talent development
• Track record of driving scientific or platform innovations
• Recognized team player with strong collaboration skills and openness

Preferred skills:

• Experience advancing protein therapeutics beyond traditional mAbs, including VHHs, multi-specifics, fusion proteins, and ADCs

Your role at our company is integral to helping the world meet new breakthroughs that affect generations to come, and we're counting on your skills and inventiveness to help make meaningful contributions to global medical advancement.

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 for the common good.

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The salary range for this role is $176,200.00 – $277,300.00

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.