Scientist, Molecular Discovery Full-time

Scientist Position

Our company is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines and animal health products. The difference between potential and achievement lies in the spark that fuels innovation and inventiveness; this is the space where our company has codified its legacy for over a century.

Our Research and Development Division in San Diego is a cross-functional team (Discovery Biologics, Immunology, and Data Science) with the goal to discover and develop novel, innovative therapeutics in the field of Inflammation and Immunology. The Discovery Biologics Department is seeking a Scientist with expertise in protein design, production and characterization to contribute to our Biologics portfolio. This position offers a great opportunity to be a part of the early scientific team, and a key interface within the global Discovery Biologics network and with Immunology and other functions across our company.

The successful candidate will carry out experiments in the lab to build and support projects in the early discovery pipeline, with focus on innovative antibody-based therapeutics. We recognize that the diversity in our team is our strength and are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Successful candidates should demonstrate attention to detail, ability to work efficiently and collaboratively, a desire to learn, and be adaptable to thrive in a dynamic team environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Express and purify therapeutic proteins, target antigens and the critical protein reagents required for advancing our biologics discovery programs
• Test and characterize the developability of therapeutic proteins
• Screen novel therapeutic protein designs in biochemical and cell based assays
• Drive innovation by contributing to exploratory programs and platform technology development.
• Collaborating with teams on portfolio programs

Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor's (with 3+ years) or Master's in molecular biology, biochemistry, structural biology or related discipline with relevant laboratory experience described below

Required Experience and Skills:

• Proficiency in protein purification methods including affinity chromatography, Ion exchange chromatography, and size exclusion chromatography
• Expertise culturing mammalian cells and utilizing for protein expression
• Experience generating protein expression constructs including vector selection, cassette design, cloning and validation.
• Demonstrated strong communication skills and ability to multi-task and work collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment.
• Excellent organizational skills and high attention to detail.

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Previous experience in protein binding assays including ELISA, our company and cell-based binding assays
• Experience in stable expression systems
• Experience with high throughput technologies and automation platforms

Required Skills: Chromatography, Cloning, Mammalian Cell Culture, Protein Expression, Protein Purification Methods, Validation, Vector Analysis

Preferred Skills:

The salary range for this role is $87,300.00 – $137,400.00

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.