Senior Scientist, Antibody Discovery Full-time

Senior 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.

We are seeking a highly motivated, energetic, and skilled Senior Scientist to join the Discovery Biologics team in South San Francisco. This is a hands-on, lab-facing role for a scientist with strong expertise in antibody discovery using in vivo immunization approaches, specifically using single-cell antibody discovery platforms and the 10x Genomics workflow. The successful candidate will play a key role in advancing antibody discovery programs by designing and executing high-throughput discovery strategies, partnering across multidisciplinary teams, and helping deliver high-quality antibody candidates on accelerated timelines.

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

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, execute, and lead antibody discovery campaigns using single B-cell discovery workflows.
• Identify and implement opportunities to reduce timelines, improve throughput, and increase operational efficiency.
• Represent the antibody discovery group on multidisciplinary project teams and provide scientific leadership on discovery strategy, screening plans, and candidate progression.
• Stay current with emerging scientific and technological advances relevant to antibody discovery and single-cell platforms.
• Contribute to the external scientific visibility of the Discovery Biologics team through publications, presentations, and scientific engagement.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor's (with 7+ years), Master's (with 4+ years) or Ph.D. in Biology, Biochemistry or related discipline and relevant experience.

Required Experience and Skills:

• Strong technical expertise with the 10x Genomics Single Cell 5′ V(D)J workflow for antigen-specific antibody isolation, including sample preparation, B-cell sorting, and library generation and/or hands-on experience with single cell antibody platform/s to screen immunized B-cell repertoires, including recovery of antigen-specific antibody sequences.
• Strong hands-on laboratory skills in cell culture, molecular biology, high-throughput screening, assay development, and flow cytometry.
• Significant hands-on experience in antibody discovery, with specific expertise in in vivo immunization-based discovery approaches using single B-cell screening and sequencing.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and cross-functional partnership skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities while maintaining scientific rigor and attention to detail.
• Proven success working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Highly motivated and collaborative scientist with a strong sense of ownership, urgency, and adaptability.
• Established external reputation through publications, presentations, and/or scientific community engagement.
• Champion for a varied and inclusive culture.

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Experience with next-generation sequencing approaches and related data interpretation in antibody discovery workflows is preferred (including 10x Genomics data).
• Experience managing antibody discovery campaigns.

Required Skills:

Antibody Discovery, Antigens, B Cells, Flow Cytometry, High-Throughput Assays, In Vivo Studies, Library Development, Molecular Biology Techniques, Single Cell Analysis

Preferred Skills:

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.