Job Description
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
Foster a high-performance culture of collaboration, engagement, self-accountability, and inclusion
Preferred skills:
Experience advancing protein therapeutics beyond traditional mAbs, including VHHs, multi-specifics, fusion proteins, and ADCs
Foster a high-performance culture of collaboration, engagement, self-accountability, and inclusion
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, talented, and committed people together. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when ideas 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. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering an inclusive workplace.
#EligibleforERP
Required Skills:
Antibody Engineering, Antibody Therapeutics, Biologics, Mentorship, People Management, Protein Engineering, T Cell Immunology, Therapeutic ProteinsPreferred 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:
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.
Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts
The salary range for this role is
$176,200.00 - $277,300.00This 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:
RegularRelocation:
Domestic/InternationalVISA Sponsorship:
YesTravel Requirements:
10%Flexible Work Arrangements:
Not ApplicableShift:
Not IndicatedValid Driving License:
NoHazardous Material(s):
n/aJob Posting End Date:
06/9/2026*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.