Associate Principal Scientist, Biology-Discovery

Associate Principal Scientist, Biology-Discovery

Salary: $142K - $224K

Location: West Point, PA

Job Description:

We are a global pharmaceutical company dedicated to improving health worldwide. This role is part of our Quantitative Biosciences team, focusing on antiviral drug discovery for HIV-1 and other infectious diseases.

• Develop and execute cell‑based antiviral assays, critically analyze and interpret data, and integrate results with other functional areas to ensure success of infectious disease discovery programs.
• Represent Quantitative Biosciences on core discovery program teams and partner across matrixed program teams to define strategy, goals and coordinate department engagement.
• Collaborate with biology, chemistry, and screening colleagues to identify next‑generation drug targets.
• Identify, validate, and integrate new technologies or methodologies to increase efficiency, drive progress, and facilitate clinical translation of discovery programs.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to less experienced scientists, empowering their success and ensuring professional development.
• Work with automation engineers to transfer assays developed at the bench onto integrated robotic systems.
• Document protocols and findings, author preclinical regulatory documents, and comply with all laboratory safety requirements.
• Integrate and interpret complex data and communicate science and strategy to stakeholders and management.

• Advanced degree in molecular virology, pharmacology, or a related discipline and a BS degree with 12+ years relevant experience, or an MS degree with 8+ years relevant experience, or a Ph.D. with 3+ years relevant experience.
• Proficiency in HIV-1 biology, including pathogenesis, resistance, and/or latency.
• Highly skilled in virology with expertise in virological, molecular and cellular techniques, including in vitro and in vivo disease models.
• Proven track record in the design and execution of cell‑based antiviral assays using detection technologies such as fluorescence imaging, luminescence, flow cytometry, Mesoscale/Luminex.
• Superb time management skills and ability to balance competing priorities while completing multiple tasks concurrently.
• Robust understanding of drug discovery and clinical development, with experience from lead identification to preclinical candidate delivery.
• Ability to thrive in a highly matrixed work environment, interfacing with therapy areas, medicinal chemistry, automation, IT, data science and pharmacokinetics.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, and solid computer skills.
• Passion for innovation with strong analytical and problem‑solving capabilities.
• Knowledge of automated liquid handlers for assay development.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities.

• Assay Development
• Biochemical Assays
• Biochemistry
• Bioinformatics
• Cell Biology
• Cytometry
• Detail‑Oriented
• Drug Discovery Process
• Ethical Compliance
• High‑Throughput Screening
• Immunology
• Infectious Disease
• Laboratory Automation
• Laboratory Safety
• Mammalian Cell Culture
• Molecular Biology
• Pharmacodynamics
• Pharmacokinetics
• Pharmacotherapeutics
• Pharmacotherapy
• Professional Networking
• Strategic Thinking
• Teamwork
• Virology

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and other insurance benefits for employees and families, retirement benefits (401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, compassionate and sick days. Additional information is available at

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.

Employee Status:
Regular

Relocation:
Domestic

VISA Sponsorship:
Yes

Travel Requirements:
No Travel Required

Flexible Work Arrangements:
Not Applicable

Shift: Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:
No

Job Posting End Date: 07/01/2026