Principal Scientist, Antibody Discovery Innovation
Listed on 2026-09-29
-
Research/Development
Research Scientist, Drug Discovery
Job Description
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 an exceptional and experienced scientist in the role of Principal Scientist in the South San Francisco Discovery Biologics group. The qualified candidate will be a scientist with a breadth and depth of expertise in immunization-based antibody discovery, including but not limited to expertise in adaptive immunity and B-cell biology, immunogen design, and experience with multiple hit finding platforms (e.g. high throughput microfluidics & NGS), in order to improve existing antibody discovery processes to help meet the needs for challenging targets and aggressive timelines.
They will work closely with other team members and groups throughout the organization to help manage, perform, and troubleshoot antibody discovery programs.
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.
What you will do:- Provide holistic leadership for in vivo antibody discovery strategies encompassing operations, innovation, and externalization
- Propose and lead technology development initiatives for in vivo de novo antibody discovery to increase candidate hit quality and decrease timelines
- Lead and participate in cross-functional discovery project teams in partnership with therapeutic area scientists
- As a member of the Antibody Generation leadership team, will work across groups within Discovery Biologics and with departments across Our Company's enterprise to set and deliver on our strategic goals in pipeline advancement, scientific excellence, and talent development
- Foster a high-performance growth mindset culture of collaboration, engagement, self-accountability, and inclusion
- Stay abreast of external advancements in relevant scientific and technology fields
- Promote the external reputation of our company's Discovery Biologics department
Education:
- Ph.D. (with 8+ years) in biophysics, biochemistry, structural biology or related science discipline and relevant industry experience
Experience and Skills:
- Extensive experience in antibody drug discovery supporting therapeutic programs
- Depth of knowledge in adaptive immunity and B-cell biology
- Track record of driving scientific and platform innovations
- Experience leading therapeutic antibody discovery campaigns
- Track record of leading high-performance teams
- Established external reputation through publications, presentations, and/or scientific community engagement
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Experience and Skills:
- Ideal candidate will have experience in protein therapeutics beyond traditional mAbs including alternative non-Ig scaffolds, multi-specifics, fusion proteins, and ADCs
- Experience utilizing AI/ML to support lead identification and/or lead optimization efforts
Required Skills:
Antibody Discovery, Antibody Therapeutics, B Cells, Biochemistry, Biologics, Biophysics, Immune Response, People Management, Program Leadership, Structural Biology
Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.
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…
(If this job is in fact in your jurisdiction, then you may be using a Proxy or VPN to access this site, and to progress further, you should change your connectivity to another mobile device or PC).