Associate Principal Scientist, Immunology Discovery
$142,400–$224,100 year
On-siteSan Diego, California, United States
Job Summary
Define and drive drug discovery immunology project strategies by collaborating with cross-functional teams to advance therapeutic candidates from early discovery to clinical candidates. Lead from the bench by independently designing, executing, and interpreting complex in vitro and ex vivo studies aligned with program goals while overseeing the experiments of others. Identify and implement novel technologies to increase efficiency, share expertise through mentorship, and integrate complex data to communicate science and strategy to stakeholders. This Associate Principal Scientist role focuses on target validation, differentiation, and derisking for inflammatory and autoimmune diseases across Gastroenterology, Rheumatology, and Dermatology within Merck's Discovery Immunology organization.
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. in immunology, cell biology or related biomedical science
- 5+ years of experience
- Relevant drug discovery experience
- Demonstrated experience contributing to or leading discovery-stage programs or initiatives
- Strong immunology background
- Extensive knowledge of immune-mediated diseases across Gastroenterology, Rheumatology or Dermatology
- Knowledge of related preclinical models
- Broad experience in cell biology techniques (including culture of cell lines, immune cells and other primary cells, in vitro and ex vivo cell-based assays, multi-color flow cytometry)
- Experience with immunoassay platforms (e.g. ELISA, meso scale discovery)
- Experience with molecular biology (e.g. RT-PCR)
- Proficiency in data analysis using Excel
- Proficiency in data analysis using Prism (GraphPad)
- Proficiency in data analysis using FlowJo
- Ability to work independently
- Ability to operate effectively within cross-functional and matrixed teams
- Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills
- Ability to lead by influencing and mentoring others
- Ability to communicate data and program strategies effectively to broad audiences
- Valid Driving License
Desired Qualifications
- Experience leading cross-functional biologics or chemistry discovery programs for Gastroenterology, Dermatology, and/or Rheumatology
- Experience with autoimmune or immune-mediated disorders
- Experience in both large and small pharma contexts
- Experience in translational research and biomarker discovery
- Prior experience working with multiple therapeutic modalities (small molecule, peptide, biologic, etc.)
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