Principal Scientist (all genders) Structural Biology

Merck Healthcare; Darmstadt; Vor Ort; EUR 120.000 - 180.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

Merck Healthcare is seeking a Principal Scientist in Structural Biology and Biophysics to lead interdisciplinary projects, advance structure-based design, and strengthen crystallography and cryo-EM capabilities across macromolecular complexes. You will coordinate external partners and mentor junior scientists in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

The role emphasizes cross-functional communication, data-driven decision making, and advancing innovations in structural biology within R&D

Qualifikationen

• PhD in Structural Biology or a related field with 10+ years of experience in biopharma.
• Deep expertise in high-resolution structure determination by X-ray crystallography.
• Experience with antigen–antibody and protein degrader complexes; strong structure–function knowledge.
• Hands-on with single-particle cryo-EM and biophysical methods (HDX-MS, SAXS).
• Experience with cloud-based/HPC data management, Linux scripting, and AI/ML-based predictions.

Aufgaben

• Provide scientific leadership in interdisciplinary projects to elucidate structural mode of action and enable structure-based design.
• Coordinate CRO/collaboration partner activities for reagents and data generation.
• Mentor junior scientists in structure biology and drug discovery; communicate findings to cross-functional teams.

Kenntnisse

High-resolution structureetection

X-ray crystallography

Cryo-EM

Protein/antibody complexes

Data processing & refinement

Cloud/HPC data management

Linux scripting

AI/ML structure prediction

Leadership & mentoring

English communication

Ausbildung

PhD in Structural Biology or related field

Tools

Refeyn

FIDA

DSF

HDX-MS

SAXS

Jobbeschreibung

Work Your Magic with us!

Ready to explore, break barriers, and discover more? We know you’ve got big plans – so do we! Our colleagues across the globe love innovating with science and technology to enrich people’s lives with our solutions in Healthcare, Life Science, and Electronics. Together, we dream big and are passionate about caring for our rich mix of people, customers, patients, and planet. That's why we are always looking for curious minds that see themselves imagining the unimaginable with us.

Your Role

As a Principal Scientist in the Structural Biology and Biophysics team, R&D Discovery, you will provide scientific leadership in interdisciplinary projects to elucidate structural mode of action and enable structure-based design with a focus on macromolecular complexes of antibodies, multispecifics and molecular degraders. You will strengthen our X-ray crystallography capabilities and, where possible complement our cryo-EM workflows to establish integrated, end-to-end experimental strategies for structural enablement — spanning protein and sample generation, data acquisition, and structural model building. You coordinate CRO/collaboration partner activities for reagents and data generation and drive innovations in structural biology. You clearly explain and communicate scientific findings and proposals to cross-functional teams and stakeholders to support informed and fast decision-making. You will mentor and develop junior scientists in structure biology and drug discovery contributing to a high-performing, collaborative culture.

Who You Are

• PhD in Structural Biology or a related field with 10+ years of relevant experience (including biopharma, biotech) and strong track record to design, execute and drive complex structural biology projects.
• Deep expertise in high-resolution structure determination of proteins and protein complexes by Xray crystallography (sample generation, data collection & processing, structure refinement with industry-standard software).
• Experience working with antigen–antibody and protein degrader complexes, with a deep understanding of structure–function relationships.
• Ideally hands-on with single-particle cryo-EM and biophysical (e.g. HDX-MS, SAXS; Refeyn, FIDA, DSF)
• Experience with cloud-based/HPC data management and processing; LINUX scripting; AI/ML-based prediction of biomolecular structures.
• Effective collaborator and leader in multidisciplinary settings with excellent English communication; skilled in guiding/mentoring scientists, coordinating multi-site work, and managing CROs to balance project demands.
• Proven ability to convey complex data clearly to drive decisions; strong publication history or impactful drug discovery contributions (oncology/immunology/neuroscience favored); excellent problem-solving abilities and experience introducing relevant new technologies.

What we offer:

We are curious minds that come from a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. We believe that this variety drives excellence and innovation, strengthening our ability to lead in science and technology. We are committed to creating access and opportunities for all to develop and grow at your own pace. Join us in building a culture of inclusion and belonging that impacts millions and empowers everyone to work their magic and champion human progress!