Associate Principal Scientist, Automation & Screening (Biologics Discovery)

Merck; South San Francisco (CA); Presencial; USD 160 000 - 251 000; Tempo integral

Resumo da oferta

Merck in South San Francisco is seeking an Associate Principal Scientist to lead automated antibody discovery and characterization within the Molecular Discovery group. You will shape high-throughput workflows and collaborate across protein sciences, data sciences, and engineering teams.

You will manage a small automation team, set priorities, mentor staff, and deliver robust, scalable capabilities that accelerate discovery through candidate selection.

Qualificações

• Experience leading laboratory automation or high-throughput screening across programs.
• Hands-on with automated liquid handling platforms and method programming.
• Experience with Python/SQL/R for data processing and workflow automation.
• Experience managing a small automation team and coaching staff.

Responsabilidades

• Develop and advance automated workflows for antibody discovery and characterization.
• Lead and manage a small team of automation scientists.
• Set priorities and support team development while delivering scalable capabilities.
• Collaborate across protein sciences, data sciences, engineering, and therapeutic area teams.

Conhecimentos

Automation leadership

Hamilton Microlab STAR

Robotic automation

Python/SQL/R

ELISA

Flow cytometry

Team supervision

Communication

Formação académica

Advanced biology degree

Ferramentas

Hamilton Microlab STAR

Robotic arms

Descrição da oferta de emprego

We are recruiting an Associate Principal Scientist to support our Molecular Discovery group located in South San Francisco. Antibody Generation within Discovery Biologics delivers differentiated therapeutic antibodies through innovative discovery, screening, and characterization approaches. We collaborate across protein sciences, data sciences, engineering, and therapeutic area teams to advance programs from early discovery through candidate selection.

We are seeking an innovative scientific leader to develop and advance automated workflows for antibody discovery and characterization in South San Francisco. The Associate Principal Scientist will combine automation and bioassay expertise with strategic and operational leadership, manage a small team of scientists, establish priorities, and support team development while delivering robust, scalable, and decision enabling capabilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Bachelor's (with 10+ years), Master's (with 6+ years) or Ph.D. (with 4+ years) in a relevant biological science or related field and relevant experience.

Required Experience and Skills

• Demonstrated scientific leadership directing complex laboratory automation or high throughput screening activities across multiple programs.
• Hands on experience with automated liquid handling platforms, such as the Hamilton Microlab STAR, robotic arms, and related automation software, including method programming, configuration, and troubleshooting.
• Experience with Python, SQL, R, or related tools for data processing, workflow automation, or instrument integration.
• Strong experience with binding and cell-based assays, including ELISA and flow cytometry or fluorescence activated cell sorting.
• Ability to translate scientific needs into scalable workflows, define experimental plans, resolve complex technical issues, and manage priorities and resources across concurrent biotherapeutic discovery workstreams.
• Prior experience managing or supervising a small team of automation scientists, including coaching, performance feedback, and professional development.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and influencing skills in a matrixed research organization.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Experience training laboratory users, standardizing automated methods, and overseeing safe and compliant laboratory operations.
• Experience evaluating or implementing innovative antibody discovery technologies, such as microfluidics, genetic or messenger RNA immunization, single cell screening, or other high throughput approaches.
• Strong knowledge of antibody discovery, characterization, NGS, protein engineering, and biologics modality design.
• Contributions to publications, intellectual property, technology strategy, or external collaborations.

Required Skills: Antibodies, Antibody Discovery, Automation, Cell-Based Assays, ELISA Techniques, Flow Cytometry, Laboratory Automation, Laboratory Robotics, Laboratory Techniques, Liquid Handling, People Management, Robotic Liquid Handlers, Team Supervision

Preferred Skills

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

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The primary location for this posting is: USA - California - South San Francisco (Grand Ave)

Where required by law, the compensation range for this role is provided below.

The salary range for the primary location of this role is: $159,600.00 - $251,200.00

This range reflects the Company's reasonable expectation of the base salary applicable to this role at the time of posting. An employee's position within the sal