Associate Principal Scientist, Discovery Oncology, Reverse Translation

Merck & Co.; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 251,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck & Co. in South San Francisco seeks an Associate Principal Scientist to lead reverse translation efforts in oncology, leveraging clinical insights with in vitro and in vivo models to identify targets and elucidate tumor biology.

The role requires independent leadership, rigorous experimentation, and collaboration across a multidisciplinary team. You will design and execute high-quality studies, analyze data, and present actionable findings to advance pipeline opportunities within a

Qualifications

• Ph.D./MS/BS with relevant industry/academic experience.
• Deep knowledge of cancer biology and therapeutic response mechanisms.
• Independent scientific leadership and actionable results.
• Hands-on experience with in vitro assays and flow cytometry.
• Molecular biology techniques for target validation.
• Ability to deliver complex objectives under aggressive timelines.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, analyze, and present laboratory studies.
• Provide scientific input to maximize pipeline opportunities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across the discovery platform.
• Communicate results clearly through presentations and reports.

Skills

Cancer biology

Oncology research

Independent leadership

Experimental design

Flow cytometry

Molecular biology techniques

Team collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Cancer Biology/Related STEM (4+ years postdoc)

M.S. in a STEM field (7+ years experience)

B.S. in STEM (11+ years experience)

Tools

Multiparametric flow cytometry

RT-PCR

Protein quantification

Cell line generation

Job description

Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated Associate Principal Scientist to join a bicoastal Discovery Oncology, Reverse Translation Team in South San Francisco. This role is an exciting opportunity to contribute to reverse translation efforts that leverage clinical insights, in vitro systems, and in vivo oncology models to identify novel therapeutic targets and elucidate mechanisms of tumor biology, disease progression, and therapeutic response. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with cross‑functional team members to design, execute, analyze, and present high-quality laboratory studies, while providing scientific input to maximize the therapeutic opportunity of our current and growing pipeline. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in cancer biology, a track record of scientific rigor, independent thinking, and a collaborative mindset. Excellent organizational, oral, and written communication skills are essential, as is the ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, multidisciplinary research environment.

Education

• Ph.D. in Cancer Biology, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Oncology, or a related STEM field, with at least four (4) years of postdoctoral training or relevant experience in industry or academia; MS and 7+ years of experience; OR BS and 11+ years of experience.

Required experience and skills

• In-depth knowledge of cancer biology, tumor biology, and mechanisms of therapeutic response and resistance.
• Track record of scientific rigor, creativity, and impact in relevant areas of oncology research, ideally demonstrated through publications and patents
• Clear evidence of independent scientific leadership, experimental design, and delivery of actionable results.
• Extensive hands‑on experience with in vitro cell‑based assays and multiparametric flow cytometry.
• Strong foundation in molecular and cellular biology techniques for target identification and validation, including but not limited to RT‑PCR, protein quantification, in vitro overexpression, knock‑in, knock‑out, and cell line generation approaches.
• Ability to deliver complex objectives under aggressive timelines in a rapidly changing research environment.
• Excellent communication, presentation, collaboration, time‑management, and organizational skills.

Preferred experience and skills

• Previous experience contributing to reverse translation projects that integrate clinical observations with preclinical experimental strategies.
• Experience working with large datasets, patient‑derived data, and/or multi‑omics approaches to generate biologically meaningful hypotheses.
• Experience working across different therapeutic modalities, including bispecific antibodies, antibody‑drug conjugates (ADCs), and small molecules

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.- For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:

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The salary range for this role is $159,600.00 - $251,200.00

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.

The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long‑term incentive, if applicable.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits .

The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.

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

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

Hazardous Material(s): Standard lab reagents

Job Posting End Date: 09/18/2026

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE -the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.

Requisition ID: R414440