Associate Scientist

Merck & Co.; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck & Co. in South San Francisco, CA, seeks an Associate Scientist to develop tissue-based assays (including multiplex IHC) and image analysis to support preclinical questions on target expression and biomarker development.

The role emphasizes independent lab work, training readiness, and the ability to manage multiple projects while coordinating with pathologists and researchers. Shift aligns with standard lab hours, on-site in South San Francisco.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Bachelor's degree with 2 years scientific experience.
• Hands-on experience in pathology and immunohistochemistry (IHC).
• Familiarity with imaging and histology workflows.

Responsibilities

• Support development of histopathology assays, including single and multiplex IHC, ISH, and both colorimetric and immunofluorescent methods.
• Perform image analysis and data extraction from experiments.
• Collaborate with Pathologists, Scientists, and Research Associates on multiple projects to evaluate data and assist mechanism of action studies.
• Work in a cross-functional team to support target qualification, pharmacodynamics, and biomarker development.
• Organize and present data with documentation in lab information systems and team communications.

Skills

IHC

Molecular pathology

Image analysis

Multitasking

Organizational skills

Independent learning

Education

Master's degree

Bachelor's degree + 2 years experience

Tools

Leica Bond

Ventana

Intellipath

Job description

ONSITE at USSF Standard daytime lab hours, approximately 8:00 AM-5:00 PM / 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, with flexibility around exact start/end times.

The ideal candidate will hold a BS or MS in Cellular Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related life science discipline and possess strong hands‑on laboratory experience in pathology and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Practical experience with staining and assay workflows is essential, and experience operating Ventana and/or Leica BOND automated staining platforms is highly desirable, as it would significantly reduce the required training period. The strongest candidates will have demonstrated expertise in assay execution and optimization, including single-plex and/or multiplex assays, quality control practices, and the generation of reliable experimental data. They should be quick learners who can rapidly gain independence in the laboratory environment. Given the team's responsibility for managing multiple concurrent projects, the candidate must be highly organized, able to effectively prioritize competing activities, and comfortable multitasking. The manager is seeking someone who is hands‑on, trainable, appropriately aligned to the level of the role, and capable of integrating quickly into the team. Relevant laboratory experience is considered more important than whether the candidate holds a bachelor's or master's degree. While candidates with more than 10 years of experience may be overqualified for the scope and level of this position, short employment durations should not be viewed negatively when supported by reasonable explanations, such as layoffs. Overall, the highest-priority candidate profile combines strong IHC and pathology experience, familiarity with Ventana or Leica BOND platforms, the ability to work independently in the laboratory, and the capacity to manage multiple projects effectively.

Immunohistochemistry and pathology experience needed

Experience with Leica Bond, Ventana, and/or Intellipath is prefered.

90% of time will be spent in the lab. Shift time will start around 8am-5pm with little flexibility for start and end times.

*** is seeking an Associate Scientist to work in the Pathology Lab in the Translational Safety & Bioanalytical Sciences Department in South San Francisco, CA. The Associate Scientist will develop and implement specialized tissue-based assays (including multiplex assays and image analysis) to support specific portfolio related questions on target expression and preclinical model development.

Responsibilities

• Assist with development and implementation of histopathology assays including single and multiplex immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays, in situ hybridization (ISH), both colorimetric and immunofluorescent, and use a variety of imaging modalities.


• Assist with performing image analysis.


• Participate in collaborate with Pathologists, Scientists and Research Associates on multiple concurrent projects to evaluate and deliver data, contribute to early programs and assist with determining mechanism of action and toxicity.


• Work as part of a cross functional team to provide tissue-based assay development for target qualification, pharmacodynamic and efficacy readouts, and biomarker development.


• Organize and present data, including all documentation in required lab information systems and databases, as well as team communications.

Basic Qualifications

Master's degree

OR

Bachelor's degree and 2 years scientific experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in cellular biology, molecular biology or related discipline.


• Two or more years' experience in molecular pathology in an industry setting.


• Basic hands‑on experience in a variety of pathology-based methodologies including IHC, multiplex IHC, immunofluorescence imaging and other advanced microscopy, digital pathology/image analysis, specialized tissue sectioning and histology procedures.


• Experience with Leica Bond, Ventana and/ or Intellipath is preferred.


• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.


• Excellent communication skills.