Associate Scientist, Post Doc Fellow- Ophthalmology

MSD Malaysia; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 82,000 - 92,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision benefits

401(k)

Paid holidays and vacation

Sick days and compassionate leave

Job summary

MSD Malaysia seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join its Ophthalmology Discovery Research team in South San Francisco, California. The role focuses on retinal homeostasis, tissue repair, and ocular disease mechanisms using state‑of‑the‑art in vitro and in vivo methods.

The candidate will work on translational biomarker discovery, systems‑level data analysis, and a collaborative, multi‑disciplinary environment with experts in retinal biology and pharmacology.

Qualifications

• PhD required or anticipated by spring 2027 in biology, neuroscience, pharmacology or related discipline.
• Demonstrated excellence with a strong publication record in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Hands‑on molecular/cellular in vitro techniques and in vivo study experience.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute mechanistic in vitro studies using cell culture, assays, and molecular biology.
• Perform in vivo ophthalmology research in rodent models and analyze endpoints.
• Generate and interpret complex datasets integrating multi‑omics data.

Skills

Data Analysis

Disease Models

Immunoassays

In Vitro Studies

In Vivo Studies

Molecular Biology

Ophthalmology

Pharmacology

Scientific Presentations

Study Design

Education

PhD in Biology/Neuroscience/Pharmacology or related

Tools

None

Job description

Job Description Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Ophthalmology Be a part of the legacy: Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program The Research and Development Division Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program offers an exceptional opportunity for emerging scientists to conduct cutting‑edge research at the intersection of academic innovation and pharmaceutical discovery. By leveraging world‑class technologies, expert mentorship, and a highly collaborative environment, fellows play a pivotal role in advancing novel scientific insights and therapeutic breakthroughs.

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join our Ophthalmology Discovery Research team in South San Francisco, California. This position offers an exciting opportunity to investigate fundamental mechanisms that regulate retinal homeostasis, tissue repair, and pathological remodeling in ocular diseases. The successful candidate will leverage state‑of‑the‑art in vitro and in vivo approaches to study various processes involved in retinal disease progression and recovery. This multidisciplinary project integrates molecular biology, advanced in vivo imaging, translational biomarker discovery, and systems‑level data analysis to uncover novel mechanisms relevant to vision‑threatening disorders. The postdoctoral fellow will work in a highly collaborative environment alongside experts in retinal biology, pharmacology and translational science.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute mechanistic in vitro studies using cell culture systems, functional assays, and molecular biology approaches to investigate disease mechanisms and therapeutic interventions.
• Conduct in vivo ophthalmology research in rodent models, including study execution and analysis of disease‑relevant endpoints.
• Generate, analyze, and interpret complex biological datasets, integrating molecular, cellular, and multi‑omics data to identify key pathways, mechanisms, and translational insights.
• Lead independent research initiatives and communicate scientific findings through presentations, publications, and active participation in internal and external scientific forums while contributing to a collaborative research environment.

Education

Minimum Requirement: Must currently hold a PhD OR Receive a Ph.D. no later than spring 2027. Ph.D. in Biology, Neuroscience, Pharmacology or related disciplines.

Required Experience and Skills

• Demonstrated scientific excellence through a strong publication record in peer‑reviewed journals and evidence of impactful research contributions.
• Hands‑on expertise in molecular, cellular, and in vitro experimental techniques, with experience applying these approaches to address complex biological questions.
• Proven experience designing, conducting, and interpreting in vivo studies, including animal model development, execution, and data analysis.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to independently design experiments, interpret results, and drive research initiatives forward.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to thrive in a multidisciplinary, team‑oriented environment while effectively presenting scientific findings to audiences.

Required Skills

• Data Analysis
• Disease Models
• Immunoassays
• In Vitro Studies
• In Vivo Studies
• Molecular Biology
• Ophthalmology
• Pharmacology
• Scientific Presentations
• Study Design

The salary range for this role is: $82,000- $92,000 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.

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: EEOC Know Your Rights EEOC GINA Supplement.

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.

Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts.

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: 10%

Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable

Shift: Not Indicated

Valid Driving License: No

Hazardous Material(s): N/A

Job Posting End Date: 10/12/2026 *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.

Our company is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines and animal health products. The difference between potential and achievement lies in the spark that fuels innovation and inventiveness; this is the space where we have codified our legacy for over a century. Our success is backed by ethical integrity, forward momentum, and an inspiring mission to achieve new milestones in global healthcare.