Associate Scientist, Post Doc Fellow- Ophthalmology

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) plan

Paid holidays

Paid time off

Job summary

MSD in South San Francisco is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Ophthalmology to explore mechanisms regulating retinal homeostasis and disease progression. You will apply in vitro and in vivo approaches, lead independent projects, and present findings across scientific forums.

The role offers mentorship from retinal biology and pharmacology experts, with a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment and opportunities for translational insights and future independent research directions.

Qualifications

• PhD required or awarded by spring 2027.
• Experience with in vitro and in vivo approaches.
• Strong publication record in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Ability to design, execute, and interpret complex studies.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Data Analysis

In Vitro Studies

In Vivo Studies

Molecular Biology

Ophthalmology

Pharmacology

Scientific Presentations

Study Design

Ocular Disease Biology

Education

PhD in Biology/Neuroscience/Pharmacology

Tools

None

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 PresentationsStudy 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.

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only

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Equal Employment Opportunity

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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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.