Associate Scientist, Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Translational Imaging

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

Job summary

Merck & Co., Inc. is seeking a highly motivated Associate Scientist, Postdoctoral Research Fellow for the Translational Imaging group in South San Francisco, CA.

The role focuses on quantitative MRI/MRS to study skeletal muscle physiology and metabolism in metabolic disease within a multidisciplinary drug discovery setting. The candidate will develop imaging biomarkers, design pipelines, and contribute to pulse sequence work while collaborating across biology, pharmacology, and data science

Qualifications

• Must currently hold a PhD OR
• PhD must be earned no later than spring 2027
• PhD in Physics, Medical Physics, Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Imaging Science, Biophysics, Applied Mathematics, or related quantitative discipline.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement advanced MRI/MRS methodologies for preclinical research.
• Design, optimize, and validate imaging acquisition and analysis workflows.
• Contribute to MRI pulse sequence development and programming.
• Analyze and interpret complex imaging datasets using quantitative and computational approaches.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across imaging, biology, pharmacology, and data science.
• Present research findings at conferences and publish in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Drive innovative research projects while developing scientific independence and technical leadership.

Skills

MRI physics

Pulse sequence programming

Quantitative image analysis

Programming: Python/MATLAB/C++

Publications & presentations

Communication & collaboration

Education

PhD in Physics / Biomedical Engineering / related field

Tools

MRI Pulse Sequence Development

Job description

Associate Scientist, Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Translational Imaging

Be a part of the legacy: Postdoctoral Research Fellow Program

Our Research Laboratories’ Postdoctoral Research Fellow Program aims to be a best-in-industry program for industrial postdoctoral researchers, designed to provide you with an academic focus in a commercial environment. With the resources, reach, and expertise of a large pharmaceutical company, postdoctoral researchers will be positioned to excel in an institution committed to breakthrough innovation in research and discovery.

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated scientist for a postdoctoral fellowship position within the Translational Imaging group at our company's Research Laboratories in South San Francisco, California.

The successful candidate will contribute to the development and application of advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) approaches to investigate skeletal muscle physiology, muscle metabolism, and muscle health in metabolic disease. The fellowship will focus on quantitative imaging biomarker development and translational imaging technologies that enable noninvasive assessment of muscle composition, function, and energetics in preclinical models. The position offers a unique opportunity to combine MRI physics, imaging technology development, and muscle physiology research within a multidisciplinary drug discovery environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement advanced MRI/MRS methodologies for preclinical research.
• Design, optimize, and validate imaging acquisition and analysis workflows.
• Contribute to MRI pulse sequence development and programming.
• Analyze and interpret complex imaging datasets using quantitative and computational approaches.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across imaging, biology, pharmacology, and data science.
• Present research findings at scientific conferences and publish results in peer-reviewed journals.
• Drive innovative research projects while developing scientific independence and technical leadership.

Education Minimum Requirement

• Must currently hold a PhD OR
• Receive a Ph.D. no later than spring 2027
• Ph.D. in Physics, Medical Physics, Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Imaging Science, Biophysics, Applied Mathematics, or a related quantitative discipline.

Required Experience and Skills

• Strong foundation in MRI physics and magnetic resonance theory.
• Experience with MRI pulse sequence development and/or pulse sequence programming.
• Experience with quantitative image analysis and scientific computing.
• Programming experience in Python, MATLAB, C++, or related languages.
• Demonstrated scientific productivity through publications and presentations.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and collaborative skills.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Experience with MRI/MRS method development, pulse sequence programming, image reconstruction, or quantitative imaging.
• Experience with ³¹P magnetic resonance spectroscopy (³¹P MRS) and/or other advanced spectroscopy techniques.
• Experience working with preclinical or clinical MRI systems.
• Experience in obesity, diabetes, metabolic disease, skeletal muscle biology, adipose biology, or related fields.
• Experience working with and handling laboratory animals in a research setting.
• Familiarity with machine learning, AI, or quantitative biomarker development.
• Interest in translational imaging and muscle physiology research.

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.

Required Skills:

Biomedical Engineering, Image Analysis, Image Reconstruction, Imaging Techniques, In Vivo Mouse Models, Preclinical Research, Programming Languages, Scientific Presentations, Spectroscopy, Statistical Analysis

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities.

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

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully

Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.

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:

10/19/2026*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.