Lead Automation Scientist – Antibody Discovery

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

Job summary

Merck in South San Francisco is seeking an Associate Principal Scientist to lead automated antibody discovery and characterization within the Molecular Discovery group. You will shape high-throughput workflows and collaborate across protein sciences, data sciences, and engineering teams.

You will manage a small automation team, set priorities, mentor staff, and deliver robust, scalable capabilities that accelerate discovery through candidate selection.

Qualifications

• Experience leading laboratory automation or high-throughput screening across programs.
• Hands-on with automated liquid handling platforms and method programming.
• Experience with Python/SQL/R for data processing and workflow automation.
• Experience managing a small automation team and coaching staff.

Responsibilities

• Develop and advance automated workflows for antibody discovery and characterization.
• Lead and manage a small team of automation scientists.
• Set priorities and support team development while delivering scalable capabilities.
• Collaborate across protein sciences, data sciences, engineering, and therapeutic area teams.

Skills

Automation leadership

Hamilton Microlab STAR

Robotic automation

Python/SQL/R

ELISA

Flow cytometry

Team supervision

Communication

Education

Advanced biology degree

Tools

Hamilton Microlab STAR

Robotic arms

Job description

Merck in South San Francisco is seeking an Associate Principal Scientist to lead automated antibody discovery and characterization within the Molecular Discovery group. You will shape high-throughput workflows and collaborate across protein sciences, data sciences, and engineering teams.

You will manage a small automation team, set priorities, mentor staff, and deliver robust, scalable capabilities that accelerate discovery through candidate selection.