Molecular Interactions Scientist - Biologics Discovery

Merck; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck in South San Francisco is seeking a highly motivated scientist to join the Molecular Interactions group within Discovery Biologics. You will generate decision-enabling data on binding, kinetics, epitope binning, and competition to advance biologics programs from discovery to candidate selection.

You will collaborate with antibody discovery, protein sciences, computational biology, and project teams, applying rigorous experimental design and quantitative interpretation to solve complex

Qualifications

• +Bachelor's with 7+ years or Master's with 4+ years in biology/related field.
• +PhD in biology with relevant experience.
• +Proven ability to independently design, execute, and interpret complex experiments.
• +Hands-on experience with interaction analysis platforms (SPR, Carterra, Biacore, BLI, KinExA).
• +Strong problem solving, communication, and collaboration in cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, troubleshoot, and interpret molecular interaction studies to guide program direction.
• Generate high-quality data on binding, affinity, kinetics, avidity, epitopes, and competition.
• Collaborate with antibody discovery, protein sciences, computational biology, and project teams.
• Develop and optimize assay formats, automation, data analysis, and visualization workflows.
• Maintain data integrity and clearly communicate findings, risks, and recommendations.

Skills

Antibodies

Antibody Discovery

Biomolecular Interactions

Kinetic Studies

Protein Characterization

Protein Interactions

Quantitative Assay

Cell-based assays

Experiment design

Education

Bachelor's (with 7+ years)

Master's (with 4+ years)

Ph.D. in biological sciences

Tools

SPR

Carterra

Biacore

biolayer interferometry

KinExA

Job description

Merck in South San Francisco is seeking a highly motivated scientist to join the Molecular Interactions group within Discovery Biologics. You will generate decision-enabling data on binding, kinetics, epitope binning, and competition to advance biologics programs from discovery to candidate selection.

You will collaborate with antibody discovery, protein sciences, computational biology, and project teams, applying rigorous experimental design and quantitative interpretation to solve complex