Postdoc Scientist: Viral Immunology & Antibody Discovery

MSD Malaysia; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 82,000 - 92,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Long-term incentive

Medical, dental, vision benefits

401(k)

Job summary

Merck & Co., Inc. invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow in Viral Immunology & Antibody Discovery at our West Point, PA site.

The successful candidate will join the Infectious Diseases & Vaccines Discovery group to isolate monoclonal antibodies from human samples, map epitopes, and characterize functional properties to define critical antigenic sites. The role supports vaccine design efforts and requires collaboration with internal and external partners to provide insights and publish

Qualifications

• PhD in Immunology, Virology, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience using antibodies for antigenic characterization (e.g., epitope mapping).
• Experience with immunological assays such as ELISA and neutralization assays.
• Familiarity with protein interaction analysis (e.g., Octet/BLI, SPR).
• Hands-on experience with aseptic cell culture, including primary human cells.
• Proficiency in standard molecular biology techniques (PCR, cloning, transfection).
• Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, and troubleshoot experiments.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze data and publish findings.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills.
• Preferred: monoclonal antibody discovery from primary B cells; flow cytometry platforms; respiratory virus background.

Responsibilities

• Isolate novel monoclonal antibodies from human samples.
• Map epitopes and characterize functional properties to define key antigenic sites.
• Inform next-generation vaccine design through functional characterization.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners and contribute to publications.

Skills

Epitope mapping

ELISA

Neutralization assays

Octet/BLI

SPR

Aseptic cell culture

PCR

Cloning

Transfection

Independent experimental design

Data analysis

Scientific publication

Monoclonal antibody discovery from B-c

Education

PhD in Immunology, Virology, Molecular Biology, or related field

Tools

BD Symphony

LSR II

FACSAria

Sony SH800

Job description

Merck & Co., Inc. invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow in Viral Immunology & Antibody Discovery at our West Point, PA site.

The successful candidate will join the Infectious Diseases & Vaccines Discovery group to isolate monoclonal antibodies from human samples, map epitopes, and characterize functional properties to define critical antigenic sites. The role supports vaccine design efforts and requires collaboration with internal and external partners to provide insights and publish