Scientist, Molecular Interactions, Discovery Biologics

Merck & Co.; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 98,000 - 154,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Other insurance benefits

Retirement benefits (401(k))

Paid holidays

Vacation

Compassionate and sick days

Job summary

Merck & Co., Inc. in Boston seeks a Scientist to join the Molecular Interactions team in Discovery Biologics.

The role involves hands-on work applying biosensor and biochemical methods to characterize protein therapeutics and targets, driving data that informs discovery and candidate selection. Responsibilities include executing binding assays (SPR/BLI), protein conjugation, and biophysical studies, with results communicated to cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with SPR and BLI based assays on biosensor platforms.
• Understanding of protein–protein interaction analysis including affinity and kinetics.
• Experienced with data analysis using GraphPad Prism/Excel or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Execute and optimize binding assays to evaluate affinity, kinetics, and epitope specificity.
• Perform protein conjugation and biophysical characterization studies as needed.
• Implement new technologies and communicate results to cross-functional teams.
• Support biologics discovery and candidate selection with high-quality data.
• Collaborate in a hands-on lab environment applying biosensor technologies.

Skills

SPR

BLI

Protein interactions

Data analysis tools

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

Carterra

Biacore

Octet

GraphPad Prism

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated Scientist to join the Molecular Interactions team within Early Biologics Characterization at Discovery Biologics in Boston. In this hands‑on laboratory role, you will apply a range of biosensor and biochemical technologies to characterize protein therapeutics and their targets, generating critical data that drives biologics discovery and candidate selection.

Responsibilities include executing and optimizing fit‑for‑purpose binding assays to evaluate affinity, kinetics, epitope specificity, cross‑reactivity, and molecular quality of biologic therapeutics. Additional duties may include protein conjugation, biophysical characterization studies, implementation of new technologies, and communication of results to cross‑functional project teams.

We are looking for a passionate and collaborative scientist with a strong sense of curiosity, a desire to solve challenging scientific problems, and a commitment to generating high‑quality data. Join a team where innovation, scientific rigor, and cutting‑edge technologies come together to advance the next generation of biologic medicines.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Molecular Biology, or a related discipline with 2 years of postgraduate hands‑on relevant laboratory experience


• OR Master's degree with 1+ year of hands‑on relevant laboratory experience

Required Qualifications

• Hands‑on experience executing SPR and BLI based assays on biosensor platforms including Carterra, Biacore, or Octet


• Understanding of protein‑protein interaction analysis, including binding affinity, kinetics, and data interpretation


• Experience using scientific data analysis tools such as GraphPad Prism, Microsoft Excel, or equivalent software


• Demonstrated ability to execute experiments, analyze and interpret data, troubleshoot technical challenges, and communicate results effectively


• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple assignments in a dynamic, team‑oriented environment


• Effective written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing or optimizing assays using ELISA, Microscale Thermophoresis (MST), KinExA, or related technologies


• Experience with protein conjugation techniques


• Experience with automated liquid‑handling systems


• Experience using flow cytometry or FACS


• Experience supporting biologics discovery, protein sciences, or therapeutic characterization programs

Required Skills:

Automated Liquid Handling Systems, Biologics, Biophysical Characterization, Detail‑Oriented, Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), High‑Throughput Screening, Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR), Therapeutic Proteins

Preferred Skills:

Cell Cultures, Flow Cytometry, Protein Purifications

The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.

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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.

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The salary range for this role is $98,000.00 - $154,300.00

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. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits .

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:

No relocation

VISA Sponsorship:

Yes

Travel Requirements:

No Travel Required

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

OEB4, BSL2

Job Posting End Date:

09/18/2026

*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.

Requisition ID:

R417044