Senior Principal Scientist, Mass Spec & Quant Pharmacology

MSD; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 214,000 - 337,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck & Co. seeks a Senior Principal Scientist in Boston to lead mass spectrometry-enabled discovery within the Quantitative Biosciences group. You will shape assay development, guide experimental design, and influence translational pharmacology decisions across discovery programs.

The role requires deep MS expertise, strong pharmacology insight, and a track record of scientific leadership, mentorship, and collaboration across sites and functions.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent with 12+ years of relevant experience in pharma/biotech research, or MS and 15+ years for MS/MS paths.
• Deep expertise in MS-based assay development for drug discovery and translational science.
• Strong leadership, mentoring, and cross-functional collaboration across QB and discovery teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Boston mass spectrometry group to support in vitro and in vivo pharmacology needs.
• Shape MS-enabled assay development strategy, experimental design, and data interpretation for discovery programs.
• Mentor scientists and drive cross-functional alignment across QB and global teams.
• Provide scientific guidance on assay selection, study design, and mechanistic interpretation.
• Foster rigorous scientific practices and effective communication across multidisciplinary stakeholders.

Skills

Assay Development

Hit to Lead

In Vitro Pharmacology

In Vivo Pharmacology

Lead Optimization

Mass Spectrometry (MS)

Pharmacology

Education

Ph.D. or equivalent in biology, pharmacology, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related STEM discipline

Job description

Merck & Co. seeks a Senior Principal Scientist in Boston to lead mass spectrometry-enabled discovery within the Quantitative Biosciences group. You will shape assay development, guide experimental design, and influence translational pharmacology decisions across discovery programs.

The role requires deep MS expertise, strong pharmacology insight, and a track record of scientific leadership, mentorship, and collaboration across sites and functions.