Senior Scientist, Biology-Discovery

Merck; West Point (PA); On-site; USD 117,000 - 184,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Paid holidays

Paid vacation

Sick days

Job summary

Merck's Infectious Disease and Vaccines research site in West Point, PA seeks a Senior Scientist to drive discovery and development of antiviral therapies, with a focus on HIV. You will design and perform hands-on experiments, interrogating virus biology, host interactions, and immune responses using biochemical and cell-based assays and in vivo models.

The role requires strong virology background, experience with translational animal models, and a track record in immunoassay, molecular biology,

Qualifications

• BS/BA degree in Biology or Biomedical Sciences with a minimum 7 years of experience in industry and/or academia
• MS degree in Biology or Biomedical Sciences with 4 years of experience in industry and/or academia
• PhD with >1-year postdoctoral experience

Responsibilities

• Independently design and execute hands-on experiments to interrogate virus biology, host interactions, and immune responses.
• Focus on discovery and development of novel antiviral treatments, with emphasis on HIV.
• Work with biochemical and cell-based assays and in vivo disease models.
• Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team and communicate findings clearly.

Skills

Virology

HIV biology

Immunology

Cell culture

In vivo models

Animal handling

PCR

ELISA

Flow cytometry

Analytical problem solving

Education

BS/BA in Biology or Biomedical Sciences

MS in Biology or Biomedical Sciences

PhD with >1-year postdoc

Tools

BD Symphony

LSR II

FACSAria

Sony SH800

Job description

Job Description

We're seeking an experienced Senior Scientist to join the Infectious Disease and Vaccines department at our research site in West Point, PA. The candidate will have a primary role on a team responsible for the discovery and development of novel antiviral treatments, with a particular focus on HIV. The candidate will independently design and execute hands on experiments to interrogate fundamental virus biology, virus host interactions, and immunological responses using various biochemical and cell based assays and in vivo disease models. The candidate should have a strong background in virology, translational animal models, immunoassay and genomic technologies, cell biology, animal pharmacology, and general knowledge of infectious disease drug development and T cell biology. We value creative thinking, teamwork, and independent analytical problem solving. If you are a highly motivated team player with a strong desire to impact basic research and translational medicine, we invite you to consider joining our team.

Education Requirement

BS/BA degree in Biology or Biomedical Sciences with a minimum 7 years of experience in industry and/or academia, or a MS degree in Biology or Biomedical Sciences with 4 years of experience in industry and or academia, or PhD with >1-year postdoctoral experience.

Required Skills

• Highly skilled in virology with expertise in a range of virological, molecular and cellular techniques, including in vitro and in vivo disease models.
• Experience with rodent handling and small animal procedures, including injections (IP, SQ, IV, PO), blood sampling (IV, RO), and tissue collection and analysis.
• Proficiency in HIV biology, including latency, and demonstrated rigorous productive research in investigative viral replication, virus host interactions, innate and adaptive immunity, and HIV pathogenesis.
• Proven track record in immunological and molecular techniques, including cell culture and T cell purifications, virus production, ELISA, flow cytometry, PCR, and has experience with animal pharmacology.
• Knowledgeable in drug discovery and translational research.
• Good communication (verbal & writing) skills with a track record of publications.
• Solid computer skills, independent experimental design and execution, analytical problem solving capabilities, and ability to work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary team environment.
• Keen awareness of emerging biology and new technologies.

Preferred Skills

• Multi-parameter Flow cytometry andICS. Experience with instruments including BD Symphony, LSR II, and FACSARIA and Sony SH800 desirable.
• Knowledge of biomarker discovery and assay development as it relates to infectious diseases and immune responses, particularly 10X genomics or other immuno profiling platform experience.
• In vitro and ex vivo probing of tissues for host-pathogen responses using biochemical methods, cell based assays, and in vivo disease models, particularly for infectious disease.

Required Skills

Animal Models, Antiviral Drugs, Assay Development, Biochemical Assays, Biomarkers, Cell Culture Techniques, Drug Target Identification, Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), Flow Cytometry, Immunoassays, Immunology, Infectious Disease Research, In Vitro Research, In Vivo Models, Molecular Biology, Pathogenesis, Tissue Collection, Transcriptomics, Virology

US And Puerto Rico Residents Only

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities.

Requirements

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit: EEOC Know Your Rights EEOC GINA Supplement 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. Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts

Salary Range

$117,000.00 - $184,200.00

Bonus and Incentives

The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long term incentive, if applicable.

Benefits

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 401k, 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

Employee Status

Regular

Relocation

Domestic

VISA Sponsorship

No

Travel Requirements

No Travel Required

Flexible Work Arrangements

Not Applicable

Shift

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License

No

Hazardous Material(s)

N/A

Job Posting End Date

10/8/2026

• 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

R418485