Senior Scientist, Biology-Discovery

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k)

Paid holidays and vacation

Job summary

Merck & Co., Inc. in West Point, PA is seeking a Senior Scientist to drive discovery and development of antiviral agents focusing on HIV.

The role involves designing experiments, analyzing virus biology, and advancing translational research using in vivo models and immunoassays. The candidate will work within the Infectious Disease and Vaccines department, collaborating across disciplines to publish findings and contribute to drug development strategies.

Qualifications

• Experience with virology and multiple virological, molecular and cellular techniques.
• Experience with rodent handling and small-animal procedures.
• Proficiency in HIV biology and virus-host interactions.
• Experience with ELISA, flow cytometry, PCR and animal pharmacology.
• Knowledge of drug discovery and translational research.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute hands-on experiments to study virus biology and immune responses.
• Interrogate virus-host interactions and translational disease models.
• Contribute to in vivo studies and diverse biochemical assays.

Skills

Virology

Animal handling

HIV biology

Immunoassays

Drug discovery

Communication

Experimental design

Computational skills

T cell biology

Cell culture

Education

BS/BA in Biology or Biomedical Sciences

MS in Biology or Biomedical Sciences

PhD with postdoctoral experience

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.
• 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.

Benefits

• 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

Salary

The salary range for this role is $117,000.00 - $184,200.00. 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.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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 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.

Residency and Criminal History Considerations

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

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.

Other Employment Conditions

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.

Company Overview

Our company is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines and animal health products. The difference between potential and achievement lies in the spark that fuels innovation and inventiveness; this is the space where we have codified our legacy for over a century. Our success is backed by ethical integrity, forward momentum, and an inspiring mission to achieve new milestones in global healthcare.