Senior Scientist, Molecular Interactions, Discovery Biologics

MSD; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 119,000 - 188,000; Full time

Job summary

MSD in Boston, MA is seeking a Senior Scientist to join the Molecular Interactions group. You will advance characterization of biologics and cell therapies, leveraging SPR, BLI, and KinExA to enable discovery and engineering of lead candidates.

You will collaborate across teams, present findings, and contribute to publications. The role emphasizes teamwork, innovation, and development of capabilities in a dynamic biopharma setting.

Qualifications

• PhD in Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences/Bioengineering, Molecular Biology, Biophysics, or a related STEM discipline with 0-3 years of relevant industry experience or MS degree with >5 years of relevant industry experience.
• Broad experience in molecular interaction and biophysical characterization techniques.
• Expertise in molecular interaction/analytical method development, high throughput execution, and the application of new technologies.

Responsibilities

• Deliver detailed molecular interaction characterization data and analysis of therapeutic candidates using SPR, BLI, and KinExA.
• Present research findings at group and external meetings.
• Contribute to program strategy as a characterization representative on project teams.
• Collaborate to expand characterization and developability workflows for lead biologics.
• Actively develop talent and build teams with complementary skills.
• Foster a high-performance culture of collaboration, engagement, and inclusion.
• Contribute to and lead the authoring of patents and external publications.

Skills

SPR

BLI

KinExA

C++

Python

Kinetics

Epitope profiling

Education

PhD in Biochemistry/Biomedical Sciences/Bioengineering/Molecular Biology/Biophysics

MS with >5 years industry experience

Tools

Carterra LSA

Biacore

Octet

Job description

Job Description Discovery Biologics in Boston, MA is seeking a Senior Scientist to join our Molecular Interactions group and expand our capabilities to engineer and characterize novel biologics and cell therapies. The group is responsible for developing fit-for-purpose binding assays with an array of technologies to characterize a varied portfolio of biologics, including monoclonal antibodies, bi/multi-specifics, Fc-fusion proteins and other novel protein therapeutics. The Molecular Interactions group is part of the Discovery Biologics organization which uses machine learning, advanced automation, ultra-high throughput in vitro and in vivo technologies, and state-of-the-art characterization techniques to discover and engineer biologics. In this role, the successful candidate will directly contribute to the invention of novel biologics and will be responsible for the molecular interaction analysis of therapeutic candidates through state-of-the-art technologies including surface plasmon resonance (SPR), biolayer interferometry (BLI), kinetic-exclusion assay (KinExA). Using their deep expertise in molecular interactions method development, high throughput execution, and the application of new technologies, they will enable the discovery and engineering of biologics. As part of project teams, they will collaborate across groups to solve complex problems in disease biology and drug discovery. They will attend scientific conferences, contribute to publications, and help to set the group strategy. The successful candidate will join a varied group of innovative scientists and engineers that are driving the next revolution in biologics discovery and engineering. We recognize that the breadth of perspectives and experiences within our team is a strength and are committed to creating a collaborative and supportive environment for all employees. Successful candidates must demonstrate effective collaboration and respect when working with a multidisciplinary group of scientists to advance our core mission.

Responsibilities:

• In support of program priorities, deliver detailed molecular interaction characterization data and analysis of therapeutic candidates from optimized methods using state-of-the-art technologies including SPR (Carterra LSA and Biacore), BLI (Octet), and KinExA
• Present research findings at group meetings, project meetings, and at external meetings
• Contribute to program strategy as a characterization representative on project teams
• Collaborate with team members to expand characterization and developability workflows for analysis and optimization of lead biologic molecules
• Actively develop talent and strategically build teams with complementary skills, experiences, and perspectives to strengthen organizational capabilities
• Foster a high-performance culture of collaboration, engagement, self-accountability and inclusion
• Contribute to and lead the authoring of patents and external publications

Qualifications and Experience:

• PhD in Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences/Bioengineering, Molecular Biology, Biophysics, or a related STEM discipline with 0-3 years of relevant industry experience or MS degree with >5 years of relevant industry experience. Can consider candidates receiving their PhD within 3 months.
• Broad experience in molecular interaction and biophysical characterization techniques
• Expertise in molecular interaction/analytical method development, high throughput execution, and the application of new technologies

Required skills:

• Deep expertise in the design and characterization of biotherapeutic protein-protein interactions using relevant technologies (e.g., SPR, BLI, KinExA) to assess binding kinetics, affinity, specificity, and epitope profiles.
• Hands-on experience with Carterra LSA interrogating large data sets for both kinetic/affinity and epitope binning analysis
• Experience delivering comprehensive characterization analysis incorporating the full spectrum of characterization data (molecular interactions, analytical and functional/cellular assay) to drive the selection and progression of therapeutic leads in the discovery pipeline
• Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative multi-disciplinary team environment undefined
• Excellent communication and organizational skills

Preferred skills:

• Experience with on-cell affinity analysis using techniques including KinExA, Mesoscale ELISA assays, and flow-cytometry (FACS)
• Experience with any of the following analytical techniques including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), isothermal calorimetry (ITC), Microscale Thermophoresis (MST), light scattering (SEC-MALS, DLS), thermal stability (DSF/DSC), and mass photometry
• Experience integrating lab automation to enable instrument setup and characterisation workflows (Tecan, Biomek, Hamilton, or similar)
• Hands-on experience with protein conjugation techniques
• Experience developing microfluidics, lab-on-a-chip, or flow-based research
• Fluency in a modern programming language such as C++, Python, or similar

Preferred Skills:

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. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process. 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.

The primary location for this posting is:

USA - Massachusetts - Boston (MA Parcel B Laboratory)

Where required by law, the compensation range for this role is provided below. The salary range for the primary location of this role is: $119,100.00 - $187,500.00 This range reflects the Company’s reasonable expectation of the base salary applicable to this role at the time of 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.

Additional location(s):

Please note the salary range above applies to the Primary Location of the position. Where a role has other listed locations, different compensation guidelines may apply. You may find the salary ranges for additional locations below. If the salary range is not listed for the location you are applying to, our Talent Acquisition team will provide further information to you relevant to your location.

Additional location(s) Compensation Information:

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:

Domestic

VISA Sponsorship:

No

Travel Requirements:

No Travel Required

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

Standard lab reagents

Job Posting End Date:

11/4/2026 *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.

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.