Associate Principal Scientist, Biology-Discovery

Job Description

At our company, we are committed to improving the health and well-being of people around the world. As a leading global pharmaceutical company, we strive to make a difference through innovative research, discovery, and development of life-saving medications and vaccines. With over a century of experience and a steadfast dedication to scientific excellence, we have become a trusted name in the industry. Join our team and be a part of our mission to create a healthier future for all.

We have an exciting opportunity for an Associate Principal Scientist with significant experience in antiviral drug discovery to join our Quantitative Biosciences team in West Point, PA. Working collaboratively with our local discovery teams, the successful candidate will “lead from the bench” and apply their skills in antiviral assay development and execution, data analysis, laboratory automation and various assay detection technologies to advance novel therapies in HIV-1 and the infectious diseases therapeutic areas. The incumbent will have the opportunity to coach and mentor individuals and represent Quantitative Biosciences on cross-functional discovery teams. If you are lab-focused, energetic, and looking to further develop your career in pharmacology and drug discovery, we'd love for you to be part of our diverse and passionate team.

 

In this role you will:

• Develop and execute cell-based antiviral assays, critically analyze and interpret the data from these assays, and integrate the data with results generated in other functional areas to ensure success of infectious disease discovery programs. 

• Represent Quantitative Biosciences on core discovery program teams and partner across these matrixed program teams to define program strategy and goals and to coordinate department engagement to deliver on those goals.

• Collaborate with colleagues across functional areas (i.e. biology, chemistry, screening) as needed to identify our next generation of drug targets.

• Identify, validate, and integrate new technologies or methodologies to increase efficiency and productivity, drive program progression, and facilitate clinical translation of discovery programs.

• Provide guidance and mentorship to less experienced scientists, empowering their success and ensuring their professional development.

• Work with automation engineers to transfer assays developed at the bench onto integrated robotic systems.

• Properly document protocols and findings, author preclinical regulatory documents, and comply with all laboratory safety requirements.

• Integrate and interpret complex data and communicate science and strategy to stakeholders and management.

What you will need:

• An advanced degree in molecular virology, pharmacology, or a related discipline, and a BS degree with 12+ years relevant experience, or an MS degree with 8+ years relevant experience, or a Ph.D. with 3+ years relevant experience.

• Proficiency in HIV-1 biology, including HIV pathogenesis, resistance, and/or latency.

• Highly skilled in virology with expertise in a range of virological, molecular and cellular techniques, including in vitro and in vivo disease models.

• A proven track record in the design and execution of cell-based antiviral assays to support drug discovery efforts using detection technologies such as fluorescence imaging, luminescence, flow cytometry, Mesoscale/ Luminex.

• Superb time management skills with the ability to balance competing priorities and execute/complete multiple tasks concurrently.

• A robust understanding of drug discovery and clinical development, with experience on drug discovery programs from lead identification through to the delivery of a preclinical candidate.

• The ability to thrive in a highly matrixed work environment that requires interfacing with members of other functional areas including therapy areas, medicinal chemistry, automation, IT, data science and pharmacokinetics.

• The ability to communicate effectively with and relate to a broad range of stakeholders, including peers, senior leaders, partner organizations and external collaborators.

• A passion for innovation, with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including solid computer skills.

• Knowledge and experience using automated liquid handlers for incorporation into assay development.

• The ability to adapt to changing priorities.

Required Skills:

Assay Development, Biochemical Assays, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Cell Biology, Cytometry, Detail-Oriented, Drug Discovery Process, Ethical Compliance, High-Throughput Screening, Immunology, Infectious Disease, Laboratory Automation, Laboratory Safety, Mammalian Cell Culture, Molecular Biology, Pharmacodynamics, Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacotherapeutics, Pharmacotherapy, Professional Networking, Strategic Thinking, Teamwork, Virology

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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:

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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

$142,400.00 - $224,100.00

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.

You can apply for this role through https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.

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:

Yes

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:

07/1/2026

*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.