Merck & Co, Inc

Associate Scientist, Post Doc Fellow- AI/ML & Computational Biology for Antigen Design

Merck & Co, Inc • $82K — $92K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • PhD in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Biophysics, Computational Chemistry, or a related quantitative discipline, or expected by spring 2027.
  • Demonstrated experience with AI and machine learning models applied to biomolecular data.
  • Strong proficiency in Python and modern ML frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, JAX).
  • Proven record of independent research with first-author peer-reviewed publications or major conference presentations.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and deploy novel AI/ML architectures for protein design and variant prediction.
  • Integrate molecular dynamics simulations with machine learning to model conformational transitions.
  • Interface with high-throughput platforms to refine models using experimental data.
  • Author manuscripts and present findings at major conferences.
  • Collaborate with experts in structural biology, virology, and immunology to translate computational breakthroughs into vaccine designs.

Benefits

  • Dedicated mentorship and career development opportunities.
  • Access to competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits.
  • Utilization of dedicated compute and cloud resources.
  • Immersive research environment within a leading biopharmaceutical company.
Full Job Description
Job Description

Postdoctoral Fellow - AI/ML & Computational Biology for Antigen Design

  • Location: West Point, PA (On-site)
  • Department: Infectious Diseases & Vaccines Discovery / Data Science & Scientific Informatics


Position Overview:

We are seeking an exceptional and motivated Postdoctoral Scientist to join our interdisciplinary team at the forefront of computational vaccine discovery. In this role, you will pioneer and apply state-of-the-art artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and computational protein design techniques to solve fundamental challenges in structure-based antigen design.

Many viral pathogens present dynamic, conformationally flexible surface proteins that require precise structural stabilization to elicit potent protective immune responses. You will spearhead the development of predictive AI/ML workflows to model, design, and optimize conformationally constrained viral antigens. Working closely with both computational biologists and high-throughput experimental screening groups, you will operate in a tight computational-experimental feedback loop to iteratively fine-tune generative models with empirical datasets.

As an industry postdoctoral fellow, you will be dedicated to high-impact discovery research with the freedom and expectation to collaborate with scientists across our company, present data at major international conferences, and publish findings in leading peer-reviewed journals.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Algorithm & Workflow Development: Develop, benchmark, and deploy novel AI/ML architectures including protein language models, folding models, geometric deep learning models, and inverse-folding models for variant prediction and conformational stabilization.
  • Physics & Machine Learning Integration: Explore hybrid computational strategies integrating molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, energetic modeling, and deep learning representations to capture dynamic conformational transitions.
  • Data-Driven Iteration: Interface with high-throughput automated expression, biophysical characterization, and analytical screening platforms to iteratively benchmark, retrain, and refine candidate models using prospective experimental data.
  • Scientific Dissemination: Author high-impact manuscripts, present findings at prestigious computational biology and vaccine development symposiums, and champion open science practices within industry boundaries.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with subject-matter experts across structural biology, virology, immunology, and research computing to translate computational breakthroughs into translatable vaccine designs.


Education Requirements:
  • Must currently hold a PhD OR
  • Receive a Ph.D. no later than spring 2027
  • Ph.D. in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Biophysics, Computational Chemistry, or a related quantitative discipline.


Required Experience and Skills:
  • AI & Machine Learning Expertise: Demonstrated experience developing or applying machine learning models to biomolecular data, with practical fluency in protein language models (e.g., ESM), folding models (e.g., AlphaFold), or structural inverse-folding (e.g., ProteinMPNN) paradigms.
  • Computational Fluency: Strong proficiency in Python and modern ML frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, JAX), alongside experience in high-performance computing (HPC), GPU workflows, version control, and reproducible software development.
  • Publication Track Record: Proven record of independent research demonstrated through first-author peer-reviewed publications, preprints, or presentations at major conferences.


Preferred Experience and Skills:
  • Experience with structural modeling suites (e.g., ColabFold, Rosetta, PyMOL/ChimeraX) and molecular dynamics tools (e.g., AMBER, Desmond, GROMACS, OpenMM).
  • Working knowledge of biophysical and biochemical characterization methods (e.g., thermal stability/nanoDSF, binding kinetics/SPR/BLI, SEC) and how experimental data informs model training.
  • Experience with dynamic or oligomeric protein complexes which undergo conformational rearrangements.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with an appetite for working in multidisciplinary, team-oriented environments.


Program Benefits & Culture:

Our Postdoctoral Program offers an immersive, academic-style research environment embedded within a world-class biopharmaceutical enterprise. Fellows receive dedicated mentorship, competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, dedicated compute and cloud resources, and targeted career development designed to prepare researchers for leading careers in either academia or the biotechnology industry.

The salary range for this role is: $82,000- $92,000

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.

Required Skills:
Bioinformatic Analysis, Computational Biology, Data Analysis, Immunology Research, Molecular Dynamics (MD), Programming Languages, Protein Design, Protein Structure Prediction, Statistical Analysis, Structural Biology, Vaccine Development

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

Employee Status:
Regular

Relocation:
Domestic

VISA Sponsorship:
Yes

Travel Requirements:
10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:
Not Applicable

Shift:
Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:
No

Hazardous Material(s):
N/A

Job Posting End Date:
10/12/2026
*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.

About Merck & Co, Inc

Schering-Plough Corporation is a major U.S.-based manufacturer of pharmaceuticals. It operates in three segments: Prescription Pharmaceuticals, Animal Health, and Consumer Health Care. Schering-Plough develops products targeting on allergy, cancer, hepatitis, cardiovascular, central nervous system, respiratory system, and more.  It was founded in 1851 by Ernst Christian Friedrich Schering as Schering AG in Germany. Schering-Plough manufactured several pharmaceutical drugs, the most well-known of which were the allergy drugs Claritin and Clarinex, an anti-cholesterol drug Vytorin, and a brain tumor drug Temodar. It also developed drugs targeting on central nervous system and the respiratory system. Schering Plough also owned and operated the major foot care brand name Dr. Scholl's and the skin care line Coppertone. These also became a part of the new company. Schering-Plough was a full member of the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA), a membership which is also maintained by the new Merck.

Merck & Co, Inc Careers

Join the visionary team at Merck & Co, Inc, a global leader in healthcare dedicated to advancing the world of medicine. As part of our professional community, you'll find dynamic job opportunities that foster innovation and leadership across various fields. Merck & Co, Inc is not just a company; it's a place where you can make a difference.

Work You’ll Do

At Merck & Co, Inc, we are committed to improving global health through groundbreaking research and innovative healthcare solutions. Our team is at the forefront of developing new therapies and vaccines that significantly impact public health worldwide. By joining us, you will collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry, using your skills to contribute to projects that save and improve lives around the globe.

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Whether you're seeking an internship, a graduate opportunity, or a professional position, Merck & Co, Inc offers a range of career paths in environments that promote rapid professional growth and development. Explore job opportunities in research, digital transformation, manufacturing, and more, all while benefiting from a culture that supports diversity and inclusion.

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Merck & Co, Inc is an ideal environment for those who lead with curiosity and the drive to innovate. Our leadership is committed to fostering a culture where inventive thinking and collaboration are encouraged, making it a perfect place for professionals who seek to make an impact through their work.

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With Merck & Co, Inc, you are not just getting a job; you're gaining access to unparalleled career development opportunities. Enhance your skills through diverse training programs, workshops, and continuous learning courses designed to help you grow at every stage of your career.

Benefits and Culture

We understand that our employees are our greatest asset, which is why we offer competitive benefits designed to support the health and well-being of you and your family. From comprehensive health care coverage and retirement plans to flexible working conditions and wellness programs, our benefits package is designed to meet the diverse needs of our team members.

Join Our Team

Ready to advance your career at Merck & Co, Inc? Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are continuously hiring and looking for passionate, creative, and solution-driven team players. Prepare your resume, sharpen your interview skills, and become part of a company that's dedicated to making a difference.

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Learn more about Merck & Co, Inc
Size
68,000 employees
Market Cap
$282.6 billion
Industry
Net Income
$7 billion
Founded
1668
5 Year Trend
+4.1%
Revenue
$47.9 billion
NASDAQ

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