Merck & Co, Inc

Associate Scientist, Postdoctoral Fellow - Metabolic Disease (Onsite)

Merck & Co, Inc$71K — $113K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in Biology, Physiology, Metabolism, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related discipline.
  • Demonstrated expertise in obesity, metabolic disease, diabetes, skeletal muscle biology, or adipose tissue biology.
  • Strong record of scientific achievement with peer-reviewed publications and presentations.
  • Hands-on experience with molecular and cellular biology techniques including cell culture and functional assays.
  • Experience designing, conducting, and interpreting animal studies.
  • Strong quantitative and analytical skills, including statistical analysis.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

  • Design and execute innovative research studies on obesity and metabolic diseases.
  • Develop and drive independent research projects while collaborating with diverse teams.
  • Utilize a range of molecular, cellular, and computational techniques to study disease mechanisms.
  • Analyze complex datasets with appropriate statistical tools.
  • Present findings at scientific forums and conferences, and publish in peer-reviewed journals.
  • Stay updated on scientific literature to identify opportunities for translational impact.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive healthcare coverage including medical, dental, and vision for employees and their families.
  • Retirement benefits, including a 401(k) plan.
  • Paid holidays, vacation days, and sick leave.
  • Eligibility for annual bonus and long-term incentives.
Full Job Description

Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Metabolic Disease

Be a part of the legacy: Postdoctoral Research Fellow Program

Position Overview:

We are seekinga highly motivated scientist to fill a postdoctoral fellowship position in the Department of Cardiometabolic Disease (CMD) at our company's Research Laboratories in South San Francisco, California. This is an exciting opportunity to conduct basic research in an industry setting while learning about drug discovery at a high caliber pharmaceutical company. The successful candidate will work in our state-of-the-art facilities, collaborate with scientists with different research backgrounds, and employ appropriate in vitro and in vivo techniques to investigate the pathophysiology and molecular mechanisms of metabolic disorders. This role offers the chance to contribute to significant scientific publications and presentations at conferences, while gaining valuable experience in contemporary drug discovery.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Design, execute, and interpret innovative research studies addressing fundamental questions in obesity, metabolic disease, adipose biology, skeletal muscle biology, and related fields.
  • Develop and drive an independent research project while collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary research teams.
  • Utilize and integrate molecular, cellular, physiological, and computational approaches to investigate disease mechanisms.
  • Analyze complex datasets using appropriate statistical tools.
  • Present research findings at internal scientific forums, external conferences, and in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
  • Stay current with emerging scientific literature and identify novel opportunities for translational impact.

Education Minimum Requirement:

  • Ph.D. in Biology, Physiology, Metabolism, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related discipline.

Required Experience and Skills:

  • Demonstrated expertise in obesity, metabolic disease, diabetes, skeletal muscle biology, adipose tissue biology, or a related field.
  • Strong record of scientific achievement, as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications and presentations.
  • Hands-on experience with molecular and cellular biology techniques, including cell culture, functional assays, and mechanistic studies.
  • Experience designing, conducting, and interpreting animal studies.
  • Strong quantitative and analytical skills, including statistical analysis and data interpretation.
  • Ability to work independently while also thriving in a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Preferred Experience and Skills:

  • Experience working with transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, single-cell or spatial omics datasets.
  • Proficiency with statistical analysis tools (e.g., R, Python, Prism, or similar platforms).
  • Experience applying advanced imaging, histology, or quantitative tissue phenotyping approaches.
  • Demonstrated creativity and scientific independence in developing and executing research projects.

postdoctoralopportunities

PDA

The salary range for this role is:

$71,900 - $113,200

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 employees 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:

Academic Research, Academic Research, Adaptability, Biochemistry, Biology, Cell Biology, Cell Culture Techniques, Computational Biology, Data Analysis, Disease Models, Exploratory Research, Immunoassays, Independent Research, In Vitro Research, In Vivo Models, In Vivo Mouse Models, Metabolism, Metabolomics, Molecular Biology, Musculoskeletal, Obesity, Omics, Programming Languages, Proteomics, Research Designs {+ 9 more}

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:

10/3/2026

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFOREthe 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.

Explore Career Paths

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.

Innovate and Lead

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.

Develop Your Skills

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.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. Engage with us through our careers blog and by participating in networking events and employment fairs. Subscribe to receive personalized job alerts and the latest news tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at Merck & Co, Inc. Join us in our mission to improve health and wellness around the world.
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

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Merck & Co, Inc

More Pharmaceuticals & Biotech Jobs

Find similar Associate Scientist, Postdoctoral Fellow - Metabolic Disease (Onsite) jobs: