Principal Computational Scientist - Discovery Biology N & I (Billerica MA)

Merck Group$140K — $210K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • PhD in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Systems Biology, Biophysics, Data Science, or related quantitative discipline.
  • Significant postdoctoral and/or industry experience in pharma or biotech drug discovery.
  • Strong experience in computational biology applied to target discovery, functional genomics, or disease modeling.
  • Experience interpreting human genetics and patient-derived multi-omics data for generating hypotheses.
  • Strong programming skills in Python and/or R for building analytical workflows.

Responsibilities

  • Drive translational target discovery and disease understanding in neuroscience and immunology.
  • Connect multi-omics data with experimental model systems for target identification.
  • Generate mechanistic hypotheses from genetic findings in biological context.
  • Support the design and interpretation of perturbation-based experiments.
  • Integrate diverse datasets to uncover disease mechanisms and develop scalable models.

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off (PTO)
  • Retirement contributions
  • Performance-based bonuses
  • Perquisites to support employee well-being.
Full Job Description
Your Role:

We are seeking an experienced computational biologist to drive translational target discovery and disease understanding in neuroscience and immunology, with a strong focus on functional genomics and human disease biology. This role will connect human genetics and patient-derived multi-omics data with experimental model systems and predictive disease modeling to support target identification, validation, and prioritization across the discovery pipeline.

As a Principal Scientist, Computational Biology - Functional Genomics within the Research Unit Neuroscience & Immunology (N&I), you will work at the interface of human genetics, computational biology, functional genomics, and translation, in close collaboration with bench scientists, disease area biologists, computational genetics colleagues, and cross-functional drug discovery teams. You will interpret genetic findings in biological context, generate mechanistic hypotheses, prioritize targets, and help guide the design and interpretation of perturbation-based experiments in disease-relevant systems.

A central part of the role is to help connect human disease biology to experimental validation and back again. You will translate human genetics and patient-derived multi-omics into testable functional hypotheses, help identify relevant preclinical model systems, and integrate perturbation and omics data from those models back with human datasets to assess translational relevance, refine disease mechanisms, and strengthen confidence in downstream clinical success.

You will integrate diverse data types - including human genetics, transcriptomics, proteomics, imaging, perturbation datasets, and single-cell or spatial omics where relevant - to uncover disease mechanisms and build scalable computational approaches for target validation and prioritization. You will contribute to predictive models of disease biology and perturbation response using systems biology, network analysis, and AI-enabled methods, with applications in disease modeling, patient stratification, disease endotyping, and therapeutic hypothesis prioritization. In partnership with cross-functional teams, you will also help integrate evidence on translatability, safety and toxicity risk, druggability, and modality considerations to support portfolio decisions.

Who You Are

Minimum Qualifications:
  • PhD in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Systems Biology, Biophysics, Data Science, or a related quantitative discipline, or in Biology, Medicine, Neuroscience, Immunology, or a related life science field with substantial specialization in computational biology
  • Significant postdoctoral and/or industry experience, including relevant experience in pharma or biotech drug discovery

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Strong experience in computational biology applied to target discovery, functional genomics, translational biology, or disease modeling
  • Experience interpreting human genetics and patient-derived multi-omics data to generate mechanistic hypotheses and support target identification or validation
  • Experience integrating complex datasets, including combinations of transcriptomics, proteomics, perturbation data, imaging, genetics, and single-cell or spatial omics
  • Good understanding of how to connect human disease biology with preclinical model systems, including assessing translational relevance and supporting model selection or data interpretation
  • Experience with perturbation biology or functional genomics data, such as CRISPR/RNAi screening, Perturb-seq, Cell Painting, or related approaches
  • Strong programming skills in Python and/or R, with experience building reproducible analytical workflows
  • Familiarity with systems biology, network analysis, gene regulatory networks, knowledge graphs, machine learning, or AI-enabled approaches for biological data integration and predictive modeling
  • Understanding of drug discovery and development, including target prioritization, translatability, safety and toxicity considerations, druggability, and modality-related questions
  • Experience leading scientific projects and collaborating effectively across multidisciplinary and cross-functional teams
  • Analytical, hypothesis-driven, and creative, with the ability to connect complex data to clear biological and strategic decisions
  • Strong communication skills in English, including the ability to explain complex computational concepts to diverse scientific audiences

What we are looking for

We are looking for an experienced scientist who combines deep computational expertise, strong biological intuition, translational thinking, and pharma drug discovery experience. You are excited by the opportunity to connect human disease biology with experimental validation, integrate diverse data types into mechanistic insight, and help shape data-driven decisions in target discovery and translational research.

You are:
  • scientifically rigorous and hypothesis-driven
  • strategic, creative, and impact-oriented
  • collaborative and effective in cross-functional environments
  • comfortable working across discovery, functional genomics, and translation
  • motivated to connect complex data to clear biological and portfolio decisions

Location: On-site Billerica MA

Pay Range for this position: $140,200 - $210,200

The offer range represents the anticipated low and high end of the base pay compensation for this position. The actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, level of experience, education, skills, and other job-related factors. Position may be eligible for sales or performance-based bonuses. Benefits offered by the Company include health insurance, paid time off (PTO), retirement contributions, and other perquisites. For more information click here.

About Merck Group

Merck Group Careers

There has never been a more opportune time to join Merck Group, a leading science and technology company in healthcare, life science, and performance materials. Merck Group offers a plethora of job opportunities that cater to a variety of skills and professional aspirations, making it an ideal environment for both seasoned experts and those at the start of their career journey.

Work You’ll Do

At Merck Group, every team member contributes to breakthrough innovations in healthcare, life sciences, and electronics. The company's commitment to diversity and innovation fuels its leadership in various sectors, driving growth and transformation globally. Merck Group’s career paths are diverse, offering positions that challenge individuals to use their skills in new ways every day, supported by robust training programs and development opportunities.

Explore Job Opportunities and Growth

Merck Group is not just about jobs; it's about building a career. With a vast array of positions, from research and development to marketing and sales, the company is keen on hiring and nurturing talent to lead industry transformation. Merck Group’s dedication to professional growth is evident in its comprehensive benefits package and performance management processes that aim to maximize individual potential.

Internship Programs

Starting with an internship at Merck Group can be a pivotal step in securing a prosperous career. Interns gain invaluable industry experience, working alongside seasoned professionals and engaging in projects that offer real-world applications of their studies. Internships often lead to full-time employment opportunities, providing a seamless transition from education to professional employment.

Inclusive Culture and Leadership

Merck Group is proud of its inclusive culture that embraces diversity and fosters an environment where all employees can thrive. The company’s leadership is committed to creating a workplace where diverse ideas lead to innovative outcomes. Merck Group also offers diversity training to ensure all team members are equipped to contribute to the company’s inclusive goals.

Networking and Professional Development

Employees at Merck Group are encouraged to engage in networking and professional development activities that enhance their career trajectories. The company hosts various networking events, workshops, and seminars that are designed to hone skills and foster connections within the industry. Leadership development programs are also a cornerstone, preparing employees for future roles of increased responsibility.

Stay Connected with Merck Group Careers

Interested candidates can explore open positions that match their skills and interests through the Merck Group careers page. The company values curious, creative, and solution-driven team players who are eager to make an impact.

Keep Up to Date

Stay informed with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights from Merck Group professionals. These resources are invaluable for those looking to advance their careers and stay ahead in a competitive job market.

Job Alert Emails

Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences from Merck Group. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await.

SEARCH MERCK GROUP JOBS

READ CAREERS BLOG

Merck Group is continuously looking for individuals who are ready to drive innovation and lead in the global marketplace. Whether through full-time positions, internships, or leadership roles, Merck Group offers a career path filled with opportunities for growth, learning, and leadership.
Learn more about Merck Group

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Merck Group

More Pharmaceuticals & Biotech Jobs

Find similar Principal Computational Scientist - Discovery Biology N & I (Billerica MA) jobs: