Job DescriptionDiscovery Biologics Disruptive Technologies is seeking a talented and experienced scientist to lead the development and deployment of next-gen lab-based experimental technologies to enable rapid, data-driven biologics discovery. This individual will identify and translate emerging, literature-supported technologies into scalable internal capabilities, with a focus on multiplying both the scale and speed of quantitative data generation (e.g., binding measurements) to advance therapeutic programs via GenAI/ML-driven discovery and iterative design-make-test cycles. The role includes leading a team with expectation for strong hands-on contribution to method development, and will be accountable for driving measurable program and broader organizational impact. The role is based out of our Cambridge, MA facility.
Key Responsibilities- Develop and mature rapid, quantitative and high-throughput lab-based capabilities for biologics hit identification and optimization
- Build and execute a technology platform roadmap for arrayed and pooled technologies, from proof-of-concept through widespread program adoption
- Partner effectively with computational protein engineering and data science groups toward efficient, integrated next-gen discovery workflows
- Drive capability improvements in data richness, speed, throughput
- Lead a talented team of lab-based scientists
- As a hands-on individual contributor, realize and maximize program impact of emerging technologies
- Collaborate effectively across geography and reporting lines
- Establish rigorous benchmarks (e.g. throughput, speed, reproducibility, data quality) and success criteria
Qualifications & Experience - PhD in Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Chemical Biology, or related field with 7+ years directly relevant industry experience; MS or BS with 12+ years industry experience.
- Experience developing large-scale, high throughput quantitative experimental methods for biologics discovery
- Experience translating published or externally developed methods into demonstrably valuable internal capabilities
- Proven leadership track record
Required Skills - Demonstrated expertise advancing validated assays and methods toward broad organizational impact
- Deep hands-on expertise in one or more of:
- Quantitative pooled binding assays (10k+ sequences)
- Rapid and high throughput advanced endpoint assays (e.g. cell-based function, stability, localization, etc)
- Lab-on-chip technologies and protein arrays
- Proven success in leadership, talent development and mentorship
- Strong understanding of biochemistry and biophysical characterization methods
- Cross-function project leadership track record
- Strong ability to collaborate across reporting lines, especially with protein engineers and data scientists
Preferred Skills - Strong demonstrated understanding of protein structure-function relationships
- Experience applying in vitro transcription and translation (IVTT)
- Direct experience in biophysical protein characterization
- Therapeutic high throughput pre-developability and developability assessment
- Automation and scalable experimental workflows
- Experience in workflows leveraging generative AI ML
Required Skills: Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADC), Biodesign, Detail-Oriented, Emerging Technologies, Ethical Compliance, Gene Cloning, Gene Expression Analysis, Immunochemistry, Leadership Engagement, Mass Spectrometry Analysis, Microscopy Techniques, Project Leadership, Protein Engineering, Protein Interactions, Protein Purifications
Preferred Skills: Current Employees apply HERE
Current Contingent Workers apply HERE
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:10%
Flexible Work Arrangements:Not Applicable
Shift:1st - Day
Valid Driving License:No
Hazardous Material(s):N/A
Job Posting End Date:08/14/2026
*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. 
