Merck & Co, Inc

Principal Scientist, Pharmacokinetics, Biologics

Merck & Co, Inc • $176K — $277K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Ph.D. with 6+ years, or Master's with 10+ years of experience in biochemistry, chemistry, pharmacology, or related field.
  • Experience leading bioanalytical strategies for biologics, including ligands and mass spectrometry.
  • Strong background in translating pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic data in a discovery context.
  • Proven management experience, including mentoring and development of team members.
  • Demonstrated communication and collaboration skills in multidisciplinary settings.

Responsibilities

  • Lead bioanalytical strategies for biologics across drug discovery programs.
  • Manage a team developing ligand binding assays and mass spectrometry techniques.
  • Act as project-team representative and expert in oncology and immunology DMPK activities.
  • Collaborate on global DMPK strategy to optimize drug candidates with cross-functional teams.
  • Communicate effectively internal findings and represent the group at external conferences.

Benefits

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

Job Description

Boston Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics, Metabolism and Bioanalytics – Principal Scientist


The Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics, Metabolism and Bioanalytics (PDMB) group is seeking a dynamic, strategic thinking and collaborative Principal Scientist (director-level equivalent) to contribute to our company’s bioanalytical efforts for biologics in our drug discovery portfolio.  This position will be based at our research labs in Boston, MA. The ideal candidate will lead a group focused on bioanalytical efforts (ligand binding assays and mass spectrometry) for biologics and other modalities while also serving as a project-team representative, regularly interacting with multi-disciplinary discovery teams and partners from other functions within our Research & Development Division. Therapeutic area support with focus on our immunology and oncology portfolios, with the potential to contribute to cardiovascular/metabolic, neuroscience and infectious disease efforts as well. The successful candidate will be expected to represent PDMB on cross-functional teams through strategic design and evaluation of bioanalytical approaches and results, interpretation of PK and PK/PD data sets and through effective communication at both internal meetings and external conferences. 


In this exciting position, your primary roles will include:

  • Lead bioanalytical strategies for a portfolio of drug discovery programs with a primary focus on biologics (monoclonal antibodies, bispecifics, and engineered proteins), providing high quality and timely data to project teams across our Research & Development Division’s drug discovery portfolio
  • Manage a team of lab-based PDMB scientists responsible for developing and executing ligand binding assays and mass spectrometry-based bioanalytical strategies
  • Project-team representative and subject matter expert on multiple modality DMPK activities within the oncology and immunology therapeutic areas
  • Contribute to global DMPK strategy through close collaboration with Discovery and Early Development project teams in Boston (MA), South San Francisco (CA) and West Point (PA) focusing on building highly efficient strategies to identify and optimize drug candidates



Education Minimum Requirement

  • Ph.D (with 6+ years relevant experience) or Master’s (minimum of 10 years relevant experience) degree in biochemistry, chemistry, pharmacology, pharmaceutical sciences, biomedical engineering or related field
  • Relevant experience to include a record of increasing responsibility and independence in a similar industrial/academic setting

 

Required Experience and Skills 

  • Demonstrated experience leading bioanalytical strategies for biologics (ligand binding assays and mass spectrometry), including method development, data generation, interpretation and report writing
  • Technical ability to analyze, interpret and provide context around data describing the pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, biomarker or immunogenicity properties of biologics, drug conjugates and peptides
  • Experience contributing to development and execution of translational pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic/efficacy relationships and other useful quantitative pharmacology applications in a discovery setting
  • Proven management experience, including mentorship and talent development of multiple direct reports
  • Strong leadership, interpersonal, communication, problem solving and collaborative qualities to deliver high-quality results in a fast-paced environment

Preferred Experience and Skills

  • Hands-on experience performing translational pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic/ efficacy and physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) software modeling (e.g., Phoenix WinNonlin, Berkeley Madonna, MATLAB).
  • Proven track record supporting immunology or oncology-based programs with experience spanning from early discovery through IND-enabling efforts
  • Familiarity with engineering strategies to improve pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of protein therapeutics
  • Experience working within a research-driven pharmaceutical company

#EligibleforERP

Required Skills:

ADME, Bioanalysis, Bioanalytical Method Development, Biologics, Cross-Functional Teamwork, Drug Development, Drug Discovery Research, Drug Metabolism, Ligand Binding, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Pharmacodynamics, Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacology, PKPD Modeling, Therapeutic Proteins

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

The salary range for this role is

$176,200.00 - $277,300.00

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.

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:

10/16/2026

*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.

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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.

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.

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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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