Merck & Co, Inc

Principal Scientist, Protein Engineering

Merck & Co, Inc$176K — $277K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • PhD in relevant scientific field with 8+ years of experience, or MS with 10+ years, or BS with 14+ years of experience.
  • Deep experience in advancing protein therapeutics, especially immune cell engagers, from discovery to development.
  • Established a strong external reputation through high-impact research publications and presentations.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a collaborative mindset.

Responsibilities

  • Design and optimize novel biotherapeutics using advanced antibody and protein engineering methods.
  • Support molecular biology efforts for complex molecular engineering and acceleration.
  • Collaborate with protein engineers to integrate innovative designs for biologics optimization.
  • Lead cross-functional biologics programs from discovery stages to IND filing.
  • Cultivate a high-performance culture focused on collaboration, engagement, and inclusion.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision healthcare for employees and families.
  • Retirement benefits including a 401(k) plan.
  • Generous paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
  • Annual bonus and long-term incentive eligibility available.
Full Job Description

Job Description

We are seeking an innovative and experienced scientist to join the Discovery Biologics Protein Engineering department in South San Francisco to lead both functional area scientists and drug discovery programs. The Principal Scientist, Protein Engineering role carries leadership responsibilities as a functional SME and project team lead interfacing with multiple cross-site groups within the Discovery Biologics department and therapeutic areas.

What you will do:

  • Use advanced antibody and protein engineering methods to design and optimize novel biotherapeutics

  • Support molecular biology acceleration for complex molecular engineering

  • Work closely with HT protein engineering and computational protein engineers to integrate augmented designs and computational approaches toward accelerated derisking and optimization of biologics for best-in-class and first-in-class therapeutics

  • Lead and participate in cross-functional biologics programs from discovery to IND, integrating early research, progression through candidate nomination and selection, with deep experience of drug design and target candidate profiles

  • Foster a high-performance culture of collaboration, engagement, self-accountability, and inclusion

What you will need to be successful in this role:

Qualifications & Experience

  • PhD in Protein Engineering, Biochemistry, Biology, Biophysics, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Immunology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Computational Protein Design, or related STEM field with 8+ years of applied experience, or an MS and 10+ year of applied experience or a B.S. and 14+ years of applied experience

  • Demonstrated deep experience in advancing protein therapeutics from discovery to development, preferably in immune cell engagers

  • Has established of a strong external reputation through high-impact publications, presentations, and scientific community engagement

  • Excellent verbal and written communication and collaboration abilities

Required skills:

  • Expertise in functional optimization of biologics, especially immune cell engagers, with demonstrated knowledge in guiding advantageous molecular designs in a competitive landscape

  • In-depth and current knowledge of antibody and protein therapeutics, with proven skills in molecular biology and antibody and protein optimization/engineering approaches

  • Expert-level hands-on experience in protein engineering across wet-lab and computation-based methods

  • Strong technical knowledge of multiple aspects of biologics production including protein engineering, expression, purification, and characterization

  • Project leadership experience across discovery stages, from target evaluation, hit identification through preclinical development of therapeutic candidates

  • Prior direct people management, including demonstrated mentorship and a track record of talent development

  • Track record of driving scientific or platform innovations

  • Recognized team player with strong collaboration skills and openness

  • Foster a high-performance culture of collaboration, engagement, self-accountability, and inclusion

Preferred skills:

  • Experience advancing protein therapeutics beyond traditional mAbs, including VHHs, multi-specifics, fusion proteins, and ADCs

  • Foster a high-performance culture of collaboration, engagement, self-accountability, and inclusion

Your role at our company is integral to helping the world meet new breakthroughs that affect generations to come, and were counting on your skills and inventiveness to help make meaningful contributions to global medical advancement.

Required Skills:

Antibody Engineering, Antibody Therapeutics, Biologics, Mentorship, People Management, Protein Engineering, T Cell Immunology, Therapeutic Proteins

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

Employee Status:

Regular

Relocation:

Domestic/International

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:

06/9/2026

*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.

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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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