Merck & Co, Inc

Scientist, Immunology Discovery

Merck & Co, Inc$87K — $137K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree with 3+ years or Master's in Biology, Biochemistry, or related field
  • Strong cell culture skills with mammalian and primary human cells
  • Experience in developing ex-vivo cell-based assays for immune responses
  • Proficiency in immunoassays such as ELISA and Meso Scale Discovery
  • Experience in multi-color flow cytometry for immunophenotyping
  • Strong analytical skills and proficiency in scientific data software

Responsibilities

  • Support early development of novel therapeutics for inflammatory autoimmune diseases
  • Design and perform cell-based and biochemical assays for target validation
  • Analyze and critically interpret data for assay development
  • Maintain meticulous records of experiments and share results with teams
  • Collaborate across functional teams on research projects at various stages

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision healthcare for employees and families
  • Retirement benefits including 401(k)
  • Paid holidays and vacation days
  • Sick and compassionate leave available
Full Job Description

Job Description

Immunology Discovery is currently seeking a motivated, and detail-oriented Scientist with a background in biology research and drug discovery to support internal discovery efforts at our Research Division in San Diego, CA. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing and executing in vitro assays, analyzing data, and writing reports to support research programs in the immunology therapeutic area.

Responsibilities:

  • Work independently and as part of a team to support the early development of novel therapeutics for inflammatory and auto immune diseases

  • Design and perform cell-based functional assays (cell lines, primary cells) and biochemical assays with a wide range of methodologies to support target validation, antibody drug screening, mechanism of action studies, biomarker identification in the preclinical and IND-enabling space

  • Analyze, critically interpret data, and utilize findings for assay development and optimization

  • Keep meticulous records of experiments performed, maintain lab notebook entries, and share results with project teams as required

  • Collaborate closely with members within the department and across functional teams in support of research projects/programs at different stages.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

  • Bachelo'rs (with 3+ years) or Master's in Biology, Biochemistry, or related life sciences field with relevant experience

Required Experience and Skills:

  • Strong cell culture skills including mammalian cell lines and human primary cells (PBMCs)

  • Experience developing ex-vivo cell-based assays to assess immune responses from primary cells or cell lines

  • Proficiency in optimizing and executing immunoassays (Meso Scale Discovery, ELISA, others) to measure analytes in serum, plasma, supernatant or cell lysates

  • Experience in multi-color flow cytometry to immunophenotype human cells to assess immune response or cell signaling pathways

  • Strong data analytical and problem-solving skills, with proficiency in standard scientific software used for data analysis (Excel, Prism (GraphPad), FlowJo)

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to function and communicate effectively in a multi-disciplinary environment and thrive in a team environment


Preferred Experience and Skills:

  • Experience in spectral flow cytometry

  • Experience with molecular/ cell biology techniques such as CRISPR, RT-PCR, cell transfection, cell line generation

  • Basic understanding of immunology

  • Understanding of the drug discovery process with prior industry experience

#EligibleforERP

Required Skills:

Biochemistry, Cell-Based Assays, Cell Biology, Cell Cultures, Cell Culture Techniques, Cell Signaling, Data Analysis, ELISA Techniques, Ex Vivo Assays, Flow Cytometry, Immunoassays, Immunophenotyping, Mammalian Cell Lines, Meso Scale Discovery

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply

Current Contingent Workers apply

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

The salary range for this role is

$87,300.00 - $137,400.00

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 .

You can apply for this role through (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.

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:

No Travel Required

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

1st - Day

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

N/A

Job Posting End Date:

07/31/2026

*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.

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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