Merck & Co, Inc

Senior Principal Scientist, Quantitative Biosciences

Merck & Co, Inc$214K — $337K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Ph.D. or equivalent in a relevant STEM discipline with 12+ years of experience, or MS with 15+ years, or BS with 16+ years in a research setting.
  • Expertise in mass spectrometry-based assay development within drug discovery.
  • Strong grasp of the entire drug discovery process including key stages like hit finding and lead optimization.
  • Proven scientific leadership in biopharmaceuticals with a demonstrable impact on discovery efforts and publications.
  • Experience mentoring and developing scientists in a research environment.
  • Proficiency in designing experiments and making recommendations from complex data analysis.
  • Excellent communicator, able to convey scientific concepts to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and manage the Boston mass spectrometry group for pharmacology initiatives.
  • Develop strategic plans for mass spectrometry assay development and application.
  • Collaborate with project teams to execute assays guiding drug discovery decisions.
  • Provide scientific guidance for assay selection and study designs.
  • Cultivate connections across local and global teams for consistency in mass spectrometry efforts.
  • Promote a collaborative and rigorous scientific culture in the group.
  • Mentor team members and contribute to their professional development.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive healthcare coverage including medical, dental, and vision for employees and families.
  • Retirement benefits including a 401(k) plan.
  • Generous paid holidays, vacation days, and sick leave.
  • Support for relocation and potential visa sponsorship.
Full Job Description

Job Description

Senior Principal Scientist - Boston, MA

Overview

We are seeking a Senior Principal Scientist to provide scientific and strategic leadership for mass spectrometry-enabled discovery within the Quantitative Biosciences group in Boston. This role will help shape the application of mass spectrometry and quantitative pharmacology across discovery programs, strengthen experimental decision-making, and advance high-impact science through close partnership with local and global teams.

As a senior scientific leader in Quantitative Biosciences, you will lead the Boston mass spectrometry capability supporting in vitro and in vivo pharmacology, advise multidisciplinary project teams, and influence broader QB strategy. The successful candidate will combine deep technical expertise in mass spectrometry-based assay development with strong pharmacology insight, sound scientific judgment, and the ability to mentor scientists and drive cross-functional alignment.

In this role, you will:

  • Lead the Boston mass spectrometry group in support of in vitro and in vivo pharmacology needs and serve as a key scientific partner to discovery teams across QB.

  • Shape strategy for mass spectrometry-enabled assay development, experimental design, data interpretation, and quantitative pharmacology applications across discovery programs.

  • Partner with multidisciplinary project teams to develop and execute mass spectrometry-based assays that inform mechanism, potency, selectivity, exposure-response, and translational decision-making.

  • Provide scientific guidance to bench scientists and project teams, supporting assay selection, study design, mechanistic interpretation, and data-driven recommendations.

  • Build and strengthen connections across the local Boston team and broader global QB network to ensure consistency, rigor, and effective deployment of mass spectrometry capabilities.

  • Foster a culture of scientific rigor, critical thinking, collaboration, inclusion, and open dialogue that elevates organizational capability and decision quality.

  • Mentor and develop scientists by providing technical guidance, strategic perspective, and constructive scientific challenge.

  • Communicate effectively in a highly collaborative, multi-disciplinary environment and influence decisions across organizational boundaries.

Education

  • Ph.D. or equivalent in biology, pharmacology, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related STEM discipline AND 12+ years of relevant experience in a pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or closely related research setting; MS and 15+ years of experience; OR BS and 16+ years of experience

Required Experience and Skills

  • Deep expertise in mass spectrometry-based assay development and application to drug discovery.

  • Strong understanding of the drug discovery process, including hit finding, hit-to-lead, lead optimization, and pharmacology-driven decision-making.

  • Demonstrated experience applying quantitative pharmacology principles to interpret biological systems and guide experimental strategy.

  • Proven record of scientific leadership in a biopharmaceutical setting, with evidence of impact on discovery programs, publications, external scientific reputation, or internal platform advancement.

  • Experience leading, managing, mentoring, or developing scientists in a research environment.

  • Track record of independently designing experiments, interpreting complex data, and translating findings into clear project recommendations.

  • Ability to simplify complex scientific challenges into actionable strategies and influence alignment across multidisciplinary teams.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present scientific concepts clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

  • Highly self-motivated, organized, and able to prioritize across multiple simultaneous projects.

  • Experience integrating mass spectrometry readouts with pharmacology, biology, DMPK, or translational science to support discovery decisions.

  • Demonstrated ability to work across sites, functions, and organizational boundaries to drive scientific consistency and impact.

#EligibleforERP

Required Skills:

Assay Development, Hit to Lead, In Vitro Pharmacology, In Vivo Pharmacology, Lead Optimization, Mass Spectrometry (MS), Pharmacology

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply

Current Contingent Workers apply

The salary range for this role is

$214,100.00 - $337,000.00

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.

Employee Status:

Regular

Relocation:

Domestic/International

VISA Sponsorship:

Yes

Travel Requirements:

No Travel Required

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

n/a

Job Posting End Date:

09/25/2026

*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.

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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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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.

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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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