Job Description
We are seeking a highly motivated, energetic, and skilled Senior Scientist to join the Discovery Biologics team in South San Francisco. This is a hands-on, lab-facing role for a scientist with strong expertise in antibody discovery using in vivo immunization approaches, specifically using single-cell antibody discovery platforms and the 10x Genomics workflow. The successful candidate will play a key role in advancing antibody discovery programs by designing and executing high-throughput discovery strategies, partnering across multidisciplinary teams, and helping deliver high-quality antibody candidates on accelerated timelines.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design, execute, and lead antibody discovery campaigns using single B-cell discovery workflows.
- Identify and implement opportunities to reduce timelines, improve throughput, and increase operational efficiency.
- Represent the antibody discovery group on multidisciplinary project teams and provide scientific leadership on discovery strategy, screening plans, and candidate progression.
- Stay current with emerging scientific and technological advances relevant to antibody discovery and single-cell platforms.
- Contribute to the external scientific visibility of the Discovery Biologics team through publications, presentations, and scientific engagement.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:
- Bachelor's (with 7+ years), Master's (with 4+ years) or Ph.D. in Biology, Biochemistry or related discipline and relevant experience.
Required Experience and Skills:
- Strong technical expertise with the 10x Genomics Single Cell 5′ V(D)J workflow for antigen-specific antibody isolation, including sample preparation, B-cell sorting, and library generation and/or hands-on experience with single cell antibody platform/s to screen immunized B-cell repertoires, including recovery of antigen-specific antibody sequences.
- Strong hands-on laboratory skills in cell culture, molecular biology, high-throughput screening, assay development, and flow cytometry.
- Significant hands-on experience in antibody discovery, with specific expertise in in vivo immunization-based discovery approaches using single B-cell screening and sequencing.
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and cross-functional partnership skills.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities while maintaining scientific rigor and attention to detail.
- Proven success working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
- Highly motivated and collaborative scientist with a strong sense of ownership, urgency, and adaptability.
- Established external reputation through publications, presentations, and/or scientific community engagement.
- Champion for a varied and inclusive culture.
Preferred Experience and Skills:
- Experience with next-generation sequencing approaches and related data interpretation in antibody discovery workflows is preferred (including 10x Genomics data).
- Experience managing antibody discovery campaigns.
#EligibleforERP
Required Skills:
Antibody Discovery, Antigens, B Cells, Flow Cytometry, High-Throughput Assays, In Vivo Studies, Library Development, Molecular Biology Techniques, Single Cell Analysis
Preferred Skills:
Current Employees apply
Current Contingent Workers apply
US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:
The salary range for this role is
$131,400.00 - $206,800.00
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/International
VISA Sponsorship:
Yes
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:
07/10/2026
*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.
