Merck & Co, Inc

Senior Scientist, Respiratory Biology (Discovery Research)

Merck & Co, Inc • $131K — $206K *
South San Francisco, CA 94080In-Person
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Less than 5 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's (7+ years), Master's (4+ years), or Ph.D. in biology or related discipline
  • Expertise in respiratory biology and human primary cell culture systems
  • Experience with experimental systems like ALI cultures and organoids
  • Strong molecular and cellular biology skills
  • Proficient in flow cytometry, imaging techniques, and multiplex biomarker platforms
  • Ability to independently execute and troubleshoot studies
  • Strong communication skills for cross-functional collaboration

Responsibilities

  • Design and conduct in vitro/ex vivo studies for respiratory target discovery
  • Develop disease-relevant experimental systems such as organoid and co-culture models
  • Generate and analyze mechanistic datasets related to chronic lung diseases
  • Utilize imaging techniques to study disease biology
  • Perform flow cytometry for immune and cell profiling
  • Support biomarker discovery using patient-derived samples and multiplex platforms
  • Integrate data across various biological disciplines to inform project decisions

Benefits

  • Collaborative environment within cross-functional teams
  • Potential for domestic/international relocation assistance
  • Visa sponsorship available
  • Flexible work arrangements not applicable
  • Job posting valid until specified date
Full Job Description
Job Description

The Senior Scientist will join the Respiratory Biology Discovery group and contribute to target identification, target validation, translational biology, and mechanism-of-action studies supporting early discovery programs in chronic lung diseases, including COPD, bronchiectasis, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, and inflammatory airway diseases.

The successful candidate will leverage human-relevant in vitro, ex vivo, and translational experimental systems, with a particular emphasis on primary airway and alveolar epithelial biology, epithelial-stromal and immune-stromal interactions, tissue remodeling, fibrosis, regeneration, and biomarker discovery. The Senior Scientist will generate high-quality mechanistic datasets that inform target prioritization and program decisions and will collaborate closely within multidisciplinary discovery and translational teams.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Design, execute, and interpret in vitro and ex vivo studies to support respiratory target discovery, validation and translational biology programs.
  • Develop and apply disease-relevant experimental systems, including primary airway epithelial cultures, air-liquid interface (ALI) models, organoid systems, precision-cut lung slices (PCLS), and co-culture platforms.
  • Generate mechanistic datasets to investigate epithelial dysfunction, tissue remodeling, fibrosis, immune responses, and regenerative biology in chronic lung diseases.
  • Apply imaging techniques, including immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), and high-content imaging, with image-based analysis to interrogate disease-relevant biology.
  • Perform and interpret flow cytometry/FACS-based immune and cell phenotyping.
  • Support translational biomarker discovery and validation using patient-derived samples and multiplex biomarker platforms (Meso Scale Discovery, Luminex, Olink, AlphaLISA).
  • Integrate cellular, molecular, imaging, and biomarker datasets to inform project decisions and translational strategies.
  • Generate reproducible, high-quality data packages and communicate findings through presentations, technical reports, and cross-functional discussions.
  • Collaborate closely across biology, pharmacology, DMPK, and translational and clinical teams within a matrixed discovery environment.


QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:
  • Bachelor's (with 7+ years), Master's (with 4+ years) or Ph.D. biology, immunology, pharmacology, physiology, pulmonary biology or related discipline and relevant experience


Required Experience and Skills:
  • Demonstrated expertise in respiratory biology and human primary cell culture systems, including airway and/or alveolar epithelial models
  • Experience developing and applying disease-relevant in vitro and ex vivo systems such as ALI cultures, organoids, co-culture models, or precision-cut lung slices
  • Strong hands-on experience in molecular and cellular biology techniques
  • Experience with flow cytometry/FACS, imaging-based approaches (IHC, IF, ICC, confocal microscopy), image analysis, and multiplex biomarker platforms (Meso Scale Discovery, Luminex, Olink, AlphaLISA or equivalent)
  • Experience supporting translational biology, target validation, and mechanism-of-action studies
  • Ability to independently design, execute, troubleshoot, and interpret experimental studies
  • Strong scientific communication skills and ability to present findings in cross-functional settings


Preferred Experience and Skills:
  • Prior experience in respiratory drug discovery, fibrosis, tissue remodeling, regenerative biology, or inflammatory lung disease research
  • Experience with macrophage, fibroblast, epithelial, or immune-stromal co-culture systems
  • Experience working with patient-derived respiratory tissues and primary human lung cells
  • Familiarity with transcriptomic datasets including bulk RNA-seq and single-cell RNA-seq
  • Experience with organoid biology, human tissue-based models, or spatial biology approaches
  • Knowledge of translational biomarker strategies and human disease-relevant endpoints


#EligibleforERP

Required Skills:
Cell Biology, Cell Culture Techniques, Image Analysis, Immunocytochemistry (ICC), Immunohistochemistry (IHC), Luminex Assays, Meso Scale Discovery, Molecular Techniques, Pulmonary Disease Research, Target Validation

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:
1st - Day

Valid Driving License:
No

Hazardous Material(s):
N/A

Job Posting End Date:
07/27/2026
*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.

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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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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

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Learn more about Merck & Co, Inc
Size
68,000 employees
Market Cap
$282.6 billion
Industry
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Net Income
$7 billion
Founded
1668
5 Year Trend
+4.1%
Revenue
$47.9 billion
NASDAQ
MRK
* Ladders Estimates

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