Associate Principal Scientist, Biology-Discovery
Merck
June 25, 2026
On-site
West Point, PA
Clinical Research and Development
Associate Principal Scientist — Quantitative Biosciences (West Point, PA)
In This Role You Will
- Develop and execute cell-based antiviral assays; analyze/interpret data and integrate with other functional areas to support infectious disease discovery programs.
- Represent Quantitative Biosciences on core discovery program teams; define program strategy/goals and coordinate engagement to deliver them.
- Collaborate with biology, chemistry, screening teams to identify next-generation drug targets.
- Identify/validate/integrate new technologies or methodologies to improve efficiency, drive program progression, and enable clinical translation.
- Provide guidance and mentorship to less experienced scientists.
- Work with automation engineers to transfer bench-developed assays to integrated robotic systems.
- Document protocols/findings, author preclinical regulatory documents, and comply with lab safety requirements.
- Integrate/interpret complex data and communicate science and strategy to stakeholders and management.
What You Will Need
- Advanced degree in molecular virology, pharmacology, or related field; BS (12+ yrs) or MS (8+ yrs) or PhD (3+ yrs).
- Proficiency in HIV-1 biology (pathogenesis, resistance, and/or latency).
- Expertise in virology techniques (molecular/cellular; in vitro and in vivo disease models).
- Proven track record designing/executing cell-based antiviral assays using fluorescence imaging, luminescence, flow cytometry, Mesoscale/Luminex.
- Strong time management; ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Drug discovery/clinical development knowledge through preclinical candidate delivery.
- Ability to thrive in a matrixed environment; interface with therapy areas, medicinal chemistry, automation, IT, data science, and pharmacokinetics.
- Effective communication across stakeholders; strong analytical/problem-solving.
- Strong written/oral communication and computer skills; knowledge of automated liquid handlers.
- Ability to adapt to changing priorities.
Required Skills
Assay Development; Cell Biology; Cytometry; Drug Discovery Process; High-Throughput Screening; Infectious Disease; Laboratory Automation; Laboratory Safety; Mammalian Cell Culture; Molecular Biology; Pharmacodynamics/Pharmacokinetics; Teamwork; Virology (and related).
Application
Apply at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or Workday Jobs Hub). Application deadline is stated on the posting. Requisition ID: R400785.
In This Role You Will
- Develop and execute cell-based antiviral assays; analyze/interpret data and integrate with other functional areas to support infectious disease discovery programs.
- Represent Quantitative Biosciences on core discovery program teams; define program strategy/goals and coordinate engagement to deliver them.
- Collaborate with biology, chemistry, screening teams to identify next-generation drug targets.
- Identify/validate/integrate new technologies or methodologies to improve efficiency, drive program progression, and enable clinical translation.
- Provide guidance and mentorship to less experienced scientists.
- Work with automation engineers to transfer bench-developed assays to integrated robotic systems.
- Document protocols/findings, author preclinical regulatory documents, and comply with lab safety requirements.
- Integrate/interpret complex data and communicate science and strategy to stakeholders and management.
What You Will Need
- Advanced degree in molecular virology, pharmacology, or related field; BS (12+ yrs) or MS (8+ yrs) or PhD (3+ yrs).
- Proficiency in HIV-1 biology (pathogenesis, resistance, and/or latency).
- Expertise in virology techniques (molecular/cellular; in vitro and in vivo disease models).
- Proven track record designing/executing cell-based antiviral assays using fluorescence imaging, luminescence, flow cytometry, Mesoscale/Luminex.
- Strong time management; ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Drug discovery/clinical development knowledge through preclinical candidate delivery.
- Ability to thrive in a matrixed environment; interface with therapy areas, medicinal chemistry, automation, IT, data science, and pharmacokinetics.
- Effective communication across stakeholders; strong analytical/problem-solving.
- Strong written/oral communication and computer skills; knowledge of automated liquid handlers.
- Ability to adapt to changing priorities.
Required Skills
Assay Development; Cell Biology; Cytometry; Drug Discovery Process; High-Throughput Screening; Infectious Disease; Laboratory Automation; Laboratory Safety; Mammalian Cell Culture; Molecular Biology; Pharmacodynamics/Pharmacokinetics; Teamwork; Virology (and related).
Application
Apply at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or Workday Jobs Hub). Application deadline is stated on the posting. Requisition ID: R400785.