Associate Principal Scientist, Discovery Oncology
Merck
June 27, 2026
On-site
South San Francisco, CA
Clinical Research and Development
Key Responsibilities:
- Design, establish, and optimize in vitro and ex vivo assays to elucidate mechanisms of action and assess therapeutic potential.
- Make timely, data-driven decisions balancing innovation, risk, and experimental rigor.
- Communicate scientific strategy, rationale, and results; build external scientific presence via publications, conferences, and collaboration.
- Drive ideation and early-stage discovery efforts to deliver competitive oncology programs using internal expertise and emerging technologies.
Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in Cancer Biology, Cell Biology, Pharmacology, Immunology, Biochemistry, or related field with 4+ years of relevant oncology drug discovery experience.
Required Experience/Skills:
- Deep expertise in tumor biology and immune oncology (cancer genomics, oncogenic signaling).
- Broad technical expertise in molecular/cellular biology, biochemistry, and analytical methods.
- Extensive hands-on in vitro experience designing, executing, and analyzing multi-color flow cytometry and mechanistic cell-based assays (viability/cytotoxicity, cell cycle, signaling, immune response).
- Track record of innovative research via high-impact publications/patents and/or successful discovery program advancement.
- Strong communication skills, collaborative mindset, and leadership potential.
Preferred:
- Hands-on experience with therapeutic modalities (small molecules, mAbs, ADCs, TCEs).
- Hands-on experience analyzing in vivo mouse model data to evaluate therapeutics.
Benefits/Compensation (if applicable):
- Eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive.
- Comprehensive benefits (medical/dental/vision, retirement/401(k), paid time off, etc.).
Application Instructions:
- Apply at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or via Workday Jobs Hub if a current employee). Deadline is stated on the posting.
- Design, establish, and optimize in vitro and ex vivo assays to elucidate mechanisms of action and assess therapeutic potential.
- Make timely, data-driven decisions balancing innovation, risk, and experimental rigor.
- Communicate scientific strategy, rationale, and results; build external scientific presence via publications, conferences, and collaboration.
- Drive ideation and early-stage discovery efforts to deliver competitive oncology programs using internal expertise and emerging technologies.
Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in Cancer Biology, Cell Biology, Pharmacology, Immunology, Biochemistry, or related field with 4+ years of relevant oncology drug discovery experience.
Required Experience/Skills:
- Deep expertise in tumor biology and immune oncology (cancer genomics, oncogenic signaling).
- Broad technical expertise in molecular/cellular biology, biochemistry, and analytical methods.
- Extensive hands-on in vitro experience designing, executing, and analyzing multi-color flow cytometry and mechanistic cell-based assays (viability/cytotoxicity, cell cycle, signaling, immune response).
- Track record of innovative research via high-impact publications/patents and/or successful discovery program advancement.
- Strong communication skills, collaborative mindset, and leadership potential.
Preferred:
- Hands-on experience with therapeutic modalities (small molecules, mAbs, ADCs, TCEs).
- Hands-on experience analyzing in vivo mouse model data to evaluate therapeutics.
Benefits/Compensation (if applicable):
- Eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive.
- Comprehensive benefits (medical/dental/vision, retirement/401(k), paid time off, etc.).
Application Instructions:
- Apply at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or via Workday Jobs Hub if a current employee). Deadline is stated on the posting.