Associate Principal Scientist, Immunology Discovery
Merck
August 15, 2026
On-site
San Diego, CA
Clinical Research and Development
Key Responsibilities
- Define and drive drug discovery immunology project/program strategies; collaborate across Discovery Immunology and functional areas to meet organizational objectives.
- Participate in and/or lead cross-functional teams to advance therapeutic candidates from early discovery to clinic and ensure timely completion of milestones.
- Lead in vitro/ex vivo studies (independently design, execute, interpret) aligned with program goals; oversee others’ experiments.
- Identify, validate, and implement new/innovative approaches and technologies to improve efficiency and drive progression.
- Share expertise and mentor less experienced scientists to promote scientific rigor and continuous learning.
- Integrate/interpret complex data and communicate science and strategy to stakeholders and management.
Qualifications
- Ph.D. (5+ years) in immunology, cell biology, or related biomedical science with relevant drug discovery experience leading discovery-stage programs.
Required Experience and Skills
- Strong immunology background with knowledge of immune-mediated diseases across Gastroenterology, Rheumatology, or Dermatology; related preclinical models.
- Cell biology techniques (cell/immune cell culture; in vitro/ex vivo cell-based assays; multi-color flow cytometry) and immunoassay/molecular biology (e.g., ELISA, Meso Scale Discovery, RT-PCR).
- Proficiency: Excel, Prism (GraphPad), FlowJo.
- Work independently in cross-functional/matrixed teams; strong critical thinking/problem solving.
- Ability to influence/mentor and communicate to broad audiences.
Preferred Experience and Skills
- Experience leading biologics/chemistry discovery programs (GI/Derm/Rheum), translational research/biomarkers, and multiple modalities.
Benefits
- Eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive (if applicable); comprehensive benefits (medical/dental/vision, retirement/401(k), paid holidays/vacation, compassionate/sick days).
Application Instructions
- Apply at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or Workday Jobs Hub for current employees). Application deadline is stated on the posting.
- Define and drive drug discovery immunology project/program strategies; collaborate across Discovery Immunology and functional areas to meet organizational objectives.
- Participate in and/or lead cross-functional teams to advance therapeutic candidates from early discovery to clinic and ensure timely completion of milestones.
- Lead in vitro/ex vivo studies (independently design, execute, interpret) aligned with program goals; oversee others’ experiments.
- Identify, validate, and implement new/innovative approaches and technologies to improve efficiency and drive progression.
- Share expertise and mentor less experienced scientists to promote scientific rigor and continuous learning.
- Integrate/interpret complex data and communicate science and strategy to stakeholders and management.
Qualifications
- Ph.D. (5+ years) in immunology, cell biology, or related biomedical science with relevant drug discovery experience leading discovery-stage programs.
Required Experience and Skills
- Strong immunology background with knowledge of immune-mediated diseases across Gastroenterology, Rheumatology, or Dermatology; related preclinical models.
- Cell biology techniques (cell/immune cell culture; in vitro/ex vivo cell-based assays; multi-color flow cytometry) and immunoassay/molecular biology (e.g., ELISA, Meso Scale Discovery, RT-PCR).
- Proficiency: Excel, Prism (GraphPad), FlowJo.
- Work independently in cross-functional/matrixed teams; strong critical thinking/problem solving.
- Ability to influence/mentor and communicate to broad audiences.
Preferred Experience and Skills
- Experience leading biologics/chemistry discovery programs (GI/Derm/Rheum), translational research/biomarkers, and multiple modalities.
Benefits
- Eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive (if applicable); comprehensive benefits (medical/dental/vision, retirement/401(k), paid holidays/vacation, compassionate/sick days).
Application Instructions
- Apply at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or Workday Jobs Hub for current employees). Application deadline is stated on the posting.