Associate Principal Scientist, Immunology Discovery
Merck
July 03, 2026
On-site
San Diego, CA
Clinical Research and Development
Associate Principal Scientist (Immunology Discovery) — San Diego, CA
Key Responsibilities
- Define and drive immunology drug discovery project/program strategies and collaborate cross-functionally to achieve organizational objectives.
- Participate in and/or lead cross-functional teams to advance therapeutic candidates from early discovery to clinic and ensure milestones are met.
- Lead from the bench: independently design, execute, and interpret complex in vitro and ex vivo studies; oversee experiments of others.
- Identify, validate, and implement new innovative approaches (including novel technologies) to increase efficiency and productivity and drive program progression.
- Share expertise and mentor less experienced scientists to foster scientific rigor, collaboration, and continuous learning.
- Integrate and interpret complex data and communicate science and strategy to stakeholders and management.
Qualifications
- Education: Ph.D. (5+ years) in immunology, cell biology, or related biomedical science with relevant drug discovery experience.
Required Experience/Skills
- Strong immunology background with knowledge of immune-mediated diseases across Gastroenterology, Rheumatology, or Dermatology and related preclinical models.
- Cell biology and immune assays experience (cell culture, primary cells, in vitro/ex vivo cell-based assays, multi-color flow cytometry), immunoassays (e.g., ELISA, Meso Scale Discovery), and molecular biology (e.g., RT-PCR).
- Proficiency: Excel, Prism (GraphPad), FlowJo.
- Ability to work independently in cross-functional/matrixed teams; strong problem-solving and critical thinking.
- Ability to influence and mentor; communicate data and program strategy.
Preferred Experience/Skills
- Experience leading cross-functional biologics or chemistry discovery programs for Gastroenterology, Dermatology, and/or Rheumatology (autoimmune/immune-mediated); large/small pharma.
- Translational research and biomarker discovery.
- Experience with multiple therapeutic modalities (small molecule, peptide, biologic, etc.).
Benefits (if applicable/explicitly stated)
- Annual bonus and long-term incentive (if applicable).
- Comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision, retirement (401(k)), paid holidays/vacation, and sick/compassionate days.
Application Instructions
- Apply via https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or Workday Jobs Hub for current employees).
Key Responsibilities
- Define and drive immunology drug discovery project/program strategies and collaborate cross-functionally to achieve organizational objectives.
- Participate in and/or lead cross-functional teams to advance therapeutic candidates from early discovery to clinic and ensure milestones are met.
- Lead from the bench: independently design, execute, and interpret complex in vitro and ex vivo studies; oversee experiments of others.
- Identify, validate, and implement new innovative approaches (including novel technologies) to increase efficiency and productivity and drive program progression.
- Share expertise and mentor less experienced scientists to foster scientific rigor, collaboration, and continuous learning.
- Integrate and interpret complex data and communicate science and strategy to stakeholders and management.
Qualifications
- Education: Ph.D. (5+ years) in immunology, cell biology, or related biomedical science with relevant drug discovery experience.
Required Experience/Skills
- Strong immunology background with knowledge of immune-mediated diseases across Gastroenterology, Rheumatology, or Dermatology and related preclinical models.
- Cell biology and immune assays experience (cell culture, primary cells, in vitro/ex vivo cell-based assays, multi-color flow cytometry), immunoassays (e.g., ELISA, Meso Scale Discovery), and molecular biology (e.g., RT-PCR).
- Proficiency: Excel, Prism (GraphPad), FlowJo.
- Ability to work independently in cross-functional/matrixed teams; strong problem-solving and critical thinking.
- Ability to influence and mentor; communicate data and program strategy.
Preferred Experience/Skills
- Experience leading cross-functional biologics or chemistry discovery programs for Gastroenterology, Dermatology, and/or Rheumatology (autoimmune/immune-mediated); large/small pharma.
- Translational research and biomarker discovery.
- Experience with multiple therapeutic modalities (small molecule, peptide, biologic, etc.).
Benefits (if applicable/explicitly stated)
- Annual bonus and long-term incentive (if applicable).
- Comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision, retirement (401(k)), paid holidays/vacation, and sick/compassionate days.
Application Instructions
- Apply via https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or Workday Jobs Hub for current employees).