Scientist - In Vivo
Merck
July 01, 2026
On-site
South San Francisco, CA
Clinical Research and Development
Associate Scientist (Cardiometabolic Disease)
Key Responsibilities
- Establish key assays and model systems for mechanistic target investigation and therapeutic candidate evaluation.
- Conduct in vivo dosing, bleeding, and handling of small laboratory animals.
- Perform molecular biology, cellular biology, cell-based assays, and ex vivo sample processing/analysis.
- Design, execute, troubleshoot, document, analyze, and interpret research with minimal supervision.
- Critically evaluate current literature to find opportunities for new/existing programs.
- Independently run tightly controlled experiments, analyze data, and present results to disease-area teams.
- Solve complex problems using innovative approaches and state-of-the-art technologies.
- Weekend work required on a shifted schedule (Tuesday–Saturday / Sunday–Thursday).
Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s (3+ years) or Master’s in chemical biology, molecular/cellular biology, pharmacology, biology, or related field.
- Required experience/skills: target validation; in vivo model development or adipose biology; dosing (oral, subQ, IP, IV) and bleeding small animals; work with human/pre-clinical tissues and primary cell lines; standard molecular biology (e.g., western blotting, qPCR); independent work with strong organization/time management; strong communication/interpersonal skills; curiosity and analytical mindset.
- Preferred: prior industry experience; target identification plus muscle biology or immunology in metabolic disease.
Required/Preferred Skills
- Cell biology/cell culture, dosing, in vivo models/studies, molecular biology techniques, primary cells, target validation.
Benefits (as stated)
- Annual bonus and long-term incentive (if applicable).
- Comprehensive benefits (medical/dental/vision, retirement/401(k), paid holidays, vacation, compassionate and sick days).
Compensation
- Salary range: $108,000–$170,100.
Application
- Apply at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en. Application deadline is stated on the posting.
Key Responsibilities
- Establish key assays and model systems for mechanistic target investigation and therapeutic candidate evaluation.
- Conduct in vivo dosing, bleeding, and handling of small laboratory animals.
- Perform molecular biology, cellular biology, cell-based assays, and ex vivo sample processing/analysis.
- Design, execute, troubleshoot, document, analyze, and interpret research with minimal supervision.
- Critically evaluate current literature to find opportunities for new/existing programs.
- Independently run tightly controlled experiments, analyze data, and present results to disease-area teams.
- Solve complex problems using innovative approaches and state-of-the-art technologies.
- Weekend work required on a shifted schedule (Tuesday–Saturday / Sunday–Thursday).
Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s (3+ years) or Master’s in chemical biology, molecular/cellular biology, pharmacology, biology, or related field.
- Required experience/skills: target validation; in vivo model development or adipose biology; dosing (oral, subQ, IP, IV) and bleeding small animals; work with human/pre-clinical tissues and primary cell lines; standard molecular biology (e.g., western blotting, qPCR); independent work with strong organization/time management; strong communication/interpersonal skills; curiosity and analytical mindset.
- Preferred: prior industry experience; target identification plus muscle biology or immunology in metabolic disease.
Required/Preferred Skills
- Cell biology/cell culture, dosing, in vivo models/studies, molecular biology techniques, primary cells, target validation.
Benefits (as stated)
- Annual bonus and long-term incentive (if applicable).
- Comprehensive benefits (medical/dental/vision, retirement/401(k), paid holidays, vacation, compassionate and sick days).
Compensation
- Salary range: $108,000–$170,100.
Application
- Apply at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en. Application deadline is stated on the posting.