Associate Principal Scientist, Preclinical Development

Job Description

As a Assoc Principal scientist, you will drive the creation of next-generation mammalian cell lines using a systems-level approach. You will be responsible for designing synthetic genetic circuits, managing large-scale multi-omics datasets, and utilizing Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) to ensure the stability and productivity of therapeutic cell lines.

Key Responsibilities

• Cell Engineering & Synthetic Biology: Design and optimize complex DNA vector constructs and synthetic gene circuits to enhance protein expression in CHO cells. Use cutting -edge gene-editing tools for targeted knock-in/out strategies.

• Systems Biology Integration: Develop and apply computational models to understand cellular pathways and metabolism, predicting how genetic modifications impact global cell behavior and product quality.

• Big Data Analytics: Build and maintain data pipelines to process high-dimensional datasets from high-throughput screening. Apply machine learning (ML) or deep learning (DL) models to inform experimental design and predict cell line performance.

• NGS Characterization: Lead NGS workflows, from library preparation  to bioinformatics analysis. Use NGS to verify monoclonality, transgene integrity, and integration sites.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Upstream, Downstream, and Analytical teams to deliver integrated CMC solutions. Author technical reports for regulatory filings (IND/BLA).

Required Qualifications

• Education: Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, Systems Biology, Chemical Engineering, or a related field; or a Master’s degree with 5–8+ years of industry experience.

• Computational Proficiency:Strong programming skills in Python or R for biological data analysis.Experience with Linux/Unix environments and command-line bioinformatics tools (BWA, GATK, Samtools).

• Wet-Lab Expertise: Expertise in aseptic mammalian cell culture. Advanced molecular cloning techniques and genetic characterization (ddPCR, flow cytometry).

• NGS Experience: Proven track record in library construction and data management for DNA-seq and RNA-seq workflows.

Required Skills:

Big Data, Big Data, Bioinformatics, Cell Cultures, Cell Line Development, Chemical Engineering, Detail-Oriented, Downstream Process Development, Drug Delivery Technology, Drug Development, Expression Vectors, Interpersonal Relationships, Leading Project Teams, Library Construction, Linux Environments, Machine Learning (ML), Mammalian Cell, Mammalian Cell Culture, Molecular Biology, Molecular Microbiology, Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), Pharmaceutical Formulations, Pharmaceutical Process Development, Physical Characterization, Stable Cell Lines {+ 1 more}

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.  As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.  For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:

EEOC Know Your Rights

EEOC GINA Supplement​

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.

Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts

U.S. Hybrid Work Model

Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office-based positions in the U.S. will be working a Hybrid work consisting of three total days on-site per week, Monday - Thursday, although the specific days may vary by site or organization, with Friday designated as a remote-working day, unless business critical tasks require an on-site presence.This Hybrid work model does not apply to, and daily in-person attendance is required for, field-based positions; facility-based, manufacturing-based, or research-based positions where the work to be performed is located at a Company site; positions covered by a collective-bargaining agreement (unless the agreement provides for hybrid work); or any other position for which the Company has determined the job requirements cannot be reasonably met working remotely. Please note, this Hybrid work model guidance also does not apply to roles that have been designated as “remote”.

The salary range for this role is

$142,400.00 - $224,100.00

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.

The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits.  Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.

You can apply for this role through https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.

San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully 
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company.  No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails. 

Employee Status:

Regular

Relocation:

Domestic

VISA Sponsorship:

No

Travel Requirements:

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

N/A

Job Posting End Date:

05/18/2026

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.