Associate Scientist, Post Doc Fellow- Ophthalmology

Job Description

Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Ophthalmology

Be a part of the legacy: Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program

The Research and Development Division Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program offers an exceptional opportunity for emerging scientists to conduct cutting-edge research at the intersection of academic innovation and pharmaceutical discovery. By leveraging world-class technologies, expert mentorship, and a highly collaborative environment, fellows play a pivotal role in advancing novel scientific insights and therapeutic breakthroughs.

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join our Ophthalmology Discovery Research team in South San Francisco, California. This position offers an exciting opportunity to investigate fundamental mechanisms that regulate retinal homeostasis, tissue repair, and pathological remodeling in ocular diseases.

The successful candidate will leverage state-of-the-art in vitro and in vivo approaches to study various processes involved in retinal disease progression and recovery. This multidisciplinary project integrates molecular biology, advanced in vivo imaging, translational biomarker discovery, and systems-level data analysis to uncover novel mechanisms relevant to vision-threatening disorders.

The postdoctoral fellow will work in a highly collaborative environment alongside experts in retinal biology, pharmacology and translational science.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute mechanistic in vitro studies using cell culture systems, functional assays, and molecular biology approaches to investigate disease mechanisms and therapeutic interventions.
• Conduct in vivo ophthalmology research in rodent models, including study execution and analysis of disease-relevant endpoints.
• Generate, analyze, and interpret complex biological datasets, integrating molecular, cellular, and multi-omics data to identify key pathways, mechanisms, and translational insights.
• Lead independent research initiatives and communicate scientific findings through presentations, publications, and active participation in internal and external scientific forums while contributing to a collaborative research environment.

Education Minimum Requirement

• Must currently hold a PhD OR
• Receive a Ph.D. no later than spring 2027
• Ph.D. in Biology, Neuroscience, Pharmacology or related disciplines

Required Experience and Skills:

• Demonstrated scientific excellence through a strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals and evidence of impactful research contributions.
• Hands-on expertise in molecular, cellular, and in vitro experimental techniques, with experience applying these approaches to address complex biological questions.
• Proven experience designing, conducting, and interpreting in vivo studies, including animal model development, execution, and data analysis.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to independently design experiments, interpret results, and drive research initiatives forward.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to thrive in a multidisciplinary, team-oriented environment while effectively presenting scientific findings to audiences.

The salary range for this role is: $82,000- $92,000

 

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.

Required Skills:

Data Analysis, Disease Models, Immunoassays, In Vitro Studies, In Vivo Studies, Molecular Biology, Ophthalmology, Pharmacology, Scientific Presentations, Study Design

Preferred Skills:

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Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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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:

Yes

Travel Requirements:

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

N/A

Job Posting End Date:

10/12/2026

*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.