Principal Scientist, Biology-Discovery

Job Description

Job Description

The Screening & Compound Profiling group within the Quantitative Biosciences Department is seeking a Principal Scientist with deep expertise in applied quantitative pharmacology and/or biochemistry to join our Research Laboratories in Rahway, NJ. This role will provide senior-level expertise at the interface of in vitro pharmacology and quantitative modeling. The successful candidate will serve as a scientific resource across the broader research organization, contributing rigorous pharmacological analysis across programs and delivering mechanistic insight to drug discovery decisions spanning target classes, modalities, and therapeutic areas. The primary responsibilities of this role will be to develop, apply, and communicate quantitative data models that elucidate molecular mechanisms of action, support translational profiling of compound activities, and guide molecular optimization. The ideal candidate will combine authoritative command of foundational concepts in drug action rooted in biochemistry, enzymology, transporter/channel biology, or a related discipline with strong mathematical fluency and the ability to address complex pharmacological challenges in a collaborative, cross-functional environment. This individual will materially strengthen local lead-finding capabilities while partnering with teams across the research network to advance our discovery pipeline.

Responsibilities

• Provide quantitative analysis and consultation to drug discovery project teams across the network, either as an embedded team member or as an advisory resource

• Develop and apply mechanistic and empirical models to characterize compound activity and inform structure-activity relationships

• Translate pharmacological data into actionable recommendations for medicinal chemistry, biology, and translational colleagues

• Mentor junior scientists in analytical methods, modeling approaches, and effective data communication

• Represent Screening & Compound Profiling in cross-functional and cross-site settings, contributing pharmacological perspective to broader strategic discussions

• Foster a collaborative, inclusive team environment that supports scientific rigor and professional growth

Education Requirement

Ph.D. in pharmacology, biochemistry, biophysics, or a closely related discipline with 10 years of relevant experience.

Required Experience and Skills:

• Extensive drug discovery experience, preferably in an industry setting, with demonstrated impact across multiple programs and/or therapeutic areas

• Deep expertise in quantitative pharmacological frameworks including dose-response analysis, enzyme kinetics, receptor binding theory, and mechanistic modeling of drug action

• Strong mathematical foundation in calculus, ordinary differential equations, and applied statistics as used in pharmacological modeling and quantitative data analysis

• Exceptional communication skills — able to construct clear, data-driven narratives and calibrate delivery to diverse audiences without sacrificing scientific rigor

• Established scientific reputation evidenced by publications, presentations, or recognized contributions to the field

 

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Proficiency in scientific computing (Python and/or R) for model fitting, simulation, and development of analytical tools

• Familiarity with contemporary hit-finding and screening approaches including affinity-oriented techniques (DNA-encoded libraries, mRNA display), high-throughput screening (binding and cellular functional assays, biochemical functional readouts), and assay development, miniaturization, optimization, and validation for screening

• Familiarity with molecular and cell biology, physiology, and contemporary experimental approaches to evaluate experimental perturbation of biological processes including high-content imaging, transcriptomics (RNA-seq, DRUG-seq), proteomics, and mass spectrometry, with sufficient quantitative literacy to interpret and contextualize results

Required Skills:

Adaptability, Biochemical Assays, Cell-Based Assays, Communication, Compound Screening, Data Analysis, Detail-Oriented, Enzymology, Ethical Compliance, In Vitro Pharmacology, Leading Project Teams, Mathematics, Mathematics Modeling, Mechanism of Action, Mentor Coaching, Molecular Profiling, Numerical Modeling, Persuasion, Professional Networking, Quantitative Reasoning, Simulation Models, Statistics, Systems Biology

Preferred Skills:

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Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

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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:

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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.

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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

$173,200.00 - $272,600.00

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/International

VISA Sponsorship:

Yes

Travel Requirements:

No Travel Required

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

N/A

Job Posting End Date:

05/5/2026

*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.