Scientist, Discovery Oncology

Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Scientist with a background in immune oncology to join a cross-functional team within Discovery Oncology. Primary responsibilities will include designing and executing experiments to validate novel therapeutic targets and advance drug discovery efforts. A track record of scientific excellence, clear communication and effective collaboration with colleagues in the within and across disciplines will be essential.

The specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Support target validation, mechanism of action and drug discovery efforts
• Ensure data generated is communicated in a concise, easy to understand manner to the appropriate teams and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with colleagues from Discovery Oncology, Biologics, in vivo pharmacology, Genome, Biomarker Sciences, Chemical Biology, and Quantitative Biosciences to support drug discovery efforts.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• Bachelor's (with 3+ years) or Master's in cancer biology, immunology, molecular biology or related field and relevant experience

Required Experience and Skills:

• Expertise in mammalian cell culture
• Experience in design and execution of in vitro cell-based assays (TDCC/ proliferation) and analysis by various techniques (ELISA/Incucyte/Meso Scale Discovery)
• Expertise in phenotypic and functional characterization of primary immune cells by flow cytometry
• Demonstrated ability to work independently to design experiments, interpret data, troubleshoot, and suggest next steps for clearly defined scientific questions
• Candidate should be a strong team player with excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent organization and ability to contribute to multiple projects simultaneously

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Excellent organization and ability to contribute to multiple projects simultaneously

 #EligibleforERP

Required Skills:

Cancer Biology, Cell Death, ELISA Techniques, Flow Cytometry, Immunology, In Vitro Assays, Mammalian Cell Culture, Phenotypic Assays, Primary Cell Culture, T Cell Immunology, T Cell Proliferation Assay

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:

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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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The salary range for this role is

$98,000.00 - $154,300.00

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:

No Travel Required

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

1st - Day

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

N/A

Job Posting End Date:

06/2/2026

*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.