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Associate Principal Scientist – Cellular Pharmacology and Lead Discovery

Merck Cherokee

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$73.03 /h
PAY RATE
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South San Francisco, CA
LOCATION

Job Description

As posted by the hiring company

Job Overview:

Job Description

Our company's Research Laboratories in South San Francisco is seeking an Associate Principal Scientist with strong expertise in translational cell models, mechanistic pharmacology, and biomarker and lead discovery to join our Quantitative Biosciences (Pharmacology) department. The successful candidate will be responsible for the design, execution, and interpretation of complex in vitro/ex vivo assays and mechanistic experimentation to advance early drug discovery projects from target concept through lead optimization. The candidate will work closely with a team of multidisciplinary scientists to enable model development, assay execution and screening, as well as mechanistic studies to advance a diverse drug discovery pipeline targeting obesity, immune-metabolic, and cardiovascular disorders. In addition, this role will participate in novel technology evaluation, business development diligence, and internal/external collaborations. We value rigorous scientific exploration, creative-thinking, teamwork, and transparent communication. If you are a highly motivated individual and team player with a strong desire to impact cardiovascular and metabolic drug discovery, we invite you to consider joining our team.

Key responsibilities:

  • Support pharmacology strategies targeting obesity, immuno-metabolic, and cardiovascular diseases to enable a robust drug discovery pipeline.

  • Develop and implement potency, selectivity, and mechanistic assays to characterize molecules targeting diverse targets, pathways, and areas of biology.

  • Design and execute complex cell assays using diverse model systems and advanced technologies to support translational research and biomarker discovery.

  • Serve as a core member in matrixed project teams and governance committees to enable pharmacology strategy and provide robust scientific and technical support.

  • Ensure high-quality and timely data generation, analysis, and reporting to project teams, governance bodies, and regulatory agencies.

  • Drive scientific innovation and champion new enabling technologies and methods to enhance functional capabilities and productivity.

  • Collaborate extensively across our company's network and with external partners to drive project progression toward key milestones and contribute to business development diligence.

Qualifications:

Education:

  • Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Cell Biology or relevant scientific discipline with a minimum of five (5) years of drug discovery experience in a biotech or pharmaceutical setting

Required Experience and Skills:

  • Solid understanding of drug discovery strategies and processes from target identification and validation to preclinical candidate selection

  • Demonstrated quantitative pharmacology expertise with accompanying knowledge in cardiovascular and metabolic disease pathways and mechanisms

  • Highly skilled in physiologically relevant assay development (primary cells, co-culture, etc.) for cardiometabolic disease molding, translational pharmacology, and biomarker discovery

  • Experienced in lead optimization and SAR support, plate-based detection methods, and the utilization of advanced lab automation

  • Proficiency with automated data processing, curve fitting, and visualization software tools

  • Excellent organization and communication skills with a strong growth mindset

  • Demonstrated ability to multi-task and work collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment to influence strategy and tactics to advance drug discovery

  • Proven record of publications in peer-reviewed journals and/or patent literatures

Preferred Experience and Skills:

  • Prior working experience with multiple therapeutic modalities (small molecule, peptide, biologics, etc.)

  • Prior experience of leading drug discovery projects and/or mentoring junior staff

NOTICE FOR INTERNAL APPLICANTS

In accordance with Managers' Policy - Job Posting and Employee Placement, all employees subject to this policy are required to have a minimum of twelve (12) months of service in current position prior to applying for open positions.

If you have been offered a separation benefits package, but have not yet reached your separation date and are offered a position within the salary and geographical parameters as set forth in the Summary Plan Description (SPD) of your separationpackage, then you are no longer eligible for your separation benefits package. To discuss in more detail, please contact your HRBP or Talent Acquisition Advisor.

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Current Employees apply HERE

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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.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. 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 diverse, talented, and committed people together. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when diverse ideas 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 Company is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this job in certain states and cities within the United States. Final determinations with respect to salary will take into account a number of factors, which may include, but not be limited to the primary work location and the chosen candidate’s relevant skills, experience, and education.

Expected US salary range:

$151,900.00 - $239,200.00

Available benefits include bonus eligibility, long term incentive if applicable, health care and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, paid holidays, vacation, and sick days. A summary of benefits is listed here.

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:

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

1st - Day

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

N/A

Job Posting End Date:

12/20/2024

*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.