Senior Scientist, Antibody Generation & Automation at Merck in USA - California - South San Francisco (Grand Ave)

Job description

• We are recruiting a Senior Scientist to support antibody generation and automation in our Molecular Discovery group located in South San Francisco.

Responsibilities

• Execute automated liquid handling processes to support routine lab workflows, including protein normalization, serial dilution, cherry picking, and NGS library preparation.
• Use programming or scripting skills (e.g., Python, SQL, R) to support data processing, workflow automation, or instrument integration.
• Optimize, implement, and validate automated methods for high‑throughput antibody screening and characterization to assess binding and functional attributes.
• Support the expansion of high‑throughput screening (HTS) platforms, assay design, and the evaluation and integration of novel technologies.
• Perform general laboratory bioassay screening competently and independently, modifying and troubleshooting experimental design, methods, and instrumentation to meet evolving project needs.
• Independently analyze and interpret experimental results, placing data in proper scientific context through review of relevant literature.
• Perform cell culture of a variety types of cells to support characterization of antibodies and related biologics.
• Document, summarize, and report data clearly and accurately, including preparation of presentations for team and project meetings.
• Work on multiple projects in a fast‑paced, multidisciplinary team environment, collaborating effectively with cross‑functional partners.
• Manage project priorities, timelines, and deliverables across multiple workstreams, ensuring clear alignment with project goals and stakeholder expectations.
• Communicate project status, risks, next steps, automated assay development progress, troubleshooting outcomes, and key project data proactively through presentations and updates to project teams, automation working groups, group meetings, project leads, and cross-functional partners to support timely decision-making.
• Adhere to good laboratory practices, maintain accurate records, and ensure compliance with relevant safety and quality standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor's (with 7+ years), Master’s (with 4+ years) or Ph.D. in a relevant biological science field and relevant experience.
• Proven experience with automated liquid handling platforms (e.g., Hamilton Microlab STAR) and robotic arms or similar automation technologies.
• Capability to program, configure, and troubleshoot methods using liquid handler software to support automated workflow development and optimization.
• Strong, hands‑on experience with assays, such as ELISA and flow cytometry/FACS.
• Experience independently planning experiments, troubleshooting, and managing multiple concurrent laboratory tasks or projects.
• Experience training laboratory users on the execution of automated methods.
• Experience overseeing daily laboratory operations, including EHS compliance, best practices, and related operational systems.
• Antibodies, Antibody Discovery, Automation, Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), Flow Cytometry, Laboratory Automation, Laboratory Robotics, Laboratory Techniques, Laboratory Technology, Liquid Handling, Robotic Liquid Handlers
• Prior hands-on experience contributing to the evaluation, development, or implementation of innovative technologies that enable de novo antibody discovery workflows, such as microfluidics-based platforms, genetic or mRNA immunization approaches, single-cell screening, or other high-throughput discovery technologies.
• Working knowledge of antibody discovery and characterization, protein engineering, and biologics modality design, with demonstrated ability to apply scientific understanding to support laboratory automation, assay development, and high-throughput discovery workflows.

Skills

Required

• Antibodies
• Antibody Discovery
• Automation
• Flow Cytometry
• Laboratory Automation
• Laboratory Robotics
• Laboratory Techniques
• Laboratory Technology
• Liquid Handling
• Robotic Liquid Handlers

Preferred

• Microfluidics-based platforms
• Genetic or mRNA immunization approaches
• Single-cell screening
• High-throughput discovery technologies
• Protein engineering
• Biologics modality design

Benefits

• 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.
• $131,400.00 - $206,800.00
• 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.