Merck · 21 hours ago
Senior Principal Scientist, Discovery and Translational Immunology
San Diego, CA
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$191K/yr - $300K/yr
7+ years expMerck is a leading company in the pharmaceutical industry, focused on developing innovative treatments for immune-mediated diseases. They are seeking a Senior Principal Scientist to lead early-stage immunology programs and drive projects from target identification through translational research and strategy execution.
BiotechnologyHealth CareMedicalPharmaceutical
No H1B
Responsibilities
Work with the Associate Vice President Immunology Discovery SD Research & Development Division and other project leads on site as well as other Research & Development Division Immunology Discovery sites to define and execute drug discovery immunology programs in the portfolio as part of the Immunology TA strategy
Closely collaborate with a cross-functional group of experts across Our Company to design and execute the Research Operating Plan to advance projects through Discovery
Lead the discovery and creation of cellular, molecular and functional assays required for design and execution of the Research Operating Plan to advance projects through Discovery and toward early development
Partner closely with cross functional colleagues, including Computational Scientists (DAGS), modelers, PKPD, to advance projects forward through stages of Discovery
Lead the discovery and creation of cellular, molecular and functional assays that serve as biomarkers for prosecution of programs as they advance through the Discovery stages toward Early Development
Contribute to discovery and creation of translational data strategy for immunology including partnering internally and externally in the generation of actionable science packages to identify, validate and execute novel targets implicated in the pathogenesis of TA disease areas including diseases in the Derm, Rheum and GI areas
Collaborate with Translational Medicine and Biomarker colleagues for programs moving toward Early Development to ensure transition of early discovery biomarkers and biomarkers plans for execution during development stages
Champion the use of new technologies and modalities to drive discovery and prosecution of novel targets in immunological disease through various modalities and approaches including small molecules, peptides, biologics, T cell engagers and others
Actively contribute to the overall company's Immunology TA strategy
Maintaining awareness of scientific developments within area of expertise, in terms of new scientific findings, research methodologies, novel platforms and modalities
Attend appropriate scientific meetings to maintain cutting edge knowledge and competency in the field
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's (with 20+ years), Master's (with 15+ years) or Ph.D. (with 10+ years) in Immunology, Cell Biology or related field and relevant immunology research experience, with at least seven (7) years of direct industry experience
Knowledge and experience of immune-mediated diseases including a strong understanding of molecular pathways driving disease and of relevant clinical trial results and competitive landscape in immunology and autoinflammation
Prior experience shaping and executing in discovery research and drug development in the field of immunology with a focus on autoimmune/inflammatory diseases
Experience in compound (small molecules, biologics, other modalities) discovery and design for a variety of relevant disease targets
Prior experience in ideating, establishing, and executing translational research strategies in immune diseases, including strategic fit, coordination of data generation and interpretation with computational scientist and other functions
Experience developing clinically relevant biomarkers for target engagement and pharmacodynamic measures
A minimum of seven (7) years of direct management experience overseeing multiple teams and proven leadership with the ability to align, motivate and empower team members and a demonstrated passion for team building and talent development
Strong awareness of safety and environmental requirements
A good understanding of integration and partnering necessary for pharmaceutical development with Translational Medicine, Clinical, CMC, Regulatory, Operations, and other functional areas
Effective communication, collaboration, and negotiation skills with the ability to work with senior level managers in meeting venues that include multiple cross-functional representatives
Participate in cross functional collaboration and support in the preparation of INDs and other submissions to health agencies for human clinical studies
Benefits
Medical
Dental
Vision healthcare
Other insurance benefits (for employee and family)
Retirement benefits, including 401(k)
Paid holidays
Vacation
Compassionate and sick days
Company
Merck
Merck is a biopharmaceutical company that offers medicines and vaccines for various diseases.
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$5.59MKey Investors
Private Capital Advisors"Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance"
2018-11-25Post Ipo Equity· $0.59M
2016-01-21Series Unknown· $5M
1980-12-19IPO
Leadership Team
Betty Larson
Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer
Dean Li
Executive Vice President and President, Merck Research Laboratories
Recent News
2026-02-05
Genetic Engineering News
2026-02-05
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