Merck · 2 hours ago
Research Scientist – Automation and High-throughput antibody screening
South San Francisco, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Mid Level
3+ years expMerck is seeking a highly motivated Research Scientist to join their Lab Automation Team within the Antibody Discovery group. This role focuses on modernizing and automating antibody discovery workflows, involving the design and execution of high-throughput screening and characterization assays.
BiotechnologyHealthcarePharmaceuticalHealth CareMedical
Responsibilities
Design, implement, and validate automated methods for high-throughput antibody screening and characterization
Perform general laboratory research independently, modifying and troubleshooting experimental designs and instrumentation as needed
Support the expansion of high-throughput screening (HTS) platforms and the integration of novel technologies
Implement automated liquid handling processes for routine workflows, including protein normalization, serial dilution, and NGS library preparation
Maintain and perform cell culture on various cell types to support the characterization of antibodies and biologics
Analyze and interpret experimental results, placing findings in scientific context through literature review
Document and report data clearly, preparing presentations for team and project meetings
Collaborate effectively with cross-functional partners to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Adhere to good laboratory practices (GLP) and ensure compliance with all safety and quality standards
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Biotechnology, or a related scientific discipline
BS with 3–5 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree
Strong hands-on experience with binding assays (ELISA, flow cytometry/FACS) and antibody functional characterization
Proven experience with automated liquid handling platforms (e.g., Hamilton Microlab STAR) and robotic arms
Demonstrated proficiency in mammalian cell culture techniques, including maintenance and expansion
Experience independently planning experiments, troubleshooting, and managing multiple concurrent laboratory tasks
Must be skilled in scientific data analysis software such as GraphPad Prism, Spotfire, or Genedata
Ability to adapt to rapid changes in project priorities and timelines while maintaining high attention to detail
Excellent communication skills and a proven ability to operate as a team player in a high-energy, multi-disciplinary setting
Preferred
Master's degree
Familiarity with microplate readers (SpectraMax, EnVision) and programming/scripting (Python, SQL, Venus, or Momentum) for workflow automation
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
2026-02-06
2026-02-05
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