Sr. Scientist, Biology-Discovery

Job Description

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Scientist to join our Infectious Diseases and Vaccines discovery team. This laboratory-facing role focuses on advancing our therapeutic pipeline for chronic viral diseases. The successful candidate will leverage deep technical expertise in virology to lead assay development and platform innovation. The primary focus of this role is discovery and translational research targeting hepatitis B virus (HBV) and related DNA viruses. We value creative thinking, goal-oriented teamwork and the application of generative AI models to define and enable problem-solving.

Core Responsibilities

• Laboratory Research: Conduct hands-on bench research utilizing advanced virology and molecular biology techniques.

• Assay Development: Design, optimize, and validate robust in vitro and ex vivo viral replication and infection assays.

• Platform Innovation: Develop innovative technological platforms to evaluate novel therapeutic candidates and mechanisms of action.

• Project Leadership: Serve as the scientific lead on cross-functional project teams, driving experimental strategies and timelines.

• Data Analysis: Analyze complex datasets, interpret results, and present actionable findings to senior leadership.

Education and Experience

• PhD in Virology, Immunology, or a closely related biomedical science discipline (preferred).

• Experience: Minimum of 2–5 years of postdoctoral research or pharmaceutical/biotech industry experience preferred.

• Specialization: Extensive, documented research experience working directly with hepatitis B virus (HBV) or related pathogenic DNA viruses.

• MS degree in Biology or Biomedical Sciences with a minimum of 7 years of experience in industry and or academia working with DNA viruses, experience with HBV preferred.

• BA/BS degree in Biology or Biomedical Sciences with a minimum of 10 years of experience in industry and or academia working with DNA viruses, experience with HBV preferred.

Technical Skills & Qualifications

• Deep understanding of chronic viral disease pathogenesis and host-pathogen interactions.

• Proficiency in core virology techniques, including viral culture, quantification, and neutralization assays.

• Expert command of molecular biology methods (e.g., qPCR, digital PCR, cloning, next-generation sequencing).

• Strong communication skills with a demonstrated ability to collaborate in a fast-paced matrix environment.

Required Skills:

Assay Development, Biochemical Assays, Cell Culture Techniques, Detail-Oriented, Drug Target Identification, Hepatitis B, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Molecular Microbiology, Personal Initiative, Project Leadership, Viral Culture, Viral Replication, Virology

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

$117,000.00 - $184,200.00

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:

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

1st - Day

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

N/A

Job Posting End Date:

08/7/2026

*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.