Senior Scientist, Molecular Interactions, Discovery Biologics

MSD Animal Health · Boston · $119,100–$187,500 (stated in the posting)

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Job Description

Discovery Biologics in Boston, MA is seeking a Senior Scientist to join our Molecular Interactions group and expand our capabilities to engineer and characterize novel biologics and cell therapies.  The group is responsible for developing fit-for-purpose binding assays with an array of technologies to characterize a varied portfolio of biologics, including monoclonal antibodies, bi/multi-specifics, Fc-fusion proteins and other novel protein therapeutics.  The Molecular Interactions group is part of the Discovery Biologics organization which uses machine learning, advanced automation, ultra-high throughput in vitro and in vivo technologies, and state-of-the-art characterization techniques to discover and engineer biologics. 

In this role, the successful candidate will directly contribute to the invention of novel biologics and will be responsible for the molecular interaction analysis of therapeutic candidates through state-of-the-art technologies including surface plasmon resonance (SPR), biolayer interferometry (BLI), kinetic-exclusion assay (KinExA). Using their deep expertise in molecular interactions method development, high throughput execution, and the application of new technologies, they will enable the discovery and engineering of biologics.  As part of project teams, they will collaborate across groups to solve complex problems in disease biology and drug discovery.  They will attend scientific conferences, contribute to publications, and help to set the group strategy.  The successful candidate will join a varied group of innovative scientists and engineers that are driving the next revolution in biologics discovery and engineering.

We recognize that the breadth of perspectives and experiences within our team is a strength and are committed to creating a collaborative and supportive environment for all employees. Successful candidates must demonstrate effective collaboration and respect when working with a multidisciplinary group of scientists to advance our core mission.

Responsibilities:

• In support of program priorities, deliver detailed molecular interaction characterization data and analysis of therapeutic candidates from optimized methods using state-of-the-art technologies including SPR (Carterra LSA and Biacore), BLI (Octet), and KinExA
• Present research findings at group meetings, project meetings, and at external meetings
• Contribute to program strategy as a characterization representative on project teams
• Collaborate with team members to expand characterization and developability workflows for analysis and optimization of lead biologic molecules
• Actively develop talent and strategically build teams with complementary skills, experiences, and perspectives to strengthen organizational capabilities.
• Foster a high-performance culture of collaboration, engagement, self-accountability and inclusion
• Contribute to and lead the authoring of patents and external publications

Qualifications and Experience: 

• PhD in Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences/Bioengineering, Molecular Biology, Biophysics, or a related STEM discipline with 0-3 years of relevant industry experience or MS degree with >5 years of relevant industry experience. Can consider candidates receiving their PhD within 3 months.
• Broad experience in molecular interaction and biophysical characterization techniques

• Expertise in molecular interaction/analytical method development, high throughput execution, and the application of new technologies

Required skills:

• Deep expertise in the design and characterization of biotherapeutic protein-protein interactions using relevant technologies (e.g., SPR, BLI, KinExA) to assess binding kinetics, affinity, specificity, and epitope profiles.
• Hands-on experience with Carterra LSA interrogating large data sets for both kinetic/affinity and epitope binning analysis
• Experience delivering comprehensive characterization analysis incorporating the full spectrum of characterization data (molecular interactions, analytical and functional/cellular assay) to drive the selection and progression of therapeutic leads in the discovery pipeline 

• Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative multi-disciplinary team environment

• undefined

• Excellent communication and organizational skills

Preferred skills

• Experience with on-cell affinity analysis using techniques including KinExA, Mesoscale ELISA assays, and flow-cytometry (FACS)
• Experience with any of the following analytical techniques including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), isothermal calorimetry (ITC), Microscale Thermophoresis (MST), light scattering (SEC-MALS, DLS), thermal stability (DSF/DSC), and mass photometry
• Experience integrating lab automation to enable instrument setup and characterization workflows (Tecan, Biomek, Hamilton, or similar)
• Hands-on experience with protein conjugation techniques
• Experience developing microfluidics, lab-on-a-chip, or flow-based research
• Fluency in a modern programming language such as C++, Python, or similar

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Where required by law, the compensation range for this role is provided below.

The salary range for the primary location of this role is:

This range reflects the Company's reasonable expectation of the base salary applicable to this role at the time of 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.

Additional location(s): Please note the salary range above applies to the Primary Location of the position. Where a role has other listed locations, different compensation guidelines may apply. You may find the salary ranges for additional locations below. If the salary range is not listed for the location you are applying to, our Talent Acquisition team will provide further information to you relevant to your location.

Additional location(s) Compensation Information:

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

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