Scientist, Biology-Discovery

Job Description

Job Description

The successful candidate will join the protein expression and purification team in the department of Infectious Diseases and Vaccines (IDVAX). The protein expression and purification team provides protein vaccine candidates and critical assay reagents for IDVAX programs in support of target validation and identification in the early discovery space. The primary focus for this position will be small-scale (30 ml culture) screening of reagent and vaccine antigens and large-scale (5 L culture) purification of recombinant proteins and nanoparticles. The candidate will work closely with the protein expression group, collaborate with the protein characterization group, as well as IDVAX program teams.

Required Skills

Proficiency in automated, tip-based chromatography systems and research-scale FPLC protein purification chromatography. Demonstrated knowledge in affinity, charge-based, and size exclusion separation techniques. The ability to closely follow SOPs is necessary. Knowledge in developing purification strategies for novel proteins. Proficiency in different protein characterization techniques and protein-based assays such as, Bradford protein quantitation, UV-VIS spectroscopy, SDS-PAGE, Western blotting. Tasks include the preparation of buffers, maintenance of purification instruments, sanitization of chromatographic columns, detailed notebook keeping, preparations of reports and inventory maintenance. Familiarity with Microsoft office applications, effective communication skills, the ability to work independently and in collaboration with others, and attention to details are a must. Interest in related scientific fields and drug discovery.

Preferred Skills

The following skills are considered a plus but are not required.

Knowledge of endotoxin measurements, protein analytical methods such as fluorimetry, infrared spectroscopy, circular dichroism spectroscopy, light scattering, ultracentrifugation, or gradient purification. Experience in recombinant protein expression in either bacterial, insect or mammalian cell lines. Basic knowledge in sterile techniques. Basic knowledge of RNA biochemistry.

Required Education Requirements:

BS (with 2 or more years of post-graduation work experience) or MS (with 1 year or more years of graduate or post-graduation laboratory experience) in biology, chemistry, or another scientific field. Work experience can be in either academic or industry setting.

#eligibleforERP

#PRD

Required Skills:

Assay Development, Cell Biology, Cell Culture Techniques, Data Analysis, Detail-Oriented, Endotoxin Testing, Infectious Disease, In Vitro Assays, Microbiology, Molecular Biology Techniques, Protein Expression, Sterile Procedures, Ultraviolet-Visible UV/VIS Spectrophotometers

Preferred Skills:

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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

$87,300.00 - $137,400.00

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

You can apply for this role through (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:

No relocation

VISA Sponsorship:

No

Travel Requirements:

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

1st - Day

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

Laboratory chemicals/ BSL 2 materials

Job Posting End Date:

08/18/2026

*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.