Associate Principal Scientist, Respiratory Discovery

Job Description Within the Cardiometabolic Disease Discovery Biology organization, we are advancing innovative therapies for respiratory diseases, including COPD, bronchiectasis, and pulmonary vascular disease, to address significant unmet medical needs. We are seeking an Associate Principal Scientist with strong expertise in respiratory biology and translational research to contribute to target discovery, validation, and translational biology strategy across the respiratory portfolio. This role is suited for a highly independent scientist who can design and execute complex studies, generate high-quality scientific insights, and contribute effectively to cross-functional project teams within a matrixed drug discovery environment. Key Responsibilities: Contribute to target discovery and validation efforts across respiratory programs by integrating disease biology with translational insight Independently design, execute, and interpret complex in vitro and ex vivo studies aligned with program goals Develop and apply human-relevant model systems (e.g., primary airway epithelial cells, organoids, immune-stromal co‑cultures, and lung tissue assays) Generate, integrate, and critically evaluate diverse datasets to inform mechanism of action, target validation, and project decisions Contribute to translational strategies, including biomarker plans, target engagement approaches, and disease‑relevant endpoints Serve as an active member of cross‑functional project teams, contributing scientific insight and supporting milestone delivery Collaborate with pharmacology, DMPK, biomarker, and translational partners to align preclinical biology activities with program objectives Synthesize complex data and communicate insights, risks, and recommendations clearly to project teams and leadership Maintain awareness of emerging science and technologies relevant to respiratory therapeutics Share expertise with colleagues and contribute to a culture of scientific rigor, collaboration, and continuous learning Contribute to external collaborations, as needed, and support scientific interactions with key partners Qualifications: Education: Bachelor's (with 12+ years), Master's (with 8+ years) or Ph.D. (with 5+ years) in biology, pharmacology, physiology or a related scientific discipline and relevant preclinical and drug discovery experience Required Experience and Skills: Strong expertise in respiratory biology and mechanism‑based research Proven ability to design hypothesis‑driven studies, analyze complex datasets, and contribute to scientific decision‑making Demonstrated experience contributing to discovery‑stage programs Ability to operate effectively within cross‑functional, matrixed teams Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences Preferred Experience and Skills: Deep knowledge of respiratory diseases, such as COPD, bronchiectasis and pulmonary vascular disease Hands‑on experience with human‑relevant experimental systems (e.g., primary airway epithelial cells, immune cells, fibroblasts, organoids, lung tissue models) Experience with disease‑relevant assays (e.g., inflammation, barrier function, mucociliary clearance, fibrosis/remodeling) Understanding of translational research concepts, including target engagement, biomarker strategy, patient stratification, and PK/PD relationships Experience in an industry drug discovery setting Exposure to translational and biomarker‑driven program strategies Experience collaborating across disciplines and contributing to cross‑functional scientific discussions Familiarity with emerging technologies and approaches in respiratory and translational biology Required Skills: Drug Target Identification, Ex Vivo, In Vitro Studies, Program Leadership, Pulmonary Disorders, Respiratory Diseases Prevention, Respiratory Diseases Treatment, Respiratory Pharmacology, Target Validation Preferred Skills: Current Employees apply Current Contingent Workers apply EEO Statement Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. If you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process, please contact us appropriately. 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. We are a federal contractor and 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, contact the relevant authorities. Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts Salary The salary range for this role is $159,600.00 - $251,200.00. This is the range 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. Benefits We offer a comprehensive package of benefits, including medical, dental, vision and other insurance benefits for employees and families, retirement benefits (including 401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at Application Apply for this role through or the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee. The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting. Location & Travel 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 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. Recruitment Notice Merck & Co., Inc. does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms. All CVs submitted by search firms to any employee, without a valid written search agreement, will be deemed the company’s property. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired as a result of an agency referral without such an agreement. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please do not make phone calls or emails. Other Employment Information Employee Status: Regular Relocation: Domestic/International VISA Sponsorship: Yes Travel Requirements: 10% Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable Shift: 1st - Day Valid Driving License: No Hazardous Material(s): N/A Job Posting End Date: 06/30/2026 *A job posting is effective until 11:59:59 PM 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr SwiftCruit