Associate Principal Scientist, Automation & Screening (Biologics Discovery)

We are recruiting an Associate Principal Scientist to support our Molecular Discovery group located in South San Francisco. Antibody Generation within Discovery Biologics delivers differentiated therapeutic antibodies through innovative discovery, screening, and characterization approaches. We collaborate across protein sciences, data sciences, engineering, and therapeutic area teams to advance programs from early discovery through candidate selection. We are seeking an innovative scientific leader to develop and advance automated workflows for antibody discovery and characterization in South San Francisco. The Associate Principal Scientist will combine automation and bioassay expertise with strategic and operational leadership, manage a small team of scientists, establish priorities, and support team development while delivering robust, scalable, and decision enabling capabilities. QUALIFICATIONS Education Bachelor's (with 10+ years), Master's (with 6+ years) or Ph.D. (with 4+ years) in a relevant biological science or related field and relevant experience. Required Experience and Skills Demonstrated scientific leadership directing complex laboratory automation or high throughput screening activities across multiple programs. Hands on experience with automated liquid handling platforms, such as the Hamilton Microlab STAR, robotic arms, and related automation software, including method programming, configuration, and troubleshooting. Experience with Python, SQL, R, or related tools for data processing, workflow automation, or instrument integration. Strong experience with binding and cell-based assays, including ELISA and flow cytometry or fluorescence activated cell sorting. Ability to translate scientific needs into scalable workflows, define experimental plans, resolve complex technical issues, and manage priorities and resources across concurrent biotherapeutic discovery workstreams. Prior experience managing or supervising a small team of automation scientists, including coaching, performance feedback, and professional development. Excellent communication, collaboration, and influencing skills in a matrixed research organization. Preferred Experience and Skills Experience training laboratory users, standardizing automated methods, and overseeing safe and compliant laboratory operations. Experience evaluating or implementing innovative antibody discovery technologies, such as microfluidics, genetic or messenger RNA immunization, single cell screening, or other high throughput approaches. Strong knowledge of antibody discovery, characterization, NGS, protein engineering, and biologics modality design. Contributions to publications, intellectual property, technology strategy, or external collaborations. Required Skills: Antibodies, Antibody Discovery, Automation, Cell-Based Assays, ELISA Techniques, Flow Cytometry, Laboratory Automation, Laboratory Robotics, Laboratory Techniques, Liquid Handling, People Management, Robotic Liquid Handlers, Team Supervision Preferred Skills 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. 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: EEOC Know Your Rights EEOC GINA Supplement 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. Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts The primary location for this posting is: USA - California - South San Francisco (Grand Ave) Where required by law, the compensation range for this role is provided below. The salary range for the primary location of this role is: $159,600.00 - $251,200.00 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 sal #J-18808-Ljbffr Merck