Senior Scientist, Molecular Interactions
MSD
Summary
We are seeking a highly motivated and innovative scientist to join the Molecular Interactions group within Discovery Biologics in South San Francisco, California. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in a fast paced, multidisciplinary environment, contributing to the discovery and optimization of novel biologic therapeutics. This individual will generate high quality, decision enabling data on binding, kinetics, avidity, epitopes and competition to advance programs from early discovery through candidate selection. The scientist will collaborate closely with colleagues in antibody discovery, protein sciences, computational biology, developability, and project teams across therapeutic areas. This role requires scientific rigor, strong experimental execution, clear data interpretation, and the ability to apply molecular interaction expertise to solve complex biological problems and advance the pipeline.
Job description
Key Responsibilities
Scientific Leadership and Project Support
- Design, execute, troubleshoot, and interpret molecular interaction studies that guide program direction and molecule selection.
- Generate high-quality data using molecular interaction and cell based assays, including binding, affinity, kinetics, avidity, epitope binning, competition, receptor occupancy, internalization, signaling, and functional potency, to support optimization and risk assessment.
- Partner with multidisciplinary teams to define assay strategies, prioritize samples, deliver results on schedule, document methods and conclusions, and clearly communicate findings, risks, and recommendations.
Platform Development and Innovation
- Apply molecular interaction platforms, including surface plasmon resonance, Carterra, biolayer interferometry, and flow cytometry, to support biologics discovery.
- Develop and optimize assay formats, automation, data analysis, and visualization workflows to improve throughput, robustness, data quality, and turnaround time.
- Evaluate and integrate new technologies, resolve platform issues, and establish reproducible protocols and workflows that enable efficient knowledge transfer.
Scientific Excellence and Mentorship
- Apply rigorous experimental design, appropriate controls, quantitative data interpretation, and effective troubleshooting practices.
- Work independently on complex studies while collaborating effectively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
- Maintain a current understanding of advances in molecular interactions, protein characterization, antibody engineering, and biologics discovery.
- Contribute to scientific presentations, publications, intellectual property, and the development of junior scientists while following all applicable laboratory, documentation, data integrity, and safety requirements.
Requirements
- Bachelor's (with 7+ years) or Master's (with 4+ years) in a biological science field and relevant industry experience.
- Ph.D. in a biological science field and relevant experience.
- Proven ability to independently design, execute, and interpret complex experiments, including kinetic and affinity studies of protein interactions.
- Demonstrated expertise in biomolecular interactions, protein characterization, and quantitative assay development, with hands on experience designing, optimizing, and interpreting cell based binding or functional assays.
- Hands on experience with one or more interaction analysis platforms, such as surface plasmon resonance, Carterra, Biacore, biolayer interferometry, KinExA, or related technologies.
- Excellent problem solving, critical thinking, troubleshooting, and organizational skills, with a demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality results within defined timelines.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.
- Postdoctoral or industry experience supporting therapeutic antibody, multispecific, or other biologics discovery programs.
- Experience with epitope binning, competition assays, receptor pharmacology, developability assessment, and cell-based characterization of biologics, including flow cytometry, receptor binding or occupancy, internalization, signaling, reporter gene, proliferation, or other functional potency assays.
- Knowledge of antibody engineering, Fc biology, and relationships among protein structure, molecular interactions, and biological function.
- Familiarity with automation, high throughput workflows, and modern data analysis and visualization tools.
Benefits
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- 401(k) Matching
- Paid Holidays
- Vacation
- Compassionate Leave
- Sick Days
- Annual Bonus
- Long-term Incentive
Company overview
MSD, known as Merck Sharp & Dohme outside the United States and Canada, is a global research-intensive biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Rahway, New Jersey. Founded in 1891, the company has established itself as one of the world's leading pharmaceutical corporations with a rich history spanning over 130 years. MSD operates as the international division of Merck & Co., Inc., focusing on the discovery, development, manufacturing, and marketing of innovative medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and animal health products. The company's extensive portfolio includes groundbreaking treatments in oncology, infectious diseases, cardiology, diabetes, and vaccines, with notable products such as Keytruda (pembrolizumab) for cancer immunotherapy, Gardasil for HPV prevention, and Januvia for diabetes management. MSD maintains a strong commitment to research and development, investing significantly in scientific innovation to address unmet medical needs worldwide. With approximately 75,000 employees globally, the company operates through four main segments: pharmaceuticals, animal health, healthcare services, and strategic alliances. MSD's mission centers on using leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world, guided by the principle that medicine is for people, not profits.