Scientist, Pharmacokinetics

Job Description

The Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK) group within the PDMB function is seeking a highly motivated, collaborative scientist to support mass spectrometry-based immunogenicity assessment. The successful candidate will contribute to the execution of MHC-Associated Peptide Proteomics (MAPPs) studies and related LC-MS workflows used to characterize antigen presentation and support biologics, conjugates and peptides programs.

The ideal candidate will primarily perform laboratory-based activities and be responsible for executing cell-based and immunoaffinity workflows, preparing samples for LC-MS analysis, maintaining laboratory instrumentation, and generating high-quality experimental data. The candidate will work in a multidisciplinary environment alongside scientists in immunology, bioanalysis, and mass spectrometry and will have opportunities to present findings at departmental meetings and contribute to scientific publications and presentations.

In this exciting role, your primary activities will include:

• Execute MAPPs (MHC-associated peptide proteomics) experiments to support immunogenicity risk assessment of therapeutic candidates.

• Maintain and expand human cell cultures, including routine cell maintenance, cell counting, viability assessment, and preparation of samples for downstream analysis.

• Perform immunoaffinity enrichment workflows, including antibody-based capture, antigen processing, and sample preparation for LC-MS analysis.

• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot LC-MS instrumentation, including Orbitrap-based high-resolution mass spectrometry platforms .

• Generate, document, and review high-quality experimental data following established laboratory procedures and data integrity standards.

• Support optimization of sample preparation workflows and laboratory automation initiatives to improve efficiency and reproducibility.

• Maintain laboratory equipment, consumables, and records while ensuring compliance with safety and quality requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• Bachelor’s (with 3+ years) or Master’s in Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Immunology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences or a related scientific discipline with relevant laboratory experience

Required Experience and Skills:

• Hands-on experience with fundamental laboratory techniques, including pipetting, sample preparation, buffer preparation, and laboratory documentation

• Understanding of immunoaffinity (IA) or antibody-based enrichment techniques

• Experience operating or supporting LC-MS workflows and bioanalytical instrumentation

• Experience maintaining mammalian cell cultures and performing routine cell-based laboratory procedures

• Familiarity with high-resolution mass spectrometry (e.g., Orbitrap) platforms and associated data acquisition software

• Ability to collect, document, and analyze experimental data

• Understanding of research principles and experimental methodology

• Demonstrated attention to detail, organization, and commitment to generating high-quality scientific data

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Knowledge of MAPPs (MHC-associated peptide proteomics) workflows and immunogenicity assessment strategies

• Familiarity with Thermo Scientific Orbitrap mass spectrometry platforms, including Eclipse Orbitrap systems

• Experience with proteomics sample preparation, peptide characterization, and mass spectrometry-based proteomics workflows

• Experience with automated liquid handling systems, robotics, or laboratory automation platforms

• Experience using proteomics data analysis software such as Proteome Discoverer, MaxQuant, Genedata Expressionist, Peaks, or related tools

• Experience working in a pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or research-driven environment

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Required Skills:

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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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The salary range for this role is

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 https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.

You can apply for this role through https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (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

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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. 

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