We are seeking a highly-motivated Principal Scientist to serve as an Immunology Biomarker Lead who will partner across functions to design and deliver biomarker strategies that connect drug mechanism, patient biology, and clinical endpoints across immune-mediated and inflammatory diseases The role requires a scientist who leads through scientific expertise, decision-focused logic, and collaboration, building alignment among teams on biomarker hypotheses, plans, and readouts tied to development decisions in a fast-moving matrixed environment

• Shape and align biomarker strategies for early and late-stage clinical programs, emphasizing clear hypotheses, fit-for-purpose readouts, and decision-linked plans
• Lead biomarker sub-teams within cross-functional development program teams and provide functional area point of view in governance interactions
• Build alignment across stakeholders with diverse technical backgrounds, priorities, and perspectives to converge on pragmatic biomarker choices and tradeoffs as needed
• Partner with subject matter experts to translate disease biology and drug mechanism into clinical stage biomarker plans that address key program questions and integrate diverse technical perspectives
• Facilitate fit-for-purpose selection of innovative biomarker technologies and methodologies (e.g., immune profiling, omics, digital pathology) grounded in disease pathophysiology and aligned with therapeutic mechanism of action
• Contribute to analysis planning and interpretation to ensure biomarker conclusions are scientifically rigorous, clinically meaningful, and clearly communicated, both internally and externally

This Hybrid work model does not apply to, and daily in-person attendance is required for, field-based positions; facility-based, manufacturing-based, or research-based positions where the work to be performed is located at a Company site; positions covered by a collective-bargaining agreement (unless the agreement provides for hybrid work); or any other position for which the Company has determined the job requirements cannot be reasonably met working remotely

• MS or BS considered with equivalent experience
• PhD (or MD/PhD) 7+ years OR MS and 10+ years OR BS and 12+ years of experience in the biotech or pharmaceutical industry, specifically in translational or biomarker sciences
• Demonstrated ability to lead through influence in highly matrixed environments driving outcomes without formal authority through scientific credibility, relationship-building, and strategic stakeholder engagement
• Strong knowledge of immune-mediated and inflammatory disease biology and clinical development, spanning at least one of the following areas: gastrointestinal/mucosal inflammation, rheumatology, dermatology
• Demonstrated experience applying biomarkers to assess drug activity and patient response to inform therapeutic decision making

Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to synthesize ambiguity into clear options and recommendations as needed

• PhD (or MD/PhD) in a life sciences discipline (Biochemistry, Immunology, Molecular Pathology, Cell Biology, Translational Medicine, Pharmacology, Genetics/Genomics, Bioengineering, or STEM related field)

Accountability, Bioinformatics, Biomarker Assay Development, Biopharmaceutical Industry, Biostatistics, Cell-Based Assays, Cell Physiology, Clinical Immunology, Clinical Judgment, Communication, Cross-Departmental Collaboration, Data Analysis, Dermatology, Exercises Judgment, Experimentation, Immunoassays, Immunogenicity Assays, Immunology, Innovation Program, Mentoring Staff, Research Proposal Development, Research Techniques, Rheumatology, Scientific Writing, Stakeholder Engagement

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