Job Description

Our Research Laboratories in South San Francisco is seeking a highly experienced and innovative cell pharmacologist with extensive drug discovery expertise in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases to join our Quantitative Biosciences (Pharmacology) department. The successful candidate will have direct line management of a research team responsible for the design, execution, and interpretation of complex in vitro/ex vivo assays as well as mechanistic experimentation to advance drug discovery from target concept through lead optimization. The candidate will also work closely with therapeutic area stakeholders, chemists, protein scientists, and multidisciplinary quantitative scientists to define strategies for target validation, screening, assays/models, and critical studies to advance a diverse portfolio of small molecule and biologic preclinical candidates targeting metabolic dysfunction and complications, obesity, heart failure, and other related disorders. In addition, this role will participate in business development due diligence and establish strategic internal and external partnerships to drive portfolio development and progression. If you are a highly motivated leader and team player with a proven tracker record of success in driving cardiometabolic drug discovery, we invite you to consider joining our team.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop and support comprehensive pharmacology strategies targeting obesity, immuno-metabolic, and cardiovascular diseases to enable a robust drug discovery pipeline

• Drive hit/lead finding and lead optimization plans in collaboration with therapeutic area stakeholders, Chemistry, Biologics, and multidisciplinary teams

• Lead the development and implementation of potency, selectivity, and mechanistic assays to characterize molecules targeting diverse targets and areas of biology

• Lead the design and execution of complex models utilizing physiologically relevant cellular systems and advanced technologies

• Serve as a core member in matrixed project teams and governance committees to guide pharmacology strategy and provide scientific and technical leadership

• Ensure high-quality data generation, analysis, and reporting to project teams, governance bodies, and regulatory agencies, and manage key timelines and milestones

• Lead and develop a group of PhD and non-PhD researchers, drive scientific innovation, and champion new enabling technologies to enhance functional capability and productivity

• Monitor emerging biology, biomarker, as well as basic & clinical research in cardiometabolic disorders to influence portfolio development strategy

• Collaborate extensively across our network and with external partners to drive pipeline progression toward key milestones

Qualifications:

Education:

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Cell Biology, Immunology or related discipline and relevant industry experience listed below

Required Experience and Skills:

• A minimum of 15 years of drug discovery experience at a biotech or pharmaceutical setting in obesity, dysmetabolism, diabetes and cardiovascular complications, with demonstrated quantitative pharmacology expertise

• Proficiency in drug discovery strategies and processes throughout target identification and validation, lead optimization, preclinical candidate selection, and early development

• Highly skilled in complex cell-based assays/models for biomarker discovery and translation, utilization of lab automation, and deep expertise in mechanistic pharmacology

• Experience leading discovery teams, setting strategy & priorities, and managing resources

• An excellent track record of providing mentorship to direct reports and influencing peers

• Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment to shape strategy and tactics and drive rapid pipeline progression toward key milestones

• Solid data science and analytical skills, as well as excellent written and oral communication

• A strong record of publication in peer-reviewed journals and/or patent literatures

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Expertise in physiologically relevant cell models (primary cells, complex co-culture, 3D, microfluidics, etc.) and translational assays

• Prior experience working with multiple therapeutic modalities (small molecule, peptide, biologic, etc.)

NOTICE FOR INTERNAL APPLICANTS

In accordance with Managers' Policy - Job Posting and Employee Placement, all employees subject to this policy are required to have a minimum of twelve (12) months of service in current position prior to applying for open positions.

If you have been offered a separation benefits package, but have not yet reached your separation date and are offered a position within the salary and geographical parameters as set forth in the Summary Plan Description (SPD) of your separation package, then you are no longer eligible for your separation benefits package. To discuss in more detail, please contact your HRBP or Talent Acquisition Advisor.

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Effective September 5, 2023, employees in office-based positions in the U.S. will be working a Hybrid work consisting of three total days on-site per week, Monday - Thursday, although the specific days may vary by site or organization, with Friday designated as a remote-working day, unless business critical tasks require an on-site presence.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. Please note, this Hybrid work model guidance also does not apply to roles that have been designated as "remote".

The Company is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this job in certain states and cities within the United States. Final determinations with respect to salary will take into account a number of factors, which may include, but not be limited to the primary work location and the chosen candidate's relevant skills, experience, and education.

Expected US salary range:

Available benefits include bonus eligibility, long term incentive if applicable, health care and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, paid holidays, vacation, and sick days. A summary of benefits is listed here.

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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Requisition ID:R311020