Principal Scientist Jobs in California

This site is for Residents of the United States, Canada & Puerto Rico.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Within the Cardiometabolic Disease Discovery Biology organization, we are advancing innovative therapies for respiratory diseases, including COPD, bronchiectasis, and pulmonary vascular disease, to address significant unmet medical needs.

We are seeking an Associate Principal Scientist with strong expertise in respiratory biology and translational research to contribute to target discovery, validation, and translational biology strategy across the respiratory portfolio.

This role is suited for a highly independent scientist who can design and execute complex studies, generate high-quality scientific insights, and contribute effectively to cross-functional project teams within a matrixed drug discovery environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Contribute to target discovery and validation efforts across respiratory programs by integrating disease biology with translational insight
• Independently design, execute, and interpret complex in vitro and ex vivo studies aligned with program goals
• Develop and apply human-relevant model systems (e.g., primary airway epithelial cells, organoids, immune-stromal co-cultures, and lung tissue assays)
• Generate, integrate, and critically evaluate diverse datasets to inform mechanism of action, target validation, and project decisions
• Contribute to translational strategies, including biomarker plans, target engagement approaches, and disease-relevant endpoints
• Serve as an active member of cross-functional project teams, contributing scientific insight and supporting milestone delivery
• Collaborate with pharmacology, DMPK, biomarker, and translational partners to align preclinical biology activities with program objectives
• Synthesize complex data and communicate insights, risks, and recommendations clearly to project teams and leadership
• Maintain awareness of emerging science and technologies relevant to respiratory therapeutics
• Share expertise with colleagues and contribute to a culture of scientific rigor, collaboration, and continuous learning
• Contribute to external collaborations, as needed, and support scientific interactions with key partners

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Bachelor's (with 12+ years), Master's (with 8+ years) or Ph.D. (with 5+ years) in biology, pharmacology, physiology or a related scientific discipline and relevant preclinical and drug discovery experience

Required Experience and Skills:

• Strong expertise in respiratory biology and mechanism-based research
• Proven ability to design hypothesis-driven studies, analyze complex datasets, and contribute to scientific decision-making
• Demonstrated experience contributing to discovery-stage programs
• Ability to operate effectively within cross-functional, matrixed teams
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Deep knowledge of respiratory diseases, such as COPD, bronchiectasis and pulmonary vascular disease
• Hands-on experience with human-relevant experimental systems (e.g., primary airway epithelial cells, immune cells, fibroblasts, organoids, lung tissue models)
• Experience with disease-relevant assays (e.g., inflammation, barrier function, mucociliary clearance, fibrosis/remodeling)
• Understanding of translational research concepts, including target engagement, biomarker strategy, patient stratification, and PK/PD relationships
• Experience in an industry drug discovery setting
• Exposure to translational and biomarker-driven program strategies
• Experience collaborating across disciplines and contributing to cross-functional scientific discussions
• Familiarity with emerging technologies and approaches in respiratory and translational biology

Required Skills:

Drug Target Identification, Ex Vivo, In Vitro Studies, Program Leadership, Pulmonary Disorders, Respiratory Diseases Prevention, Respiratory Diseases Treatment, Respiratory Pharmacology, Target Validation

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

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Compensation:

• The salary range for this role is $159,600.00 - $251,200.00. 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.

Employee Status:

Regular

Relocation:

Domestic/International

VISA Sponsorship:

Yes

Travel Requirements:

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

1st - Day

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

N/A

Job Posting End Date:

06/30/2026

• A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.

Requisition ID: R400622