Associate Principal Scientist - Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Application of Machine Learning to Structural Protein Design

Job Description

Job Description

The Department of Infectious Diseases and Vaccines is situated at basic research of our Company Research Laboratories and has a longstanding history of developing first in class antivirals, antibacterials and vaccines. The design and optimization of target proteins at mRNA and protein level is a fundamental function within the department. The Platform group within the IDVAX organization is seeking an initiative-taking biochemist and structural biologist to join our team. The individual will play a critical role in the optimization, de-novo design, and validation of proteins of interest in the pre-clinical space as screening reagents or vaccines. The candidate for this Associate Principal Scientist position is expected have strong technical expertise in the application of state-of-the-art deep learning models for protein structure prediction as well as de-novo protein design at both, mRNA, and amino acid level. The work will include analysis and interpretation of protein structure data obtained by NMR, X-ray chromatography, CryoEM and related protein characterization techniques The successful candidate will work closely with internal protein expression experts as well as the HT mRNA experimentation group and provide expertise to target program teams within our Research & Development Division.

The individual will have the following responsibilities:

• Develop, validate, and apply machine learning pipelines for the de-novo design of target proteins and protein complexes in support of early discovery.

• Create, evaluate, and apply deep learning models to predict the successful expression of a diverse set of protein targets.

• Engage in strategic planning and execution for overcoming complex scientific challenges in protein design and optimization, contributing to the development of a robust pipeline.

• Proactively identify emerging trends in protein design and machine learning, recommending new methodologies to enhance research efficacy and impact within the department.

• Partner with protein and mRNA biochemists to validate candidate target proteins using state of the art expression and biophysical characterization technologies.

• Take an active role in mentoring and developing junior scientists, while pursuing partnerships with academic, industry, and regulatory bodies to enhance research efforts and scientific reputation.

• Serve as a subject matter expert in machine learning enabled advancement of vaccine target (mRNA, Protein) optimization.

• Interface and collaborate with program teams in early discovery and early development to execute on the program advancement using machine learning.

• Writing notebooks, memos, final reports, and publications summarizing data and novel workflows.

Position Qualifications:

Education Minimum Requirement:

• Degree in a life sciences discipline (Biochemistry, Immunology, Molecular Biology, or similar) or Chemistry. BA/BS+13 years; MS+8 yeas, PhD (Postdoc) +3 years.

Required experience and skills:

• A minimum of 3 years of experience post Ph.D. in a related discipline (e.g., analytical chemistry, biochemistry, biomolecular engineering, bio-computation).

• A minimum of 2 years of experience in the de-novo design and sequence optimization of biomolecules applying deep learning models, machine learning algorithms, and scientific programming,

• Experience and knowledge in artificial intelligence applied to the      structural improvement of drug targets and vaccine candidates.

• Proficiency in the application of structural biology software, programming, and the LINUX / UNIX operating system.

• Computational analysis and machine learning optimization of RNA codon usage.

• Computational analysis and machine learning optimization of protein sequences to improve vaccine relevant properties such as stability, solubility, and expression.

• Understanding of fundamental biological principles.

• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills

• Initiative-taking and able to work independently.

• Ability to execute within a matrixed organization and collaborate with         cross-functional teams.

• A demonstrated mindset to experiment, learn and adapt.

Preferred experience and skills but not a must:

• Knowledge of the drug development process and translational medicine
  based on prior experience in the pharmaceutical industry.

• Understanding of pathogen host interactions.

• Basic understanding of immunology (such as immuno-focusing) and or biostatistics.

• Basic firsthand experience in the generation and characterization of biomolecules.

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U.S. Hybrid Work Model

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”.

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

VISA Sponsorship:

Yes

Travel Requirements:

No Travel Required

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

N/A

Job Posting End Date:

03/24/2025

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