Senior Research Associate - Antibody Discovery

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Senior Research Associate in Antibody Discovery is responsible for advancing our antibody discovery programs by supporting and executing various laboratory-based activities, including phage display, antibody production, and downstream characterization. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Perform high-throughput screening of antibody libraries using techniques such as phage display.

• Conduct binding and functional assays (e.g., ELISA, flow cytometry, SPR, BLI) to characterize antibody-antigen interactions.

• Express, purify, and analyze antibodies using molecular biology, protein expression, and purification techniques (e.g., PCR, cloning, transient/stable transfection, chromatography).

• Analyze experimental data and present findings to the team.

• Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory records, including experimental procedures, results, and conclusions.

• Contribute to the preparation of technical reports, presentations, and scientific publications.

• Participate in project meetings and contribute to the design and planning of experiments.

• Communicate effectively with team members and external collaborators.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology or related area is required. 

o Master’s degree is preferred. 

• A minimum of two years of hands-on laboratory experience in antibody discovery or a related field. Industry experience is a plus.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Proficiency in molecular biology techniques (e.g., cloning, PCR, site-directed mutagenesis).

• Experience with antibody screening and characterization assays (e.g., ELISA, flow cytometry, SPR, BLI).

• Familiarity with protein expression and purification methods (e.g., mammalian, bacterial, or yeast expression systems).

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Demonstrated aptitude for learning of and adhering to standard laboratory techniques and safety precautions.

• Solid communication (written and verbal) skills regardless of the format (e.g., documents, public speaking situations, presentations, etc.). 

• Excellent organizational, planning, and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple and often changing priorities and issues of varying complexity, while meeting time-sensitive deadlines and deliverables.

• Attention to detail with demonstrated commitment to excellence and performance. 

• Demonstrated propensity to be creative, collaborative, proactive, and self-motivated in the execution and completion of assigned tasks.  

• Ability to work both independently and as an effective team member. 

• Ability to execute complex experiments with limited guidance. 

• Ability to identify issues and troubleshoot solutions.  

• Solid data analysis skills. Sound knowledge of MS Excel. Knowledge of GraphPad Prism and SharePoint a plus. Basic knowledge of statistics. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• While performing the duties of this job, the individual is frequently required to sit and stand for long periods. The individual is occasionally required to walk; use hands and fingers to operate, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms. 

• Up to 75% of the day may be spent at a lab bench.

• There are aspects of the position’s duties that require a person in this role to work at heights above four (4) feet on occasion and move/lift up to 25 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Laboratory environment working with chemical reagents and performing some Biosafety Level 2 work. 

o May involve handling of BSL-2 materials and organisms including human blood and/or blood products.

COMPENSATION SUMMARY:

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $66,200. to $98,500. This salary range represents a general guideline as MSD considers other factors when presenting an offer of employment, such as scope and responsibilities of the position, external market factors, and the candidate’s knowledge, skills, abilities, education and experience. Employees may qualify for a discretionary or non-discretionary bonus in addition to their base salary. These annual bonuses are intended to recognize individual performance and enable employees to benefit from the Company's overall success.

BENEFITS SUMMARY:

At MSD, we offer a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees' well-being and financial security. In addition to competitive salaries, our benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with prescription benefits. We provide a 401(k) plan with company matching, flexible spending accounts, and company-paid short- and long-term disability insurance as well as group life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance. Our offerings also encompass paid vac