Job Description

As a Senior Scientist, Research Antiparasitics (m/f/d) within Drug Discovery, you will be instrumental in advancing our research and development initiatives.

About the Role:

Our Animal Health division is a global leader in veterinary medicine and digital solutions, dedicated to the health and well-being of animals and the people who care for them. We are a global team of professionals working together to make a positive difference in animal health and well-being and to support a safe food supply. Through our commitment to the Science of Healthier Animals®, we offer one of the industry's most innovative portfolios of pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and digital health management solutions, including traceability and monitoring products that help prevent, treat, and control diseases across all major farm and companion animal species.

At our research site in Schwabenheim, Germany, our team of highly skilled professionals, cutting-edge research facilities, and collaborative work environment create an ideal platform for you to contribute your expertise to the discovery of the next generation of antiparasitic drugs.

As a Senior Scientist in the Research Antiparasitics group within Drug Discovery, you will play a pivotal role in our research and development activities. We are seeking an accomplished scientist to provide strong, hands-on support for wet-lab research. The successful candidate will contribute to the discovery of new antiparasitic treatments by combining experimental cellular and molecular biology.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, conduct, and interpret experiments in cell biology to advance antiparasitic research, drawing on experience with nematodes and platyhelminths.
• Develop, adapt, and validate assays for antiparasitic profiling, building on transferable experience in biological assay development.
• Apply and further develop molecular and/or immunological approaches to support target identification, target validation, and diagnostic assay development.
• Optimize experimental approaches and learn new techniques as project needs evolve; working experience in flow cytometry, phenotyping, or functional analysis is an advantage.
• Investigate the effects of antiparasitic compounds on biological processes to identify and characterize novel modes of action at the cellular and molecular levels.
• Collaborate with scientists across disciplines and communicate findings through reports, presentations, and project discussions.
• Translate scientific knowledge and ideas into practical research concepts and experimental strategies.

Your Qualifications:

• PhD in life sciences or a related discipline, preferably with several years of relevant postdoctoral or industry experience. Experience in parasitology, particularly nematode biology, is highly desirable.
• Hands-on experience in cell biology or a related field, with an interest in applying these skills to parasite research. Experience with cell culture, cell line establishment, and multiparameter flow cytometry is highly desirable.
• Practical knowledge of advanced molecular biology methods and a willingness to develop additional technical skills as research needs evolve.
• Experience in analyzing and interpreting complex biological datasets and generating publication-quality data.
• Strong interpersonal, written communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English, along with a good command of German or a willingness to learn the language.

What You Will Bring:

You are a collaborative scientist committed to scientific rigor and high-quality work, with an interest in integrating experimental and computational approaches. You work independently while contributing effectively to a multidisciplinary team, and you are motivated to translate fundamental parasite biology into new research solutions that lead to innovative antiparasitic products.

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing diverse, talented, and committed people together. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when diverse ideas come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another's thinking, and approach problems collectively. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.

 People with severe disabilities and their equals are given preference if they are equally qualified.

Additional location(s) Compensation Information:

Required Skills:

Assay Development, Bioanalytical Method Development, Cell Biology, Cell Culture Techniques, Data Analysis, Drug Target Identification, Flow Cytometry, Molecular Biology, Parasitology, Scientific Research

Preferred Skills:

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Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully 
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:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Job Posting End Date:

11/20/2026

*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:R424670