Senior Principal Scientist – Discovery and Translational Immunology

MSD

. serve as Discovery Immunology Project lead on early-stage immunology programs .

Posted 4/21/2026full-timeSan Diego • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $190,800 - $300,300 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

serve as Discovery Immunology Project lead on early-stage immunology programs
drive projects from scientific rationale for target ID through translational research, target validation, differentiation, derisking, modality selection, and overall strategy through the Discovery stages
play a key role in building and executing the translational research strategy for Immunology
collaborate with a cross-functional group of experts to design and execute the Research Operating Plan to advance projects through Discovery
lead the discovery and creation of cellular, molecular and functional assays required for design and execution of the Research Operating Plan
contribute to discovery and creation of translational data strategy for immunology including partnering internally and externally in the generation of actionable science packages

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's (with 20+ years), Master's (with 15+ years) or Ph.D. (with 10+ years) in Immunology, Cell Biology or related field
at least seven (7) years of direct industry experience
Knowledge and experience of immune-mediated diseases including a strong understanding of molecular pathways driving disease
Prior experience shaping and executing in discovery research and drug development in the field of immunology
Experience in compound (small molecules, biologics, other modalities) discovery and design for a variety of relevant disease targets
Prior experience in ideating, establishing, and executing translational research strategies in immune diseases
Experience developing clinically relevant biomarkers for target engagement and pharmacodynamic measures
A minimum of seven (7) years of direct management experience overseeing multiple teams

Benefits

Comp & perks

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

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

translational researchtarget validationmolecular pathwayscompound discoverybiologicssmall moleculesbiomarkerspharmacodynamicsassay developmentdrug development

Soft Skills

leadershipcollaborationproject managementstrategic planningcommunicationteam oversightcross-functional teamworkexecutionideationproblem-solving

Certifications

Ph.D.Master'sBachelor's