Summary
Merck is seeking a highly motivated and creative Postdoctoral Fellow to join their Infectious Diseases & Vaccines Discovery group. This role involves the discovery and functional characterization of monoclonal antibodies against viral pathogens, with a focus on isolating novel mAbs, mapping their epitopes, and defining critical antigenic sites to inform next-generation vaccine design.
Designation
Postdoctoral Fellow, Viral Immunology & Antibody Discovery
Research Area
- Viral Immunology
- Antibody Discovery
- Infectious Diseases & Vaccines Discovery
Location
West Point, Pennsylvania, United States of America
Eligibility/Qualification
Education Minimum Requirement
- Must currently hold a PhD, OR
- Receive a Ph.D. no later than spring 2027
- Ph.D. in Immunology, Virology, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
Required Experience and Skills
- Hands-on experience using antibodies as tools for antigenic characterization (e.g., epitope mapping).
- Experience with immunological assays such as ELISA and neutralization assays.
- Familiarity with protein interaction analysis (e.g., Octet/BLI, SPR).
- Hands-on experience with aseptic cell culture, including primary human cells.
- Proficiency in standard molecular biology techniques (PCR, cloning, transfection).
- Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, and troubleshoot experiments.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze data and publish findings.
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills.
Preferred Experience and Skills
- Hands-on experience in monoclonal antibody discovery from primary B cells.
- Familiarity with flow cytometry platforms including BD Symphony, LSR II, FACSARIA, and Sony SH800.
- Background in respiratory viruses.
- Track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals.
- Experience with advanced immunological techniques, such as polyclonal serum depletion and competition assays, is a plus.
Job Description
The successful candidate will join a dynamic, multidisciplinary team within the Infectious Diseases & Vaccines Discovery group. Key responsibilities include isolating novel monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) from human samples, mapping their epitopes, and characterizing their functional properties. This research is crucial for defining critical antigenic sites, which will directly inform and support the design of next-generation vaccines. The Postdoctoral Fellow will work collaboratively with internal and external partners to contribute novel insights into antigenicity.
Salary Range
The salary range for this role is $82,000 – $92,000. An employee’s position within this range will be based on factors such as relevant education, qualifications, experience, skills, and geographic location.
Benefits
The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive (if applicable), along with a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement benefits (401(k)), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should apply through the official Merck careers portal. Please note the specific application links for current employees and contingent workers.
Merck is committed to inclusion; if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process, please click here.
Last Date for Apply
October 12, 2026
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