**Job Description** Our Company's Research Laboratories in South San Francisco is an innovation hub designed to enable drug target discovery and validation to improve human health. Ophthalmology Discovery Biology group is seeking a driven, creative and experienced drug discovery scientist to strategically contribute to expanding the pipeline of medicines for major causes of blindness. This is an exciting opportunity for an expert in ocular biology to leverage their knowledge of the eye and drug discovery to identify and validate new targets and drive the pipeline in close cross-functional collaboration with colleagues in our Research & Development Division sites located in South San Francisco, Cambridge, Boston, and across broader our Company's network. The ideal candidate will be an accomplished scientific leader with a track record of productivity and accomplishments in the field of ophthalmology drug discovery. This position requires high level of motivation and enthusiasm for early discovery research with the ability to lead the team like-minded scientists. **Key Responsibilities:** + Lead drug discovery, target ID and validation projects in ophthalmic diseases + Establish strong relationships across highly collaborative, multidisciplinary teams to effectively drive drug discovery initiatives + Leverage state-of-the-art in vitro and in vivo ophthalmology disease models to identify and validate novel therapeutic targets and mechanisms + Effectively manage and lead multiple projects, design experiments, manage resources, analyze, interpret, and present data + Effectively communicate scientific strategy and data to key stakeholders within the company, project teams, senior management, and external scientific collaborators + Identify and engage with external collaborators to access novel target identification models and platforms in ophthalmology + Lead and develop direct reports to drive pipeline impact, personal growth and development + Build strong relationships within ophthalmology team and with collaborators across functions to effectively and influence peers to foster a collaborative research environment and deliver on the portfolio. **Qualifications:** **Education:** + Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, or related biological discipline and relevant industry experience listed below **Required Experience and Skills:** + A minimum of 10 years of drug discovery experience in a biotech or pharmaceutical setting for ophthalmic diseases + Proficiency in drug discovery strategies and processes throughout target identification and validation, lead optimization, preclinical candidate selection, and early development with focus on retinal diseases and/or glaucoma + In depth understanding of pathophysiology of ophthalmological diseases and familiarity with pathways and targets in therapeutic development in this space + Hands on experience and deep knowledge of in vitro and in vivo preclinical models for retinal diseases and/or glaucoma + Deep knowledge of drug modalities and drug delivery technologies for retinal diseases and/or glaucoma + Experience leading discovery teams, setting strategy & priorities, and managing resources + Experience managing scientists with a track record of achievements leading projects and independently designing and executing experiments + Ability to influence and lead complex cross-functional teams in matrixed environment + Evidence of scientific productivity based on publications and/or successful implementation of drug target discovery and validation strategies + Excellent oral presentation and written communication skills with ability to establish and maintain cross-site and external collaborations + Highly self-motivated and capable of prioritizing deliverables among multiple parallel projects **Preferred Experience and Skills:** + Experience in drug development for Diabetic Retinopathy, Diabetic Macular Edema, Age-related Macular Degeneration and Glaucoma \#EligibleforERP Current Employees apply HERE (https://wd5.myworkday.com/msd/d/task/1422$6687.htmld) Current Contingent Workers apply HERE (https://wd5.myworkday.com/msd/d/task/1422$4020.htmld) **US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:** Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here (https://survey.sogosurvey.com/r/aCdfqL) if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit: EEOC Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/22-088\_EEOC\_KnowYourRights\_10\_20.pdf) EEOC GINA Supplement​ Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination (https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/OFCCP/pdf/pay-transp\_%20English\_formattedESQA508c.pdf) 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. Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts (https://www.msdprivacy.com/us/en/CCPA-notice/) **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”. The Company is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this job in certain states and cities within the United States. Final determinations with respect to salary will take into account a number of factors, which may include, but not be limited to the primary work location and the chosen candidate’s relevant skills, experience, and education. Expected US salary range: $172,700.00 - $271,900.00 Available benefits include bonus eligibility, long term incentive if applicable, health care and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, paid holidays, vacation, and sick days. A summary of benefits is listed here (https://www.benefitsatmerck.com/) . **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 **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:** Domestic/International **VISA Sponsorship:** Yes **Travel Requirements:** 10% **Flexible Work Arrangements:** Not Applicable **Shift:** 1st - Day **Valid Driving License:** No **Hazardous Material(s):** N/A **Job Posting End Date:** 04/30/2025 ***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:** R339013