Scientist, Cell Pharmacology Full-time

Research Scientist

Our Research Scientists are our Inventors. We identify and target steps in disease mechanisms or pathways that could be inhibited or enhanced. Our goal is to isolate a compound that is effective against a disease target. Using innovative thinking, state-of-the-art facilities and robust scientific methodology we collaborate to discover the next medical breakthrough.

The Cell Pharmacology group in Department of Quantitative Biosciences is seeking a highly motivated Scientist with a background in immunology and oncology assays to join our Company's Research Laboratories in Boston. The primary responsibilities of the successful candidate will be to develop and characterize novel in vitro and ex vivo translational pharmacology assays to support autoimmune and cancer projects. These new assays will capture features of human biology to improve preclinical translation to the clinic efficacy.

Responsibilities:

• Independently develop quantitative cell-based assays, such as transcriptional reporter assays, FRET-based assays, ELISAs, NanoBRET assays, and post-translational modifications.
• Interpret and analyze the results of experiments and communicate to stakeholders and management in a timely manner.
• Incorporate automation and liquid handling as needed to improve data reproducibility and increase throughput.
• Conduct routine molecular profiling bioassays to support the development of new therapeutics across diverse modalities—including small molecules, peptides, biologics, and heterobifunctional therapeutics. Support pipeline programs across therapeutic areas, including oncology, autoimmunity, neuroscience, and metabolic disease.
• Meet project milestones and timelines.
• Document protocols and results, comply with all laboratory safety and environmental requirements.
• Take on increasing responsibility within the Quantitative Biosciences group and on project teams as your skills develop.
• Collaborate across our global Quantitative Biosciences and other partner networks to develop capabilities, advance therapeutic programs and grow our scientific capital.

Experience:

• Three or more years of hands-on experience of developing, implementing and interpreting cell-based assays involving FRET/ BRET assay formats, ELISA, cell health readouts, transcriptional reporter gene assays and major platforms such as Meso Scale Discovery and Alphalisa.
• Proficiency of standard tissue culture methods and techniques, including cell line expansion and banking.
• Basic knowledge of lab automation and plate readers with an ability to propose new approaches and experimental designs as needed.
• A comprehensive understanding of dose-response curves and concentration response curves and best practices for curve fitting including familiarity with medium to high throughput assay-related data analysis and an appreciation for the related quantitative and statistical concepts.
• Candidate should be a strong team player working across the organization with ability to adapt for changing priorities.
• Effectively communicate, both verbally and written, experimental design, results, conclusions and issues to senior management, peers and cross-functional teams.
• Passion for innovation and problem solving.
• Experience with high-throughput screening a plus.

Education Requirements:

• A master's degree in a relevant field (e.g. Biochemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, Molecular and Cell Biology, Pharmacology; Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or related scientific field) and 0+ years of experience or bachelor's degree with a minimum of 2+ years of relevant laboratory experience in an industrial setting.

Required Skills:

• Accountability
• Adaptability
• Assay
• Assay Development
• Biochemistry
• Biological Sciences
• Cell-Based Assays
• Cell Biology
• Cell Culture Techniques
• Communication
• Curve Fitting
• Data Analysis
• Detail-Oriented
• Dose Response Analysis
• Flow Cytometry
• Immunocytochemistry (ICC)
• In Vitro Assays
• Laboratory Safety
• Social Collaboration
• Tissue Cultures

Preferred Skills:

• Current Employees apply HERE
• Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

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 if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:

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

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The salary range for this role is $96,100.00 – $151,200.00. This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.

The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include 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. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.

You can apply for this role through https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.

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: No relocation

VISA Sponsorship: Yes

Travel Requirements: No Travel Required

Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable

Shift: Not Indicated

Valid Driving License: No

Hazardous Material(s): OEB4, OEB5, paraformaldehyde

Job Posting End Date: 10/6/2025

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