Senior Scientist, Biomarker Discovery – Complex Model Systems Full-time

Senior Scientist

The Data, A.I. and Genome Sciences Department is looking for a highly motivated and passionate Senior Scientist to join our Genome Science group research team. In this role, you will be supporting companion diagnostic (CDx) development using PBMCs, translational models, and iPSC-derived cell types. This role will also involve investigating immune cell crosstalk within advanced cell culture systems and applying stimulation conditions to drive relevant cellular states for assay and model development.

The ideal candidate will have experience isolating and culturing human primary cells and developing 2D, 3D, and complex in vitro model systems to enable biomarker discovery.

This role will support biomarker discovery for the Discovery Immunology therapeutic area and is based at our company's Research Labs site in Cambridge, MA. As a member of this team you will have the opportunity to collaborate closely with a cross-functional team of experimental biologists, data scientists, and stakeholders in Discovery Immunology to drive biomarker discovery.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, execute, and optimize complex immunological and cell-based assays to support biomarker discovery programs
• Perform translational in vitro studies including cytokine profiling, cellular potency assays, PBMC assays, and whole blood assays
• Utilize Meso Scale Discovery, ELISA, or related analytical platforms for quantitative biomarker and cytokine evaluation
• Perform immune cell purification, isolation, tissue culture maintenance, and cellular functional characterization
• Independently troubleshoot assay challenges, refine methodologies, and implement novel scientific approaches with minimal supervision
• Analyze experimental results, generate technical reports, and recommend follow-up studies to advance program objectives
• Integrate findings from in vitro assays, in vivo models, and molecular biology data to support broader discovery strategies
• Collaborate cross-functionally with data scientists, Immunology therapeutic area, and research teams to support CDx
• Maintain accurate laboratory documentation, scientific records, and presentation-quality data summaries

Required Qualifications:

• Master's with 4 years of industry or pharma research, or Doctorate degree in Immunology, Biology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biological engineering, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Genetics/Genomics, or related life sciences discipline
• Strong hands-on experience with cell-based assays in immunology or translational biology settings
• Proven expertise with Meso Scale Discovery, ELISA, or cytokine-based analytical assays
• Experience working with primary human PBMC assays and whole blood cellular assays
• Solid background in tissue culture, immune cell isolation, and immune cell purification methods
• Strong understanding of immunological pathways and autoimmune biology
• Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, and troubleshoot complex laboratory experiments
• Strong scientific data analysis, technical documentation, and presentation skills
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills in multidisciplinary research environments

Required Skills:

2D Cell Culture, 3D Cell Culture, Biochemical Assays, Biomarker Discovery, Cell-Based Assays, Cell Culture Techniques, Cytokine Assay, Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), Immunoassays, Immunology, Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (IPSC), In Vitro Models, Molecular Biology, Organoid Culture, Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell (PBMC) Isolation, Whole Blood Assays

Salary range for this role is $119,100.00 – $187,500.00. 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.