Associate Principal Scientist, 3D Translational Stem Cell Models, Immunology

Merck; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 145,000 - 228,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck in Cambridge, MA, is seeking an Associate Principal Scientist to join the Genome Science team. You will develop 3D translational stem cell models and multi-omics platforms to generate data-driven insights, in collaboration with Discovery Immunology.

The role requires leading studies, designing experiments, and coordinating across cross-functional groups to translate biology into therapeutic hypotheses. PhD plus 3+ years of relevant experience is expected.

Qualifications

• PhD in Immunology, Biology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biological Engineering, Biotechnology, or related STEM with 3+ years of experience.
• Strong background in stem cell biology and 3D translational model development.
• Hands-on experience isolating primary cells from human biospecimens and stem cell culture.
• Experience with bulk and/or single-cell transcriptomics and data interpretation.
• Experience generating multi-omics datasets from stem cell-derived models.
• Proven ability to design and interpret complex studies linking biology to clinical hypotheses.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and scientific communication skills.
• Ability to lead projects and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Proven publication record.
• Excellent oral and written communication; able to present to senior leadership.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments to develop 3D translational stem cell models and multi-omics platforms.
• Develop human 3D models and co-culture systems to identify biomarkers and targets.
• Integrate multimodal data with 3D models to generate insights.
• Lead study planning, experimental design, execution, data interpretation and reporting to leadership.
• Collaborate with biologists, automation engineers, data scientists, and AI/ML experts to address biological questions.
• Contribute to publications, internal reports, and presentations.
• Work across multidisciplinary groups and with external partners.
• Communicate results to project teams and leadership with follow-up proposals.

Skills

3D Cultures

Assay Development

Immunology

Stem Cell Culture

Omics

Organoid Culture

Translational Medicine

Cell Biology

Biochemical Assays

IPSC

Job description

Associate Principal Scientist, Genome Science – 3D Translational Stem Cell Models, Immunology

Location: Cambridge, MA.

Department: Data, A.I. and Genome Sciences

The Data, A.I. and Genome Sciences Department is seeking a highly motivated Associate Principal Scientist to join our Genome Science research team in Cambridge, MA. In this experimental biology role, you will develop 3D translational stem cell models in collaboration with the Discovery Immunology Therapeutic Area. This position offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of translational immunology, stem cell biology, and advanced biomarker science.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute hands‑on laboratory experiments to develop novel 3D translational stem cell models and functional and multi‑omics platforms that generate data‑driven biological insights.
• Develop human 3D models and co‑culture systems to identify and validate novel biomarkers and targets.
• Design and execute experiments integrating multimodal data types, such as bulk transcriptomics, single‑cell transcriptomics, flow cytometry, cytokine assays, and other multi‑omics platforms, with 3D translational models to generate actionable biological insights.
• Lead study planning, experimental design, execution, data interpretation, and presentation of findings to internal stakeholders and leadership.
• Collaborate closely with experimental biologists, automation engineers, computational scientists, data analysts, AI/ML scientists, and therapeutic area subject matter experts to address biological questions, develop experimental strategies, and execute project plans.
• Contribute to scientific publications, internal reports, and presentation materials as needed.
• Work collaboratively across multidisciplinary groups, including Discovery Immunology, ChemBio, Translational Medicine, Research IT, and external academic and industry partners.
• Communicate study results to project teams and leadership, including proposals for follow‑up experiments to validate key findings.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Immunology, Biology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biological Engineering, Biotechnology, or a related STEM discipline with 3+ years of industry, pharma, academia, or combined experience
• Strong background in stem cell biology, 3D translational model development, and human biospecimen‑based research.
• Hands‑on experience isolating primary cells from human biospecimens, stem cell culture, differentiation, and assay development using primary cells or stem cell‑derived model systems.
• Experience with bulk and/or single‑cell transcriptomics using primary cells or stem cell‑derived model systems, including experimental design and data interpretation.
• Experience generating multi‑omics datasets from stem cell‑derived translational models to enable biologically meaningful and clinically relevant insights.
• Proven ability to design, execute, and interpret complex studies that connect mechanistic biology to clinical hypotheses.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and scientific communication skills.
• Ability to lead scientific projects and collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams.
• Proven research accomplishments with a strong publication record.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to present scientific data and project updates to different audiences, including senior leadership.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience with iPSC culture, maintenance, gene editing, or differentiation.
• Experience developing human 3D models, organoids, or co‑culture systems.
• Familiarity with CRISPR‑based functional genomics and/or spatial transcriptomics using 3D translational stem cell models.
• Ability to clearly communicate experimental design, results, and conclusions in a collaborative research environment.

Required Skills

• 3D Cultures, Assay Development, Autoimmune Diseases, Biochemical Assays, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Fibrosis, Immunology, Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (IPSC), Inflammatory Diseases, Mammalian Cell Culture, Omics, Organoid Culture, Stem Cell Culture, Translational Medicine

Ethical, Diversity, and Equal Opportunity Statement

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: EEOC Know Your Rights EEOC GINA Supplement 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. Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts.

Salary, Bonuses, and Benefits

The salary range for this role is $144,800.00 - $227,900.00. 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.

Additional Information

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

Employee Status: Regular
Relocation: Domestic/International
VISA Sponsorship: Yes
Travel Requirements: 10%
Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable
Shift: Not Indicated
Valid Driving License: No
Hazardous Material(s): n/a

Job Posting End Date: 09/25/2026

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: R418501