Associate Scientist, Post Doc Fellow- Translational Neuroscience

MSD Malaysia; West Point (PA); On-site; USD 82,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck & Co., Inc. in the United States is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow in Translational Neuroscience to advance therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.

The role focuses on preclinical and translational research using rodent models, translational biomarkers, and in vivo imaging. You will design and execute experiments, generate mechanistic insights, and collaborate across neuroscience, imaging, pharmacology, and data science teams.

Qualifications

• PhD in Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences, or related field required.
• Strong hands-on experience with rodent models and translational imaging technologies.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct preclinical studies using rodent models of neurodegenerative diseases.
• Perform hands-on in vivo experiments, including dosing, tissue collection, and downstream biomarker analyses.
• Apply biochemical and molecular techniques, including ELISA, Meso Scale Discovery, immunohistochemistry, and ultrasensitive biomarker assays.
• Develop and utilize in vivo MRI methods to evaluate neuroinflammation, blood–brain barrier integrity, and other translational endpoints.
• Integrate imaging, fluid biomarker, and pharmacological datasets to uncover disease mechanisms and therapeutic responses.
• Collaborate with scientists across neuroscience, translational imaging, pharmacology, and data science to generate scientific insights that influence project strategy and decision‑making.
• Present findings through internal presentations, scientific conferences, and peer‑reviewed publications.

Skills

Biomarkers

Data Analysis

DOE

Disease Models

Immunoassays

In Vivo Models

Neurodegeneration

Neuroinflammation

Scientific Research

Statistical Analysis

Education

PhD in Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences, or related

Tools

MRI

ELISA

Meso Scale Discovery

Immunohistochemistry

Quanterix assays

GraphPad Prism

HALO

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Job Description Postdoctoral Fellow, Translational Neuroscience Position Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated and innovative Postdoctoral Fellow in Neuroscience to join our Discovery Biology team. This laboratory-based position offers an exciting opportunity to advance novel therapies for neurodegenerative diseases through cutting‑edge preclinical and translational research. The successful candidate will have strong expertise in neurodegeneration, animal models, translational biomarkers, and in vivo neuroimaging. They will independently design and execute studies, generate mechanistic insights into disease biology, and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to support CNS drug discovery programs. With access to state‑of‑the‑art biology and neuro‑imaging technologies, the candidate will generate critical insights into disease pathology and therapeutic efficacy, helping to shape the future of how we understand, visualize, and ultimately treat certain neuro‑degenerative diseases. The ideal candidate is a highly independent scientist who enjoys working at the bench, excels in in‑vivo experimentation, and is passionate about advancing innovative therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and conduct preclinical studies using rodent models of neurodegenerative diseases.
• Perform hands‑on in‑vivo experiments, including dosing, tissue collection, and downstream biomarker analyses.
• Apply biochemical and molecular techniques, including ELISA, Meso Scale Discovery, immunohistochemistry, and ultrasensitive biomarker assays.
• Develop and utilize in‑vivo MRI methods to evaluate neuroinflammation, blood‑brain barrier integrity, and other translational endpoints.
• Integrate imaging, fluid biomarker, and pharmacological datasets to uncover disease mechanisms and therapeutic responses.
• Collaborate with scientists across neuroscience, translational imaging, pharmacology, and data science to generate scientific insights that influence project strategy and decision‑making.
• Present findings through internal presentations, scientific conferences, and peer‑reviewed publications.

Education Requirements: Must currently hold a Ph.D. OR Receive a Ph.D. no later than spring 2027. Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related discipline.

Required Skills & Experience

• Expertise with rodent models of neurodegenerative disease.
• Strong hands‑on experience with molecular and cellular biology techniques, such as ELISA, Meso Scale Discovery, immunohistochemistry, and/or Quanterix‑based assays.
• Hands‑on experience with MRI or other translational imaging approaches.
• Understanding of PK/PD principles and translational pharmacology.
• Proficiency in data analysis and visualization tools, such as GraphPad Prism, HALO, and image analysis using MATLAB and/or Python.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, and troubleshoot complex studies.
• Strong scientific communication skills, evidenced by publications and presentations.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Experience with translational biomarkers and mechanism‑based drug development.
• Experience with transcriptomics, proteomics, or multi‑omics data generation and analysis.
• Research experience in Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, ALS, or related CNS disorders.
• Experience working in multidisciplinary drug discovery teams.
• Demonstrated ability to lead collaborative projects and coordinate activities across scientific functions.

The salary range for this role is: $82,000- $92,000. 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.

Required Skills: Biomarkers, Data Analysis, Design of Experiments (DOE), Disease Models, Immunoassays, In Vivo Models, Neurodegeneration, Neuroinflammation, Scientific Research, Statistical Analysis

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.

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. VISA Sponsorship: Yes. Travel Requirements: 10%. Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable. Shift: Not Indicated. Valid Driving License: No. Hazardous Material(s): N/A.

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.

Job Posting End Date: 10/12/2026. *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. Our company is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines and animal health products. The difference between potential and achievement lies in the spark that fuels innovation and inventiveness; this is the space where we have codified our legacy for over a century. Our success is backed by ethical integrity, forward momentum, and an inspiring mission to achieve new milestones in global healthcare.