Scientist, Discovery Oncology

MSD; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

MSD is seeking a highly motivated Scientist with an Oncology background to join our Discovery Oncology team in Boston. You will design and execute laboratory experiments to validate novel targets for our early discovery pipeline and support drug discovery efforts.

You will collaborate with Discovery Oncology and in vivo pharmacology groups to advance programs, communicating data concisely to stakeholders and driving rigorous scientific progress.

Qualifications

• BS in cancer/immunology/biology or related STEM field with 3 years’ experience or MS with 0+ years’ experience in academia or industry.
• Expertise in mammalian cell culture, transfection and CRISPR/Cas9 perturbation.
• Experience with PCR, qRT-PCR, western blot and related assays.
• Ability to design experiments, interpret data, troubleshoot and propose next steps.
• Strong teamwork and excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Experience with protein-based therapeutics in industry is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support target validation, mechanism of action and drug discovery efforts.
• Communicate data clearly to teams and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Discovery Oncology and related groups to advance programs.

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Scientist with a background in Oncology to join a cross-functional team within Discovery Oncology. Primary responsibilities will include designing and executing experiments in the laboratory to validate novel targets for our early discovery pipeline and to support drug discovery efforts. An ability to communicate clearly, collaborate effectively with colleagues in the discovery group as well as scientists from different disciplines and a sense of scientific rigor will be essential.

The specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Support target validation, mechanism of action and drug discovery efforts

Ensure data generated is communicated in a concise, easy to understand manner to the appropriate teams and stakeholders.

Collaborate with colleagues from Discovery Oncology, in vivo pharmacology, Genome and Biomarker Sciences, Chemical Biology, and Quantitative Biosciences to support drug discovery efforts.

Required Education and Experience:

• The candidate will have a BS in the area of cancer, immunology, biotechnology, biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, oncology, genetics/genomics, or related STEM field with 3 years’ experience or a MS degree with 0+ years’ experience in an academic or industry setting.

Required Skills:

Expertise in mammalian cell culture

Expertise in transfection and CRISPR/Cas9 genetic perturbation

Expertise in cell and molecular biology techniques including PCR, qRT-PCR, western blot, and proliferation/cytotoxicity/apoptosis assays

Demonstrated ability to work independently to design experiments, interpret data, troubleshoot, and suggest next steps

Candidate should be a strong team player with excellent oral and written communication skills and with a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and thrive in a team environment

Excellent organization and ability to contribute to multiple projects

Preferred Skills:

• Previous experience working with protein-based therapeutics in an industry setting

Required Skills:

Assay Development, Biology, Cell Biology, Cell Culture Techniques, CRISPR-Cas System, Data Analysis, Drug Discovery Research, In Vitro Assays, Mammalian Cell Culture, Mechanism of Action, Molecular Biology, Target Discovery, Target Validation

Preferred Skills:

Antibody Therapeutics, Biologics, Cancer Cell Biology, Oncology

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities.

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:

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.

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.

• medical
• dental
• vision healthcare
• other insurance benefits (for employee and family)
• retirement benefits
• including 401(k)
• paid holidays
• vacation
• compassionate and sick days

More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.

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:

No relocation

VISA Sponsorship:

No

Travel Requirements:

No Travel Required

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:

No

Job Posting End Date:

09/5/2026

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFOREthe listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.

MSD is a leading biopharmaceutical company committed to advancing health through innovative medicines and vaccines, driven by cutting-edge science and a diverse workforce.

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Chemical Manufacturing Manufacturing

Company size 10,001+ employees

Company type Public company

Total funding 0

Momentum

Team growth

Momentum

Team growth

2% in 12 mo

40,925 employees on LinkedIn

Oct 22 May 26

Employee experience

What it’s like inside

3.9

4,123 reviews

81% would recommend

Culture & values

Culture & values 4.0

Work-life balance

Work-life balance 4.0

Career opportunities

Career opportunities 3.6

Compensation & benefits 4.1

Capital

Funding history

Footprint

Where they work

90 E Scott Ave, Rahway, New Jersey 07065, US 2000 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, NJ 07033, US Jalan Puteri 5/20, Puchong, Selangor 47100, MY Clos du Lynx 5, Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, Brussels Region 1200, BE Keilaranta 3, Espoo, Southern Finland 02150, FI Kloosterstraat 6, Oss, North Brabant 5349 AB, NL Via Vitorchiano, Rome, Laz. 00189, IT 46 Mohamed Farid Street, Cairo, Cairo, EG Waarderweg 39, Haarlem, North Holland 2031 BN, NL Avenida Republica de Panama 3606, San Isidro, Lima 15047, PE ulica Chlodna 51, Warsaw, MA 00-867, PL Avenida Doutor Chucri Zaidan, 246, Sao Paulo, SP 04583-110, BR