Scientist - II

AgileOne | Merck; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

WorkLLama in Boston seeks a hands-on scientist with immunohistochemistry expertise to join our Exploratory Discovery team. You will contribute to supporting preclinical and clinical development of oncology targets and drugs, driving method development and actively shaping scientific discussions.

Responsibilities include optimizing IHC, IF, and RNAscope assays on FFPE and frozen tissue, tissue processing and sectioning, building archival FFPE libraries, image acquisition, and data analysis with

Qualifications

• Requires hands-on experience in immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization.
• Experience with FFPE and frozen tissue processing and sectioning.
• Familiarity with automated stainers and image analysis platforms is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Optimize, validate, and execute IHC, IF, and RNAscope assays with appropriate controls.
• Perform tissue processing and sectioning of FFPE and frozen blocks.
• Build and manage archival FFPE specimen libraries.
• Characterize compound/antibody activity using biomarker histology.
• Perform image acquisition and basic microscopy, with open-source or commercial analysis tools.
• Analyze complex datasets and communicate findings to teams.
• Troubleshoot technical hurdles and contribute to method development.
• Maintain sample tracking and data workflows (LIMS).

Skills

Immunohistochemistry

Immunofluorescence

In situ hybridization

Tissue processing

Data analysis

Statistics

Troubleshooting

Method development

Education

Associate degree / BS / MS in a relevant scientific discipline

Tools

Leica Bond

Phenocycler

COMET

LIMS

Whole slide imaging

Job description

The In Vivo Pharmacology group within the Quantitative Biosciences Department is seeking a motivated and technically skilled scientist with immunohistochemistry expertise to join our Boston-based Exploratory Discovery team. Working closely within a dynamic and collaborative cross-functional environment, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the preclinical and clinical development of novel targets and drugs developed by Merck within oncology, immune-oncology, and immunology. This role is ideal for a hands-on histology specialist who can work independently, drive method development and optimization, and actively contribute to the scientific dialogue that advances our innovative therapeutic programs.

Responsibilities

• Optimize, validate, and execute immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), and in situ hybridization assays (such as RNAscope) using appropriate controls, manually or with automated stainers.
• Perform tissue processing, embedding for formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) blocks, and precise sectioning of both FFPE and frozen blocks using microtomes and cryostats.
• Build and manage a comprehensive library of archival FFPE specimens to support ongoing research and discovery efforts.
• Contribute to the characterization and validation of compound and/or antibody activity using biomarker histology and advanced staining platforms.
• Perform image acquisition, basic microscopy, and whole slide imaging, with opportunities to utilize open-source or commercial image analysis software.
• Analyze complex experimental datasets utilizing a practical knowledge of statistics and communicate data clearly and concisely to appropriate teams and stakeholders.
• Troubleshoot technical hurdles proactively and contribute to method development and optimization across histology-based workflows.
• Maintain organized sample tracking and data workflows, including experience working with LIMS systems where applicable.

Education

• Minimum Requirement: Associate degree, Bachelor of Science (BS/BA), or Master's degree in a relevant scientific discipline.

Experience

• Minimum Requirement: Minimum of 1 year of hands-on laboratory experience in an industry or academic setting, featuring a strong practical foundation in immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization.
• Core Technical Skills: Demonstrated expertise in processing, embedding, and sectioning FFPE and frozen tissue blocks, alongside executing manual or automated IHC, IF, or RNAscope assays.
• Preferred Experience: Familiarity with automated immunostainers (e.g., Leica Bond), multiplex staining histology platforms (e.g., Phenocycler, COMET), whole slide imaging, and LIMS systems.

Additional Information

• Assignment Details: This is a 1-year contract assignment with the possibility of extension.
• Location: This is a 100% on-site role located in Boston, MA.
• Scientific Focus: Strong interest, background, or understanding of oncology, immuno-oncology, and/or immunology is highly valued.