Scientist - II

WorkLLama; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck Research Laboratories in Cambridge, MA is seeking a highly motivated Scientist II to advance retinal and vascular biology programs. The role focuses on in vitro biochemical and cell-based assays, supporting compound screening, and pharmacological evaluation within a collaborative, cross-site team.

The candidate will culture primary and immortalized cells, optimize assays, analyze data, and present findings to project teams while maintaining meticulous records in electronic lab notebooks.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in industry developing and executing in vitro biochemical and cell-based assays.
• Experience supporting compound handling and screening workflows.
• Strong hands-on lab experience in cell culture and cellular biology techniques.

Responsibilities

• Perform complex in vitro assays to evaluate endothelial biology and vascular function.
• Culture and maintain primary and immortalized cells for in vitro assays.
• Develop and optimize assays to support compound screening and therapeutic research.
• Test compounds and characterize pharmacological activity.
• Analyze data and present findings to project teams.

Skills

In vitro assay development

Cell culture

Data analysis

Scientific communication

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Biological Sciences

Tools

ELN (Electronic Lab Notebook)

Job description

ScientistII – Retinal and Vascular Biology
Location: Cambridge, MA

Merck Research Laboratories (MRL) in Cambridge, MA, is seeking a motivated and experienced bench scientist to join its Retinal and Vascular Biology group. This one-year contract opportunity will contribute to the development of innovative therapeutics for retinal diseases while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams across MRL Cambridge, MRL South San Francisco, and the broader Merck research network.

The ideal candidate will have extensive industry experience developing and executing in vitro biochemical and cell-based assays, supporting compound screening workflows, and evaluating pharmacological activity. Strong expertise in cell culture, cellular biology, assay optimization, and scientific data analysis is essential.

Responsibilities:

• Perform complex in vitro assays to evaluate endothelial biology, including barrier function, transport, angiogenesis, differentiation, and cellular specialization.
• Culture and maintain primary and immortalized cells for use in in vitro assays.
• Develop, optimize, and execute in vitro biochemical and cell-based assays to support compound screening and therapeutic research.
• Test compounds representing diverse mechanisms of action and characterize their pharmacological activity.
• Support assay validation, optimization, compound handling, and screening workflows.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data to evaluate results and identify meaningful scientific findings.
• Present experimental data and communicate research findings to project teams.
• Develop and optimize in vitro vascular integrity assays.
• Participate in team meetings and scientific discussions focused on retinal disease research and therapeutic target discovery.
• Maintain accurate, detailed records in electronic laboratory notebooks.
• Follow established laboratory procedures and adhere to safe laboratory practices.

Education Required:

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Biological Sciences.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of industry experience in in vitro biochemical and cell-based assay development and execution.
• Industry experience supporting compound handling and screening workflows.
• Strong hands-on laboratory experience in cell culture and cellular biology techniques.
• Experience developing and executing in vitro assays to support compound screening, validation, and optimization.
• Ability to analyze, interpret, and communicate scientific data and findings effectively.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• High level of motivation, scientific curiosity, and passion for research.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with retinal biology, vascular biology, and inflammation.
• Experience culturing primary endothelial cells or retinal epithelial cells.

Additional Information:

• Position Type: One-year contract.
• Work Location: Merck Research Laboratories, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
• Research Focus: Retinal disease, vascular biology, endothelial function, and therapeutic target discovery.
• Collaboration: Work closely with multidisciplinary research teams across MRL Cambridge, MRL South San Francisco, and the broader Merck research network.