Scientist III Cell Biology & Functional Genomics

Merck & Co.; Ridgefield (CT); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck & Co. in Ridgefield, CT, seeks a skilled scientist to support discovery programs within Cardiovascular-Renal-Metabolic research. The role involves hands-on mammalian cell culture, automated workflows, and NGS-related work, with training provided as needed.

Attention to detail, precise documentation, and independent troubleshooting are essential. You will collaborate across cell biology, automation, and genomics teams to advance target validation and discovery studies, including

Qualifications

• Experience in mammalian cell culture and cell-based assays.
• Experience with NGS workflows including library prep and QC.
• Attention to detail and rigorous sample tracking are essential.
• Ability to troubleshoot routine experimental issues independently.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and analyze cell-based experiments including mammalian culture and iPSC workflows.
• Operate and monitor automated workflows for cell-based and molecular assays; troubleshoot issues.
• Perform tissue, cell, and nuclei dissociation and execute NGS workflows (bulk RNA-seq, scRNA-seq, snRNA-seq).
• Perform molecular biology techniques (DNA/RNA extraction, PCR/qPCR, qPCR, protein quantification).
• Maintain accurate ELN records and metadata per SOPs and data integrity standards.
• Collaborate with cell biology, automation, genomics, and bioinformatics teams.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

NGS workflows

Laboratory automation

Attention to detail

Troubleshooting

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Master's degree + 3+ years

Bachelor's degree + 7+ years

Tools

Laboratory automation platforms

NGS sequencing platforms

PCR/qPCR instruments

Job description

Duties:

The successful candidate will support discovery research programs within Cardiovascular-Renal-Metabolic Diseases through hands-on operation of laboratory automation platforms, mammalian cell culture, cell-based assays, and functional genomics studies. The candidate will execute and monitor established automated cell culture and assay workflows and support automated iPSC-derived kidney organoid processes and next-generation sequencing (NGS)-related work, with platform- and workflow-specific training provided as needed.

The role requires reliable execution of automation and NGS workflows. Success requires exceptional attention to detail, careful sample and reagent tracking, precise adherence to established protocols, and independent troubleshooting of routine experimental or platform issues.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and analyze cell-based experiments supporting target validation and discovery research, including routine mammalian cell culture, assay execution, image-based analysis, and iPSC-derived cell workflows.
• Operate and monitor established laboratory automation workflows for cell-based and molecular assays, troubleshoot routine issues, and elevate complex problems appropriately.
• Perform tissue, cell, and nuclei dissociation and execute NGS workflows for bulk RNA-seq, single-cell RNA-seq, single-nucleus RNA-seq, and related applications, including library preparation, quality control, quantification, normalization, sequencing setup, and sequencer operation.
• Perform routine molecular biology techniques, including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR and qPCR, nucleic acid and protein quantification, Western blotting, and basic sample preparation; analyze and interpret results, identify technical issues, and communicate findings and recommended follow-up clearly.
• Maintain accurate sample, reagent, consumable, experimental metadata, and electronic laboratory notebook records while complying with SOPs, safety requirements, company policies, and data integrity standards.
• Collaborate across cell biology, automation, genomics, and bioinformatics groups.

Skills:

• Strong hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture, cell biology, and cell-based assay execution.
• Hands-on NGS workflow experience, including tissue, cell, and/or nuclei dissociation, sequencing library preparation, quality control, and quantification for bulk RNA-seq, single-cell RNA-seq, single-nucleus RNA-seq, or related applications.
• Some hands-on experience with laboratory automation, automated instrumentation, or standardized high-throughput workflows, with the ability and interest to develop further expertise in operating and troubleshooting automated cell-based and molecular assays; automation programming is not required.
• Exceptional attention to detail and demonstrated ability to accurately execute lengthy, multi-step protocols while maintaining sample integrity, data quality, and complete documentation.
• Ability to independently troubleshoot routine experimental or operational issues, communicate clearly, and work effectively in a collaborative research environment.

Desired Skills

• Experience running laboratory automation platforms for cell-based or molecular assays.
• Experience with sequencing run setup and sequencer operation. Instrument-specific operation can be trained when required.
• Experience with human induced pluripotent stem cell culture, differentiation, characterization, or iPSC-derived cell assays.
• Experience with kidney organoid culture systems.

Education:

• Master's degree with 3+ years of relevant experience; or
• Bachelor's degree with 7+ years of relevant experience; or
• Equivalent combination of education and experience in cell biology, molecular biology, genomics, or a related scientific discipline.

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